tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29630914029589952052024-03-13T18:11:20.013-05:00Post Rock Extension DistrictPost Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comBlogger348125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-74951327243749776742020-11-09T11:50:00.001-06:002020-11-09T11:52:16.137-06:00Extension Agent Builds Strength and Community Through Fitness Class<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQ-bhehHr_ojCdbLJdh4_IajFaVuJghUBo0UOWxAVLzc3JwOLTQnc9L6AJBpMOZWGswNwEzb8qp-RSPzQdF3ee7xeU0CxO0yZk9v7dR3JmJiDtEbtcKoQdRSiZZu9Uq5Mk0MUlJ1PKPNj/s1787/C5BFD665-CC55-481C-9585-3B554EEABF84.jpg" style="display: inline; font-family: var(--default-font); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="1430" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQ-bhehHr_ojCdbLJdh4_IajFaVuJghUBo0UOWxAVLzc3JwOLTQnc9L6AJBpMOZWGswNwEzb8qp-RSPzQdF3ee7xeU0CxO0yZk9v7dR3JmJiDtEbtcKoQdRSiZZu9Uq5Mk0MUlJ1PKPNj/w512-h640/C5BFD665-CC55-481C-9585-3B554EEABF84.jpg" title="Barb Wise, Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Participant" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Barb Wise, Stay Strong, Stay Healthy participant, learned she loves bicep curls.</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></blockquote><p><span style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: inherit;">"I know Extension is a valuable resource, so when this strength class came open, [I thought] I need this," Barb Wise, Stay Strong, Stay Healthy participant. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an eight-week exercise program for older adults. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: inherit;">Barb signed up for the strength training class l</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: inherit;">ead by Ashley Svaty, K-State Research and Extension Agent, </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: inherit;">that meets at the Cawker City Community Fitness Center.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Barb recommends the class designed for people fifty years and older. "It's a great program. It's so much different than the normal exercise that people do. It's really helping us develop strength, things that we need to have, even though I'm not that old, I just worry about balance and stuff." The hourlong class meets twice a week. Participants learn the exercises from Svaty, a certified Stay Strong, Stay Healthy instructor, and are encouraged to continue the exercises at home or with a community group.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="var(--default-font)">T</span><span face="var(--default-font)">he results from taking Svaty's class are noticeable and measurable according to Barb, "The thing I like is I started out with one and a half pounds [ankle weights] but I'm up to three and a half pounds and on the bicep curls I'm up to eight pounds, so I can definitely tell I have increased the strength."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="var(--default-font)"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OH0Jc4Gv7nd5AQMw5yCnz9egmuF6VRhyphenhyphenPMsVIcdpvRjOroUkLCZeCK_7iIYL7pBhgrnboQX2vfbuVpO1zDgYIt1Dl-v739TqDu1f7bJbZGlEOTqUfhV6e9QLwWYZfdvbHpsyepjZf2oR/s1920/IMG_7860.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OH0Jc4Gv7nd5AQMw5yCnz9egmuF6VRhyphenhyphenPMsVIcdpvRjOroUkLCZeCK_7iIYL7pBhgrnboQX2vfbuVpO1zDgYIt1Dl-v739TqDu1f7bJbZGlEOTqUfhV6e9QLwWYZfdvbHpsyepjZf2oR/w640-h360/IMG_7860.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ashley Svaty talks about the benefits of strength training with Barb.</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="font-family: var(--default-font); text-align: justify;"><span face="var(--default-font)" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">"The goal of the program is getting stronger together and having fun," Ashley Svaty said. </span><span face="var(--default-font)" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Based on participant testimonials, the class met her goals for participants to gain strength within a sense of community.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span face="var(--default-font)" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="var(--default-font)">"I really can't say enough about the social [part of the program]. It's my highlight for the day. A couple of us in the group are hoping to continue with this and invite some other community members to join us, too."</span></div></span></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span face="var(--default-font)" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="var(--default-font)" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">Ashley Svaty, Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent, is happy to talk with you about your health and fitness. Contact her at your local Post Rock Extension District Office if you would like the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program brought to your community</span><span class="ql-font-Arial" face="var(--default-font)" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;"><span class="ql-cursor" face="var(--default-font)" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; tab-size: 12;"></span></span><span face="var(--default-font)" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">. Learn more about Post Rock Extension District at www.postrock.ksu.edu.</span></div></span><span face="var(--default-font)"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="var(--default-font)"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWynwRFAOxOxw7YYPxcAs-il6G9YTz358xk6mAC-DNPUZdShJcobtGaxzgQNzIH6SicHtoqjHEfvFWtRHinGfUrMm3pxkykjweosHxu5QKC686DvgfAl8po9DU0KqaRTR-1YTNgioxDwV2/s1648/F06C1BA7-431A-453A-A778-371032E2A411.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1648" data-original-width="1319" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWynwRFAOxOxw7YYPxcAs-il6G9YTz358xk6mAC-DNPUZdShJcobtGaxzgQNzIH6SicHtoqjHEfvFWtRHinGfUrMm3pxkykjweosHxu5QKC686DvgfAl8po9DU0KqaRTR-1YTNgioxDwV2/w512-h640/F06C1BA7-431A-453A-A778-371032E2A411.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ashley leads the class at the Cawker City Community Center.</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2H2Jkie1LFKeRBDAHQf9BEQclHJnOVx5WoAIvcbAklKNt6eCakJSVYz2gg7Nu6tRCsel9lJdzwsQCnZ3ofazBynTH-rHXfQi1HKfzlPNruEvvRsT9WxR75kj2HxEuUe6SQJVl9gi52dV9/s1280/F7BEA853-13E3-427C-863C-500BA177D704.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1026" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2H2Jkie1LFKeRBDAHQf9BEQclHJnOVx5WoAIvcbAklKNt6eCakJSVYz2gg7Nu6tRCsel9lJdzwsQCnZ3ofazBynTH-rHXfQi1HKfzlPNruEvvRsT9WxR75kj2HxEuUe6SQJVl9gi52dV9/w512-h640/F7BEA853-13E3-427C-863C-500BA177D704.JPEG" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Barb has increased her weights over the course of the class.</b> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em style="background-color: #fefdfe; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Post Rock Postcards is a </em><em class="ql-font-Arial" style="background-color: #fefdfe; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">feature</em><em style="background-color: #fefdfe; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by Shannon Rogers, Communications Manager, Post Rock Extension District. Contact Shannon at shrogers@ksu.edu to share your Extension story. </em><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div></span></div><p></p>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-57242265834063868602020-10-20T09:55:00.001-05:002020-10-20T09:56:41.272-05:00Medicare Open Enrollment <span style="font-family: helvetica;">Brenda Langdon, Family Resource Management Agent <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w61UrtHBkSGgHLKmMQxY71-IwLk2KkkGMsb1FO-7BiVTNJdvBbxokKY1TiNCbX4TEJSC6m9n9UpzSbTTK8w_emDilxiTi6i73SRstwBGGUqWVK_SwbaEMoynoxcoo7_AioOXwlvBLTZ_/s920/pic_1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="920" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w61UrtHBkSGgHLKmMQxY71-IwLk2KkkGMsb1FO-7BiVTNJdvBbxokKY1TiNCbX4TEJSC6m9n9UpzSbTTK8w_emDilxiTi6i73SRstwBGGUqWVK_SwbaEMoynoxcoo7_AioOXwlvBLTZ_/w240-h195/pic_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15th to December 7th. This is a once a year opportunity to review your prescription drug coverage for the coming year. If you take this time to shop and compare plans, you may be able to lower your co-pays and out-of-pocket costs for 2021 by switching to a different plan. <br /><br />A Medicare counselor can sit down with you and help you determine which plan is best for you. You may be able to find plans in your area that: <br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Cost Less</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Cover your drugs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Let you go to the pharmacy you want</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Get an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs</span></li></ul><br />Prescription drug coverage can vary by cost, coverage, convenience and quality. Some of these things might be more important to you than others., depending on your situation and prescription drug needs. Your plan will send you information about plan changes each fall. You should review your prescription drug needs and compare Medicare drug plans during Medicare Open Enrollment. <br /><br />With your prescription drug coverage, you pay part of the costs and Medicare pays part of the costs. Your costs will vary depending on which plan you choose and if you get Extra Help. Most drug plans charge a monthly fee that varies by plan. <br /><br />Your copayment or coinsurance is the amount you pay for each of your prescriptions after you’ve paid your deductible, if your plan has one. Some plans have different levels or “tiers” of copayment or coinsurance depending on the drug. Coinsurance means you pay a percentage of the cost of the drug. Copayment means you pay a set amount ($10 for example) for all drugs on a tier. For example, you might have a lower copayment on generic drugs than brand name drugs, or lower coinsurance for some drugs. <br /><br />Check with your drug plan you’re considering to make sure your pharmacy is in the plans network and that there is a pharmacy convenient to you. Even if you aren’t changing plans, make sure your pharmacy is still in your plans network next year. Plans may change their network pharmacies each year. <br /><br />By meeting with a Senior Health Insurance Counselor for Kansas (SHICK), they will help you consider these things when choosing Medicare drug coverage.</span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDciGOTXrHAx_DgPQPNFAYxL2lho-4oe_8iO8AfoaN9vHLeoV3f55QWePHDe5-SPRmwjiZQL-hLl3dBrnRn8mEEPCpquslWRIC_4CiVL8htV7c14PYWZC_fBvAQsyPHPmq7rF1duqjPZwL/s260/pic_2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDciGOTXrHAx_DgPQPNFAYxL2lho-4oe_8iO8AfoaN9vHLeoV3f55QWePHDe5-SPRmwjiZQL-hLl3dBrnRn8mEEPCpquslWRIC_4CiVL8htV7c14PYWZC_fBvAQsyPHPmq7rF1duqjPZwL/s0/pic_2.jpg" /></a></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Take specific drugs, look at drug plans that include your drugs on the formulary (a list of prescription drugs covered by a drug plan) and help you compare costs.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Take a lot of generic prescriptions, look at plans with “tiers” that charge you nothing or low copayments for generic prescriptions.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Don’t have many drug costs now, but want coverage for peace of mind and to avoid future penalties, look at plans with a low monthly premium for drug coverage. If you need prescriptions in the future, all plans still must cover most drugs used by people with Medicare.</span></li></ul><br />Each year you have the opportunity to switch your prescription drug plan during Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 – December 7. If you switch plans during this time, your coverage with the new plan will start on January 1. It’s a good idea to review your current plan. Each year drug plan benefits and costs can change. Look at other plans in your area to see if one may better meet your needs. <br /><br />If you would like to meet with a SHICK counselor to help you with your prescription drug plan, contact Brenda Langdon, Post Rock District Family Resource Management Agent, at (785) 346-2521 or by email at <a href="mailto:bklangdon@ksu.edu">bklangdon@ksu.edu</a>. <br /></span></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-51693940100613692732020-10-13T11:38:00.000-05:002020-10-13T11:38:22.531-05:00Rich History of Demonstration Test Plots!<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 150%;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15.4px;">By Sandra L. Wick, Crop Production Agent</i></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">K-State’s Research and Extension’s mission is to provide the citizens of Kansas with technical information and education that can enhance the economic viability and quality of life in our communities. One good way to do this is through well-planned and carefully-conducted <b>demonstrations</b> or <b>“on-farm research”</b> that serves as one of the most effective Extension education tools ever developed. Although complete demonstrations require considerable time and effort, the payback comes when producers readily adapt practices they perceive to be appropriate under local conditions. This is known as “seeing is believing.” Clients who observe demonstrations of the latest techniques or practices and then apply them to their own particular situations are our present and future Extension leaders. Demonstrations should illustrate the application of appropriate technology, that is, technology that fits the local set of conditions. When this occurs, the maximum learning will result from the resources invested.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCokoSrutvi-jkcQ1LeL-04CM7mheKV8oiGUwNUmUQlV7hyphenhyphensI_qDpmL1Qi5yHG9IxhRQR7MBzwLfjkQOisAETf0SmK7L6fG8hAmIG0PWYyfVAsXzqiOxrBKjFhDSV2NtNLAw18uBnbxSI/s250/tractor_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCokoSrutvi-jkcQ1LeL-04CM7mheKV8oiGUwNUmUQlV7hyphenhyphensI_qDpmL1Qi5yHG9IxhRQR7MBzwLfjkQOisAETf0SmK7L6fG8hAmIG0PWYyfVAsXzqiOxrBKjFhDSV2NtNLAw18uBnbxSI/s0/tractor_1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Thanks to cooperators, Midway</span></div><span style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;">Coop and Solomon Rapids Seed,</div><div style="text-align: center;">in drilling the Osborne County</div><div style="text-align: center;">wheat demonstration plot.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The need for demonstrations was first recognized over a century ago by Seaman A. Knapp, an Extension pioneer. Knapp’s theory was that farmers would not change their methods as a result of observing farms operated at public expense, but that demonstrations conducted by farmers themselves on their own farms under ordinary farm conditions were the answer. In Knapp’s words, “What a man hears, he may doubt; what he sees, he may also doubt; but what he does, he cannot doubt.” In 1903, Knapp proved his point through now famous demonstrations or </span><b style="font-family: helvetica;">on-farm research</b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">. The demonstration included a small farm in Texas that planted half in corn and half in cotton. The purpose was to illustrate the effects of using different seed varieties, fertilizers, methods of planting, and cultivation. The farmer made $700 more than might have been expected and the demonstration was a success. Then the opportunity came to use demonstrations on a broad scale in the weevil-infested areas of Texas and two adjoining states. Knapp demonstrated improved cotton growing methods. With a $40,000 budget, he directed more than 20 federal agents who worked with some 7,000 farmers to establish demonstration plots. This marked the beginning of demonstrations in the Cooperative Extension Service. <br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5344R_11GOi5G0caiGcx_vXS5_sDFMwXHaesLXqbHPUjD0f7bQJqU6asNb4UejziH_pvCMcUY8ThUg4_S73T6EnRKUxSHNS-UbTlXDSZfKpqh2DDTfqB3tTzl9PcQZhXC_FdmQrPvaZn/s220/tractor_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5344R_11GOi5G0caiGcx_vXS5_sDFMwXHaesLXqbHPUjD0f7bQJqU6asNb4UejziH_pvCMcUY8ThUg4_S73T6EnRKUxSHNS-UbTlXDSZfKpqh2DDTfqB3tTzl9PcQZhXC_FdmQrPvaZn/s0/tractor_2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Thanks to Osborne County<br />cooperator, Kelsey Remus,<br />for the wheat demonstration<br />plot location in Osborne County</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Post Rock Extension District is very fortunate to have many producers who have and are very willing to put in the extra time and effort for <b>on-farm research</b> or <b>demonstration test plots</b>.<b> </b>For this fall, we are fortunate to have five wheat demonstration plots across the district. Thanks to Calvin and Josh Bohnert, Brady Coover, Marty Fletchall, Kelsey Remus, and David Sasse as cooperators of the “on-farm <b>wheat</b> research for K-State Research and Extension and for the Post Rock District! Four of the wheat plots (Jewell, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Lincoln, Osborne and Smith) include between 26-29 varieties and blends. The fifth plot (Mitchell) is a KSU replicated plot that is designed and was planted by the KSU NW Extension and NC Experiment Field staff. The following You Tube link, </span><a href="https://youtu.be/h36mTCpyzL8" style="font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank">Osborne Wheat Trial Plot Planting</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">, will provide you with video footage from our drilling in Osborne County. Thanks again to our partners for making this happen!!!!! </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">An additional <b>phosphorus fertility study in wheat</b> (second year) will be done in the Post Rock District addressing the application rates and dates for the most efficient nutrient uptake for phosphorus. Additional research studies collaborated with KSU Agronomy include a seed quality study that’s comparing different seed cleaning methods and then with and without seed treatment. Another study includes looking at five different management strategies including different seeding rates, fertility and fungicide treatments. The seed treatment and management strategies studies will be included in the replicated wheat demonstration plot in Mitchell County. <br /><br />“Knowledge for Life” continues to be our goal for K-State Research and Extension and our Post Rock District, so our educational programming provides research-based information from the university to the producers of our district! <br /><br />We are always happy to welcome your participation in any crop with a demonstration test plot. Simply give me a call at any of our Post Rock Extension District Offices in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center. <br /><br /><i>Post Rock Extension District of K-State Research and Extension serves Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith counties. Sandra may be contacted at <a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu">swick@ksu.edu</a> or by calling Smith Center, 282-6823, Beloit 738-3597, Lincoln 524-4432, Mankato 378-3174, or Osborne 346-2521. Join us on Facebook at “Post Rock Extension” along with our blog site at “postrockextension.blogspot.com. Also remember our website is <b>www.postrock.ksu.edu</b> and my twitter account is @PRDcrop<span style="background-color: transparent;">s.</span></i></span></p><p></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-47340040028121514502020-10-07T15:51:00.000-05:002020-10-07T15:51:55.317-05:00Stay Active This Fall <span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><b>Ashley Svaty, </b>Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent</i><br /><br />Fall is here and the temperatures are dropping! It’s time to capitalize on this beautiful weather<br />and scenery by staying active! Enjoy the following ideas to stay active and safe with your family this fall.</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFlSEXkwtLrq_SApNxyDVgmTstK39WVg50l54mF_z2v_XFqXFTPOyItokAqAg73K6j7RnbZ4FObDJvbMGQeticHjWS2MEa8DOh4euuyFOHmvJ5a1Puk_dQsncHCSAfJisgBYheUqIwfO4/s300/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFlSEXkwtLrq_SApNxyDVgmTstK39WVg50l54mF_z2v_XFqXFTPOyItokAqAg73K6j7RnbZ4FObDJvbMGQeticHjWS2MEa8DOh4euuyFOHmvJ5a1Puk_dQsncHCSAfJisgBYheUqIwfO4/s0/pic1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Plan Family Activities </b></div></b></div></b><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Go on a family hike, scenic walk, or bike ride to a local spot you’ve been wanting to visit. Take time to enjoy the fall scenery.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Get active together after school before it gets dark by playing catch with a baseball, Frisbee, or football.</div></span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plan a family outing to the park and have fun with your kids on the monkey bars, swings, and slides.</div></span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Visit a local farm to tackle a corn maze or pick your own pumpkin.</span></li></ul></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Make Moving Fun and a Priority </b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Schedule time throughout your day or week to get active.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Set a goal for 150 minutes or more of physical activity</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Enjoy a walking meeting with a coworker.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Catch up with a friend while walking outside. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Plan to get active by packing comfortable clothes and sneakers if you’re going on vacation or visiting family.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Instead of sitting to watch or listen to your favorite podcast, grab your headphones and go on a beautiful walk to listen.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Stick to activities you enjoy!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Listen to your favorite music while completing household chores.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrHYSSnTJYOQcjzs50nsuWNhlontKNcP6W8gFbuUh6H01I6FtiihCJK8RL5t8SKZbVAzOzg-E_jy_6Pvaa-s0-HObBVdUaL6gRrovfVxpwnxmlmdlp8gH_brPh7PqGuLqzJB1nxqOW8LA/s300/pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrHYSSnTJYOQcjzs50nsuWNhlontKNcP6W8gFbuUh6H01I6FtiihCJK8RL5t8SKZbVAzOzg-E_jy_6Pvaa-s0-HObBVdUaL6gRrovfVxpwnxmlmdlp8gH_brPh7PqGuLqzJB1nxqOW8LA/s0/pic2.jpg" /></a></div></span><b>Keep It Safe</b><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dress in layers to stay comfortable and warm.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Wear reflective clothing or a headlamp when walking in the dark.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Stay hydrated and continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Wear comfortable shoes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Wear sunscreen when outdoors.</span></li></ul></span></div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-91535066286121926142020-09-28T15:52:00.000-05:002020-09-28T15:52:36.705-05:00The Beautiful Colors of Autumn <span style="font-family: helvetica;">Cassie Homan, Horticulture Agent <br /><br />Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown. Although these leaves will soon be falling, now is a great time to sit back and enjoy their beauty. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK1ti_PSuIdYKbcE5stthVlHzip-MJXe4ixGFzFn2In6GpYTm4GE9TbFdcKa_wTAg40FdJ7FsB6w4O0MFC3yVyx257uc8_zIgrsGaFYceD8SI2vemVTBjg0PnhhZjd-YKfYt3dFKVsEqZ/s306/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="203" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK1ti_PSuIdYKbcE5stthVlHzip-MJXe4ixGFzFn2In6GpYTm4GE9TbFdcKa_wTAg40FdJ7FsB6w4O0MFC3yVyx257uc8_zIgrsGaFYceD8SI2vemVTBjg0PnhhZjd-YKfYt3dFKVsEqZ/w128-h193/tree.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Different kinds of plant pigments are produced to create fall colors. Reds and purples are caused by anthocyanins, yellows by xanthophylls, and oranges by a combination of carotenes and xanthophylls. Browns are the result of tannins present in the leaf. Most of these substances are present throughout the growing season but are masked by the green color produced by chlorophyll. Anthocyanins are the exception and are produced after the chlorophyll is destroyed in the fall. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNER2hTQXarCAHSRrXStEfafexwoaChIxwR-LYNW92kHa-p0jhObG6zh6JIMRdlgg5kgKe_xiaQ-vLNKqyInnKC1XOIeeieIdE3vFXCC9SViHXe_Mf0KQh7AlFBIO4PyfRS1ufbRIZykk/s449/water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="337" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNER2hTQXarCAHSRrXStEfafexwoaChIxwR-LYNW92kHa-p0jhObG6zh6JIMRdlgg5kgKe_xiaQ-vLNKqyInnKC1XOIeeieIdE3vFXCC9SViHXe_Mf0KQh7AlFBIO4PyfRS1ufbRIZykk/w154-h206/water.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>Incorporating colorful trees into your own yard is easy! Contact your local extension office for a full list of trees that will do well in your climate zone. For North Central Kansas, look for trees such as maples, oaks, viburnums, and dogwoods. Often maples have the best red colors. Sugar maple, red maple, and fern leaf moon maple are great choices. For yellows and browns; gingko, Black locust, and oaks are the best choices. <br /><br />If you have ever seen pictures of New England in the fall, you have probably wondered why trees in Kansas usually do not color as well. This difference is partly because of the tree species prevalent in New England. Certain oaks and maples naturally produce good color. However, coloring also is influenced by the weather. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98DYHjBN4WLIyz1xTj3nBChv2Zx2rpoUHIw7cxROs9KkNfO1z9qN2UhwtUs9RidfW2zkYam62LqdTg_EcV1d7VM9OaQmWSz2q5sy0S2sXYhoA7zZaI9zvg28oPiVzHKdPP_7twV4LsVut/s233/tree_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="175" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98DYHjBN4WLIyz1xTj3nBChv2Zx2rpoUHIw7cxROs9KkNfO1z9qN2UhwtUs9RidfW2zkYam62LqdTg_EcV1d7VM9OaQmWSz2q5sy0S2sXYhoA7zZaI9zvg28oPiVzHKdPP_7twV4LsVut/w125-h166/tree_2.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis, meaning sugar is accumulating in the leaves. As fall progresses, each leaf develops an abscission layer at the base of the petiole, or leaf stem, that prevents these sugars from being transported down the trunk to the roots for storage. This high sugar content in the leaves produces more intense colors. Cloudy days and warm nights prevent some of the sugar accumulation in the leaves and results in less vibrant colors.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYED8LuLQbtIvbku0YhyphenhyphenHmcvoQw74getxon3F3uMEdfXA5Z0F8p0VHQ4qPgSQZHMvHuBiuQRwJS7Dr_HhYMe6MBC97jMH5YGzYRcJgnKMHfyKkAxMlp20u-IawntCSLjAInLYxzK3faSXR/s398/leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="398" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYED8LuLQbtIvbku0YhyphenhyphenHmcvoQw74getxon3F3uMEdfXA5Z0F8p0VHQ4qPgSQZHMvHuBiuQRwJS7Dr_HhYMe6MBC97jMH5YGzYRcJgnKMHfyKkAxMlp20u-IawntCSLjAInLYxzK3faSXR/w180-h119/leaves.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>Weather during other parts of the growing season also can have an effect. Heavy rains in the early spring or hot, dry weather during the summer can both have a deleterious effect on fall color. <br /><br />The length of time a tree maintains fall color also depends on weather. Reds, yellows and oranges are short-lived when trees undergo frosts and freezes. <br /><br />Take some time this season to reflect on your landscape. Enjoy the beautiful colors around us. If you would like more details about the trees in your landscape contact Cassie Homan, Post Rock District Horticulture Agent, at (785)738-3597 or by email at choman@ksu.edu.</span><br /> Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-15791046291863977062020-09-21T16:43:00.001-05:002020-09-21T16:45:24.163-05:00Calf Weaning Time Nearing!<div class="separator"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">By Sandra L. Wick, Crop Production Agent </span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2B3En7QlEy-nCxGLSQbdz3qko46Gw_hQZvZTJOugZav-2Ds-itCOv7vVaEnZnMEZSaITCo6IUxeCl9xBTWGtUO-mp8zFJtszWFcL1DKmHqsEk0KOQvLDpP_98tAtaNdhbqqQ6ZHPsV300/s300/Photo1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2B3En7QlEy-nCxGLSQbdz3qko46Gw_hQZvZTJOugZav-2Ds-itCOv7vVaEnZnMEZSaITCo6IUxeCl9xBTWGtUO-mp8zFJtszWFcL1DKmHqsEk0KOQvLDpP_98tAtaNdhbqqQ6ZHPsV300/w236-h177/Photo1.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>As the evenings get cooler and the calendar turns over another month into</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> Oc</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">tober, it so</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">on </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">will be time for weaning those calves in your herd! Thanks to several K-State Resear</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ch</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> and Extension specialists for shari</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ng research-based information! <br /><br />Calves are most successful in transitioning off the farm when they’ve had good care, are current on their vaccinations, and have been exposed to the challenges of a changing diet. From the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute, many of these factors occur before weaning to minimize the stress of change. “The goal of any pre-conditioning program should be to prepare the calf for the next event in its life,” said Bob Weaber, K-State beef cattle extension specialist. Pre-conditioning refers to the care the calf gets on the ranch before it’s weaned and before it enters the feedlot or a stocker operation. <br /><br />From a health standpoint, vaccinations should be given while the calf is still nursing its dam, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson. <br /><br />“The best immune response to vaccinations will happen when the calves are not stressed and they are not carrying a parasite load,” Larson said. He added that immunity often does not reach effective levels until about three weeks after the vaccines are administered.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another step in preparing the male calves is to have them castrated. The veterinarians advise <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">cow-calf producers to take care of that early in the calf’s life. “Castrating calves when they are<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrEMylHxeOII4iw3qnG83sq6jyDh9ulsbN3nUeGmKCk9MpUKmcjc67-SNY3IMQvYxGEE84gOdSGaL2Z6jIkaNnAmTCjGeCjULyu2nczJ6eOjOhovRGxARXkoHkxi2rlQE9U9G_6E1Emgo/s200/Photo2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="200" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrEMylHxeOII4iw3qnG83sq6jyDh9ulsbN3nUeGmKCk9MpUKmcjc67-SNY3IMQvYxGEE84gOdSGaL2Z6jIkaNnAmTCjGeCjULyu2nczJ6eOjOhovRGxARXkoHkxi2rlQE9U9G_6E1Emgo/w212-h159/Photo2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>two to three months of age causes minimal stress, allowing them to recover quickly. But the older the calf is when he has that done, the more it will challenge him,” Larson said. </div></div><br />Along with taking care of the animal’s health needs, the experts said it is important to train the calves to eat from a feed bunk and locate the type of water source they will see during the next phase of life. “If the calves get dehydrated and aren’t eating, then their immune response will be weakened,” Larson said. Part of that preparation may include letting them drink from a cattle waterer instead of a pasture pond, Weaber said. Exposing them to grain prior to weaning will help them make the transition to the backgrounding operation easier, as well. Backgrounding refers to co-mingling weaned calves of a similar age and continuing to grow them prior to entering the feed yard. <br /><br />To build the best <b>pre-conditioning program,</b> the KSU specialists recommend the following: <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Prepare the calves for their new environment by exposing them to new water sources<br />and feed.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAGvhrmR0HB5B8_n3MWhpic4fx04Likv-7PZ9ncu-vZ7zzXsLuqgxj6cYYedwZtFdxWaEuBxdGEi-j6baSyL4DfEb7ZUq7LICLF-Weeon6lS5m91Ye0qmKnwUzfq5UUXn2JIY3PkHRKgh/s300/Photo3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAGvhrmR0HB5B8_n3MWhpic4fx04Likv-7PZ9ncu-vZ7zzXsLuqgxj6cYYedwZtFdxWaEuBxdGEi-j6baSyL4DfEb7ZUq7LICLF-Weeon6lS5m91Ye0qmKnwUzfq5UUXn2JIY3PkHRKgh/w203-h152/Photo3.jpg" width="203" /></a><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Manage the nutritional needs of the calves.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Minimize stressors prior to weaning.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Stimulate immunity through a vaccination program that matches the disease challenges those calves are going to face.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Create a comprehensive plan for understanding optimum pre-weaning activities.</span></li></ul>To hear the full discussion on caring for calves prior to weaning, listen to the <a href="https://ksubci.org/2020/09/04/stump-the-expert-pre-conditioning-top-preventative-health-tips-for-pre-conditioning-bqa-tips-for-weaning-early-preg-checks/" target="_blank">BCI Cattle Chat podcast online</a>. <br /><br /><b>If you have further questions on beef cattle production, contact me at any of our Post Rock Extension District Offices in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center.</b> </span><br /><br /><br /><i>Post Rock Extension District of K-State Research and Extension serves Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith counties. Sandra may be contacted at <a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu">swick@ksu.edu</a> or by calling Smith Center, 282-6823, Beloit 738-3597, Lincoln 524-4432, Mankato 378-3174, or Osborne 346-2521. Join us on Facebook at “Post Rock Extension” along with our blog site at “postrockextension.blogspot.com. Also remember our website is www.postrock.ksu.edu and my twitter account is @PRDcrops.</i></div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-50876407163222637372020-09-18T16:03:00.001-05:002020-09-18T16:03:53.390-05:00Encouragement Promotes a Positive Self-Concept <span style="font-family: helvetica;">By: Nora Rhoades, District Extension Director and Youth Development Agent<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Building a healthy self-concept is an important part of child and adolescent development. A positive, healthy self-concept is also an essential part of maintaining life satisfaction as an adult.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Regardless of one’s age, feedback received from others impacts the development and maintenance of a healthy self-concept. As a co-worker, caregiver, parent, partner, or friend it can be difficult to determine what type feedback is most beneficial.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCZEg_5QvYIuE7FNX8keZDGnKk_KLs7YpzgpNzQEdC7ZNMxBfj4DhZczShWFjbJOjtrv6trksgAARebGBGe4vPFPgtPqeUEh00HSvHS6f4I3q0nf9eBaAcg5ss9h7IVA9KXp1jWYvpE5M/s300/male+and+boy+resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCZEg_5QvYIuE7FNX8keZDGnKk_KLs7YpzgpNzQEdC7ZNMxBfj4DhZczShWFjbJOjtrv6trksgAARebGBGe4vPFPgtPqeUEh00HSvHS6f4I3q0nf9eBaAcg5ss9h7IVA9KXp1jWYvpE5M/w154-h207/male+and+boy+resize.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>Praise and encouragement are two types of feedback that motivate an individual. Encouragement is non-judgmental and specifically acknowledges effort and behavior as an individual works through the process of goal achievement. Encouragement allows an individual to evaluate their own efforts rather than make a comparison to others.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Praise, on the other hand, is a judgmental type of feedback that promotes comparing one’s effort and behavior to the standard of approval exhibited by others. Praise tends to have short-term results because people seek approval while encouragement enables an individual to become more self-motivated.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Let’s re-think ways to make feedback more specific and valuable to the long-term development of one’s self-concept. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Instead of saying, “What a beautiful picture!” (praise) try “Wow! You really used a lot of colors in your picture.” (encouragement). </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Rather than exclaim, “You did great!” (praise) try “You didn’t rush when it was your turn to serve which allowed you to focus on the ball, swing level and deliver across the net.” (encouragement). </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Expand a statement like, “Good Job!” (praise) to “Good job meeting the deadline. You had a lot of responsibilities last month, and your time management allowed you to excel in many areas.” (encouragement). </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Take “You’re nice!” (praise) to the next level by explaining, “When you saw the neighbor struggling to carry groceries, you stopped what you were doing to lend a hand. She looks pretty happy to have assistance carrying the heavy load.” (encouragement).</span></li></ul></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32CVpipjpyOalSrh1Y8p7D876MMcTVFyVeCzpzd8RazINeYWQdUfJz1907JssZNlz-IWCYBWZq1bl7qVgNhK4yhIxwnmpUlpmGNZxSXCumJz4pPquGuL6h1oGKH1DgLrhT8GexvOq-r6_/s300/virtual+school+resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32CVpipjpyOalSrh1Y8p7D876MMcTVFyVeCzpzd8RazINeYWQdUfJz1907JssZNlz-IWCYBWZq1bl7qVgNhK4yhIxwnmpUlpmGNZxSXCumJz4pPquGuL6h1oGKH1DgLrhT8GexvOq-r6_/w134-h202/virtual+school+resize.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>General praise statements can lead to an individual feeling as if they </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">have a ‘label’. You might observe a child or adult taking less risks or making choices to simply live up to the ‘label’ rather than engaging in new challenges.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Encouragement is a way to provide feedback while promoting the application of such efforts to future life experiences. It also provides a foundation for helping an individual understand behaviors that were not effective in reaching a goal. Those whom you interact with will be more likely to listen to, reflect, and learn from constructive feedback if they have previously received encouragement specifically identifying what efforts and behaviors are linked to success.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Effective feedback is specific, describes what the individual is doing or has done, explains the effect of one’s behavior, and avoids comparison. Challenge yourself to use words of encouragement rather than general comments of praise. Your efforts to provide valuable feedback will assist individuals as they develop and maintain a healthy self-concept. </span></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-40384620723510686192020-09-04T10:44:00.002-05:002020-09-04T11:04:34.117-05:00Money Saving Tips<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Brenda Langdon, Family Resource Management Agent</i><br /><br />The fall season is a surprising time for good buys. During the month of September and October these are the sales you might typically see and to be watching for. 💰 <a href="https://youtu.be/Y5o9vYs6L28" target="_blank">Money Saving Tips.</a><br /><br /><b>Mattresses</b> - Year after year, September is the time for mattress sales. Expect these from department stores and mattress centers usually as a part of Labor Day sales. <br /><br /><b>iPhones</b> - If you are needing to upgrade your iPhone, Apple has been known to announce it's new iPhones in September. Usually the unveiling is followed by a drop in prices on the current phones in anticipation of the new models. If you can’t afford the new iPhone 12, but need to upgrade your phone, be watching for sales on the current models. This year, Apple might be off schedule, but I would suggest watching for the Apple Watch in September and iPhone 12 in October. <br /><br /><b>Appliances</b> - In the week leading up to Labor Day, expect a series of blowout deals on big and small appliances. <br /><br /><b>Outdoor Furniture</b> - People generally spend less time outdoors when the temperature drops. Expect deals on patio furniture and outdoor living products when summer ends. It’s a good time of year to buy ahead for the next year. <br /><br /><b>Jeans</b> - Fall inventory arrives in stores in August and September in time for school shopping. You will likely pay top dollar unless you wait a few weeks. October is a great time to buy a new pair of jeans. <br /><br /><b>Candy</b> - Waiting until it gets closer to Halloween to buy your candy for trick-or-treaters, improves your chances to snag a discounted bag. <br /><br /><i>Mark your calendar:</i> Labor Day is September 7. <br />Columbus Day is Oct. 12, and Halloween is Oct. 31 which falls on a Saturday this year. <br /><br /><i>Freebie day:</i> <br />National Coffee Day is Sept. 29 <br />National Taco Day is Oct. 4 <br /><br />Upcoming expense to consider and budget for: <br />Last minute cookouts, car maintenance, wardrobe refresh, labor day getaway, back to school supplies, new clothes for the kids, sports or activity fees, lunch money, vaccinations, and it’s never too early to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping.<br /></span><br />Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-83705601172362827402020-08-31T16:41:00.000-05:002020-08-31T16:41:16.054-05:00Scouting Grain Sorghum Insects is Important!<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>By Sandra L. Wick, Crop Production Agent</i> <br /><br />Now that the fall crops are starting to mature, it might be worth scouting your grain sorghum to see if you are finding any insects that might be showing up! Early detection is key to the management of any pest, but treatments should be based on established thresholds. One heavily infested plant does not equal a yield loss. Applying insecticides too soon can result in repeated applications.</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeD1Ia9ohyphenhyphentDMvv6ldsTCtjvjZc5jMXqVZiIdw-K-Hj0Voa0gJMVq_N7nTdMZK6HRTtdnARlAEAHoR0bYDaKU6kzKSJzjhoJg7aMb1t0oGrJdxl9iTsCUMsIcQEdKd6imiCrGGR0QpIZx/s425/sugarcan+aphid_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="300" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeD1Ia9ohyphenhyphentDMvv6ldsTCtjvjZc5jMXqVZiIdw-K-Hj0Voa0gJMVq_N7nTdMZK6HRTtdnARlAEAHoR0bYDaKU6kzKSJzjhoJg7aMb1t0oGrJdxl9iTsCUMsIcQEdKd6imiCrGGR0QpIZx/w154-h218/sugarcan+aphid_resized.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>So there may be a couple of insects out in your grain sorghum fields including the <b>Sugarcane aphid</b> (SCA) or the <b>Sorghum headworms</b>. So let’s start with the sugarcane aphid. Plants are vulnerable to infestation by SCA at any growth stage, but Kansas sorghum is most at risk from boot stage onward. Remember, there are about four different aphids that could be present. So it really works well if you take with you a 10X hand lens as there are very distinguishable characteristics for each aphid. Here are pictures of each of the aphids.<b> The SCA has the short, black “stove pipes” on their rear end along with a yellow color that makes it very recognizable. Other aphids also have different characteristics in color and shape. </b><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNMidDTjtawQE6MpDS1S6VjlZwzbvAuJLWTk4gBPAM2Z3l-qZn2jbt8McY0HN2d2s9eZCY_d0Zb7dfuLycNMSTHYNLgDUX00mbN4Vkn5508g0CglIMOVe0AlpIbhMk2POG7vHOFFt0-qv/s362/sugarcan+aphid_2_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="200" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNMidDTjtawQE6MpDS1S6VjlZwzbvAuJLWTk4gBPAM2Z3l-qZn2jbt8McY0HN2d2s9eZCY_d0Zb7dfuLycNMSTHYNLgDUX00mbN4Vkn5508g0CglIMOVe0AlpIbhMk2POG7vHOFFt0-qv/w128-h232/sugarcan+aphid_2_resized.jpg" width="128" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Issues arising from SCA in Kansas are likely to become increasingly uncommon with each </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">passing year. Sugarcane aphids are present in most fields throughout southcentral and northcentral Kansas, but mostly only in small, scattered colonies. Beneficials are also very common, but it doesn't seem like there are as many as there have been in the last couple of weeks. This could be because there are substantially fewer corn leaf aphids, in most fields, for beneficials to feed on. Sugarcane aphid monitoring should continue. There is a good amount of late-planted sorghum this year that is going to be more at risk going into late summer. Producers would be wise to scout these late-planted fields. Below are recommendations for scouting and sampling methods. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><b>Sampling method</b> <br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Once a week, walk 25 feet into the field and examine plants along 50 feet of row:</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If honeydew is present, look for SCA on the <b>underside</b> of a leaf above the honeydew.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Inspect the underside of leaves from the upper and lower canopy from 15–20 plants per location.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sample each side of the field as well as sites near Johnsongrass and tall mutant plants.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Check at least 4 locations per field for a total 4 locations per field for a total of 60-80 plants.</span></li></ul>If no SCA are pr</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">esent, or</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> only a few wingless/winged aphids are on upper leaves, repeat this sampling method once a week thereafter. If SCA are found on lower or mid-canopy leaves, begin twice-a-week scouting. Use the same sampling method, but be sure to include % plants with honeydew. Estimate the % of infested plants with large amounts of SCA honeydew (shiny, sticky substance on leaf surface) to help time foliar insecticides for SCA control on sorghum </span><b style="font-family: helvetica;">(Table 1)</b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0pNv8sk1YjjmC66jTeG3EhFB5wfmOc0Zkjqcgi_p1enl-G8e6aLXEA_6ihrMm5Oa8E9piG6i8_iKYcXea3kmjRtvomxSfr04liYX4u_MKIf7VKstfIBaZ2Vjw-IM6rwufkD7ny3YzIcS/s1448/Table+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1448" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0pNv8sk1YjjmC66jTeG3EhFB5wfmOc0Zkjqcgi_p1enl-G8e6aLXEA_6ihrMm5Oa8E9piG6i8_iKYcXea3kmjRtvomxSfr04liYX4u_MKIf7VKstfIBaZ2Vjw-IM6rwufkD7ny3YzIcS/w641-h281/Table+1.jpg" width="641" /></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RcXv6_WbDwAapqVTpn8aEvXtM8mDVIEk-M2yU4hZQGuFOdAPvn4gKG-kPHQajXt-G7PEcWJObIupjwz-Y-1EbB718VPmw1krqwVvipD3uyAKIgJrYntTki1WJav3CWTYZiIfwwkDI-cY/s170/headworm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="113" data-original-width="170" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RcXv6_WbDwAapqVTpn8aEvXtM8mDVIEk-M2yU4hZQGuFOdAPvn4gKG-kPHQajXt-G7PEcWJObIupjwz-Y-1EbB718VPmw1krqwVvipD3uyAKIgJrYntTki1WJav3CWTYZiIfwwkDI-cY/w170-h113/headworm.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>The <b>Sorghum headworms</b>, also known as the corn earworm or the soybean podworm, depending on which crop they are feeding on. The body usually has stripes and the colors can be highly variable with tints ranging from reddish-brown to yellow to green. The dark tint in the s</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">tripes is due to the presence of tiny, dense, dark microspines or thorn-like projections of the skin. The presence of the microspines separates the headworm from other caterpillars. The head of the sorghum headworm is yellowish in color without any spots. When they reach about 1 and 1 /2 inches, they are mature and pupate. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />The “headworm” populations were significant in 2018 throughout north central Kansas with some reports of insecticides not working as well as expected. Timing and amount of carrier are always important relative to pest control and applications for headworms are no different. It is always a good idea to leave an untreated “check” strip whenever possible to help evaluate insecticide efficacy. <br /><br />Sorghum headworm populations have not been as substantial, yet this year, compared to the last few years throughout southcentral and northcentral Kansas according to the K-State Research and Extension Entomology Lab. However, there are still a few larvae (as seen above</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">), and many fields have not yet developed past the susceptible stage, thus there could still be problems with "headworms". Please remember the<b> "susceptible" timeframe or stage of sorghum is flowering to soft dough</b>. Headworms can cause 5% loss/worm/head. Once the grain sorghum plants have reached maturity or “black layer”, the grain is safe from the headworm feeding as the grain has hardened and the worm cannot penetrate the kernel. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />K-State Research and Extension has an excellent publication,<b> “<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF742.pdf">2019 Sorghum Insect Management Guide</a>”</b> that provides management on the major pests in sorghum. If you have further questions on grain sorghum production, contact me at any of our Post Rock Extension District Offices in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center.<br /><br /><i>Post Rock Extension District of K-State Research and Extension serves Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith counties. Sandra may be contacted at <a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu">swick@ksu.edu</a> or by calling Smith Center, 282-6823, Beloit 738-3597, Lincoln 524-4432, Mankato 378-3174, or Osborne 346-2521. Join us on Facebook at “Post Rock Extension” along with our blog site at “postrockextension.blogspot.com. Also remember our website is www.postrock.ksu.edu and my twitter account is @PRDcrops.</i></span><br /> </div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-81404712186975152792020-08-28T10:42:00.002-05:002020-08-31T09:11:58.544-05:00Make Self-Care a Priority in September <p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><b>Ashley Svaty, </b>Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOV8puLFJHEm74yddPAw49s6G9Kn4Grt44FTaVfMRMywW0ridXlwUKXMnf2KhJ0QZ3HGLB9u9Ut39arvIu5PAj_0ugAyA2CUMX7XmVtFs-B34mOd6PWXyP13YEgyaPf4nSGZ8JvQjPtm5/s350/self+care.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="350" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOV8puLFJHEm74yddPAw49s6G9Kn4Grt44FTaVfMRMywW0ridXlwUKXMnf2KhJ0QZ3HGLB9u9Ut39arvIu5PAj_0ugAyA2CUMX7XmVtFs-B34mOd6PWXyP13YEgyaPf4nSGZ8JvQjPtm5/w280-h186/self+care.jpg" width="280" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">We need to focus on our self-care now, more than ever. Life is busy and each day brings on new changes and challenges that may have us pushing off self-care. While it may be tempting to keep pushing off that much needed self-care, remember we need it! When we neglect our own well-being we may begin to feel stressed, irritable, moody, depressed and unhappy. By taking care of yourself you will be more relaxed, content, stronger, better able to help others, and more confident. Slipping away from your daily routine doesn’t have to occur for extended periods of time-it can mean taking a bath, decluttering, reading a book, walking your pet, playing with your kids or grandkids, or going to your bedroom with your door closed to sit in solitude for a bit. Below are various examples of self-care, feel free to try as many as you wish! </div></span></span></div><p></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Relax.</b> Relaxation allows you to experience more energy, sleep better, build up your immunity, concentrate better, and much more. Relaxation can occur through taking a hot bath, reading a book, getting a massage or even taking a few deep breaths. Set an alarm to remind you about “me time”. Eventually, it will become a habit that you won’t want to break.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Eat a nutritious diet and drink water.</b> Wholesome, nutritious foods provide you with more energy, combat depression by keeping your brain functioning at its best, and prevent numerous other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancers. Drinking plenty of water will help hydrate your skin and your body. Consider the following recommendations: </span></li></ul></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">o Eat Mindfully and listen to your body’s hunger cues.</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">o Avoid oversized portions.</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">o Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">o Make water your go-to beverage.</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">o Choose foods low in sodium.</span></blockquote></blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Just Say NO</b>. Do you find yourself saying “yes” to everything that is asked of you; even if it is something you really don’t want to do? Always saying yes is not healthy. If often overcommits you, which can cause stress and fatigue. Saying no allows you to honor existing obligations and dedicate quality time to those commitments. Saying no to things that you have always done but are tired of doing allows you to try new things.</span></li></ul><ul><li><b>Increase your physical activity.</b> Exercise affects overall physical and mental well-being. It increases strength, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, balance, and muscle mass. It also boosts self-esteem along with confidence and helps lower stress and anxiety. Adding a 10-minute calming walk to your to-do list is a fantastic way to sneak in daily self-care.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Laugh.</b> Finding humor in daily situations and laughing more throughout your day is truly the best medicine. Laughter has the ability to increase the “feel good” hormones in the body, called endorphins and can reduce stress, lower depression and help your body heal. Watch a funny movie or show, go to a comedy club, take a comedy class, or simply laugh with a close friend or loved one. </span></li></ul> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Access a downloadable <a href="https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/health-nutrition/PRDSeptemberSelfCareCalendar.pdf" target="_blank">Self-Care 2020 September calendar.</a></span>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-43273039065522626512020-08-10T11:34:00.000-05:002020-08-10T11:34:08.836-05:00Beef Herd Management Guidelines<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15.4px;">By Sandra L. Wick, Crop Production Agent </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSXX7jyG_WtHMRva5mOUZ4Q6jald90AP2LQvVlTOfT0Ath2yyRaXdJuJKTYMaMysN7ZFTbD-R_iqqFIV_g_Qe7u3XPsWDAQRhez5-XQg971IJC04wll9jYEBY_TNMczVqJsjrLp-2SGTu/s449/cattle+beef+guidelines.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="449" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSXX7jyG_WtHMRva5mOUZ4Q6jald90AP2LQvVlTOfT0Ath2yyRaXdJuJKTYMaMysN7ZFTbD-R_iqqFIV_g_Qe7u3XPsWDAQRhez5-XQg971IJC04wll9jYEBY_TNMczVqJsjrLp-2SGTu/w184-h122/cattle+beef+guidelines.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now that County Fair season has come to a close around Kansas, it won’t be long and schools will start soon! It doesn’t seem possible……where has the summer gone! With that, the fall season brings several management guidelines for cattle herds here in north central Kansas. We have certainly been blessed with moisture to help with the pastures for our feed supplies, but soon it will be time to move the cattle off of the summer pastures. August and September is when forages are maturing rapidly and weaning time can be appropriate, however the weather dictates several of these key management decisions, according to Dr. Dale Blasi, K-State Research and Extension, beef specialist. <br /><br />Blasi stresses that your <b>cowherd nutrition</b> is one of the costliest production inputs so it is essential that you check this periodically to make sure it is adequate for your cow herd. Provide ample amounts of clean, fresh drinking water and consider limited-intake creep feeding if drought conditions develop and persist. Grain prices are relatively low so take advantage of creep feeding as the value of this gain allows for some economic benefits. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some tips for successful limited-intake creep feeding: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18wZki3Cj2qAQgpyXHgoB-Q2moFor84BiLwYr8fbLocOiU7yp_fBDwSCK3QvL-YtDBeb12UujJhbiF2qzdFk5bMh7uDmBjMQG7E25puh3mKwlwi2O_b3-49zCEaxjMXjTMO_MOthr1YDc/s520/black+calves.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="346" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18wZki3Cj2qAQgpyXHgoB-Q2moFor84BiLwYr8fbLocOiU7yp_fBDwSCK3QvL-YtDBeb12UujJhbiF2qzdFk5bMh7uDmBjMQG7E25puh3mKwlwi2O_b3-49zCEaxjMXjTMO_MOthr1YDc/w142-h213/black+calves.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><ul><ul><li>Limit duration to last 30 to 75 days before weaning.</li><li>Limit intake to less than 2 pounds/head/day.</li><li>Use an ionophore or other feed additive to maximize efficiency.</li><li>Protein level should be equal to or greater than 16%.</li><li>High salt levels may help limit intake, but can be tough on feeders.</li></ul></ul></ul></ul></ul><br />Don’t forget about mineral supplementation and adequate vitamins in the ration as well. You might also consider using a medicated trace mineral package. It is also important to consider vaccinating for pinkeye and IBR along with controlling face flies. Providing ample shade is also critical for preventing heat stress. <br /><br />For other health guidelines, be sure and vaccinate suckling calves for IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, and possibly pasteurella at least three weeks prior to weaning along with re-vaccinating all calves for blackleg. For your replacement heifers, vaccinate for brucellosis at 4 to 10 months of age as well as monitoring and treating for foot rot. In addition, look for unsound cows that need to be culled from the herd. <br /><br />Even though the grazing season is at the tail end, there is still some management guidelines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3XfTuJZtWa98MOe5uxEEeXrvwJfeqOXWe1tjbdw7YpJ5nsbo_2wnEct_doRPOJEWCb45hgU6WAaZd6OjtAfoJdPre-bxvIaU4dsmfRPUobd0eJU7mxaTDIeggNVVansSTqVI0Q6OW4Aw/s587/black+cows+guidelines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="587" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3XfTuJZtWa98MOe5uxEEeXrvwJfeqOXWe1tjbdw7YpJ5nsbo_2wnEct_doRPOJEWCb45hgU6WAaZd6OjtAfoJdPre-bxvIaU4dsmfRPUobd0eJU7mxaTDIeggNVVansSTqVI0Q6OW4Aw/w241-h160/black+cows+guidelines.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>you can follow to extend the season a little longer especially with our abundant moisture. Enhance grazing distribution with mineral mixture placement away from water sources and pay close attention to pasture weed problems to aid in planning control methods needed next spring. Be sure and monitor grazing conditions and rotate pastures if possible and/or practical. If pastures may run a little short before it is time to move them, get ready to provide some additional feeds. You might even consider supplemental feeding before pastures get a little sparse to extend the grazing time. <br /><br />It soon will be time for harvesting the sorghum/sudan forage or some silage, so make sure you are following the recommended cutting procedures so you will get the highest quality feed. Don’t forget to sample your harvested forages and have them analyzed for nitrate and nutrient composition. <br /><br />On the reproductive side, Blasi reminds producers to remove bulls to consolidate the calving season. Pregnancy check and age pregnancies 60 days after the end of the breeding season along with considering culling cows that are open. These methods will contribute to a more uniform calf crop, make winter nutritional management easier and increase the success rate of next year’s breeding season. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCXhYs0dHG3O6QMfEomBJ0OtIpRNLss6ruUkv6QPPTEBDESC0t_SgmnCbGDtrzICE1jskZusNA1rcoaJ__PEYDGlkjWlX6dxqMofLC93fvvTvJb78HRYehDgI9_N9uL9GhTFDOgBzfOii/s517/cows+green+grass+guidelines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="517" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCXhYs0dHG3O6QMfEomBJ0OtIpRNLss6ruUkv6QPPTEBDESC0t_SgmnCbGDtrzICE1jskZusNA1rcoaJ__PEYDGlkjWlX6dxqMofLC93fvvTvJb78HRYehDgI9_N9uL9GhTFDOgBzfOii/w212-h141/cows+green+grass+guidelines.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Some other general management guidelines to remember is to repair, replace and improve facilities needed for fall processing along with ordering supplies, vaccines, tags and other products needed at weaning time. In addition, now is a good time to plan your marketing program, including private treaty, consignment sales, test stations or production sales. <br /><br />If you have further questions on beef management guidelines, contact me at any of our Post Rock Extension District Offices in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center. <br /><br /><i>Post Rock Extension District of K-State Research and Extension serves Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith counties. Sandra may be contacted at <a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu">swick@ksu.edu</a> or by calling Smith Center, 282-6823, Beloit 738-3597, Lincoln 524-4432, Mankato 378-3174, or Osborne 346-2521. Join us on Facebook at “Post Rock Extension” along with our blog site at “postrockextension.blogspot.com. Also remember our website is <b>www.postrock.ksu.edu</b> and my twitter account is @PRDcrops.</i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-69333410175393455872020-08-03T13:29:00.000-05:002020-08-03T13:29:02.048-05:00Tomato Troubles?<font face="helvetica">Cassie Homan, Horticulture Agent </font><div><br /></div><div><font face="helvetica"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGtwaCslUWJkfkWtzI1reCYczpTcrOi8WDBfSWtXr8XyUcUqCzdFeX1YTPqo9Yl7-zZeOAyvKFNy-EruuEO2E45Sy-14JXrxH6lQHB2D8QCHNfgE2LPWLqBEEd0d3ipubEme333BWwsWW/s442/tomatos.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="442" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGtwaCslUWJkfkWtzI1reCYczpTcrOi8WDBfSWtXr8XyUcUqCzdFeX1YTPqo9Yl7-zZeOAyvKFNy-EruuEO2E45Sy-14JXrxH6lQHB2D8QCHNfgE2LPWLqBEEd0d3ipubEme333BWwsWW/w226-h170/tomatos.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable grown in Kansas. Everyone loves the fresh taste of a home-grown tomato picked straight from the garden. They are easy to grow, productive in small garden areas, and used in a wide variety of ways. Tomatoes require a location that is fairly fertile, well-drained, and sunny, getting at least a half day of sun or more. Here are some tips on how to keep your plants healthy and some problems you may encounter over the growing season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div> </font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica">Spider mites seem to be a problem every year. It is inevitable that with hot and dry weather spider mites will make an appearance. Look for stippling on the upper surface of the leaves as well as some fine webbing on the underside of the leaves. These tiny arthropods (they are not true insects) are often difficult to see due to their size and their habit of feeding on the underside of leaves. If you think you have spider mites, hold a white piece of paper under the leaves and gently tap the plant. Mites will be dislodged and can be seen as tiny specks on the paper that move about.</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><font face="helvetica"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFWqOiZA5sXoLS0v1w6wg7oirKeGbwYKC6bTOK1t34FisMGYhoYbH7ujOOXK_lbcZtC0X249PFbhgaVDoON0tvylMi4el-9HnvOqIALImJOmPlH5jDeSMmlDCNkCtfB1DM29D1rSAxCU4/s529/spider+mite+damage+with+text.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="529" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFWqOiZA5sXoLS0v1w6wg7oirKeGbwYKC6bTOK1t34FisMGYhoYbH7ujOOXK_lbcZtC0X249PFbhgaVDoON0tvylMi4el-9HnvOqIALImJOmPlH5jDeSMmlDCNkCtfB1DM29D1rSAxCU4/w270-h181/spider+mite+damage+with+text.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Spider mite control can be challenging. A strong jet of water can be used to remove the mites but may not be as easy as it sounds. A high-pressure directed spray is needed to dislodge the mites. Since spider mites feed on the underside of the leaves, the spray is most effective if it comes from below. This can be difficult to accomplish with a thumb over the end of the hose.</div></font></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><font face="helvetica"><div style="text-align: left;">Some gardeners use a water wand hooked to a shut-off valve. The water breaker is then replaced by a brass nozzle. Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps (Safers, for example) can also be helpful. Spray early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and plants have rehydrated. You will likely need to treat more than once.</div></font></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><font face="helvetica"><div style="text-align: left;">Something we often see in Kansas, during hot summer weather, is our tomatoes not setting fruits. Temperatures that remain above 75°F at night and day temperatures above 95° F with dry, hot winds will cause poor fruit set on tomatoes. In extreme summer heat, blossom drop is common. At temperatures above 90°F and with low humidity, poor pollination causes blossom drop and poor fruit set. It usually takes about 3 weeks for tomato flowers to develop into fruit large enough to notice that something is wrong and an additional week before tomatoes are full size and ready to start ripening. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Though there are "heat-set" tomatoes such as Florida 91, Sun Leaper and Sun Master that will set fruit at higher temperatures, that difference is normally only 2 to 3 degrees. There really isn’t a quick cure for this tomato problem, we must wait for cooler temperatures which will allow tomatoes to resume fruit set. </div></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><font face="helvetica"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjWST3EP-Fc_89DJd7AbZ4-td8Wn8dciwcKxW-Wvsn6KB2X7m4GXXVm6NWtxj7wza8BEgOj0tvqxZgmOdwkVuaADGyOXw2ZWStqf-8QPekdlMSr5eOkDmSLbrVhqyumDZedIWZ1bRWzBF/s464/early+blight+with+text.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="348" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjWST3EP-Fc_89DJd7AbZ4-td8Wn8dciwcKxW-Wvsn6KB2X7m4GXXVm6NWtxj7wza8BEgOj0tvqxZgmOdwkVuaADGyOXw2ZWStqf-8QPekdlMSr5eOkDmSLbrVhqyumDZedIWZ1bRWzBF/w178-h238/early+blight+with+text.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This time of year, two common leaf-spot diseases appear on tomato plants. Septoria leaf spot and early blight, both show up as brown spots on the leaves. Septoria leaf spot usually appears earlier in the season than early blight and produces small dark spots. Spots made by early blight are much larger and often have a distorted “target” pattern of concentric circles. Heavily infected leaves eventually turn yellow and drop. Older leaves are more susceptible than younger ones, so these diseases often start at the bottom of the plant and work up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mulching, caging, or staking keeps plants off the ground, making them less vulnerable. Better air circulation allows foliage to dry quicker than in plants allowed to sprawl. Mulching also helps prevent water from splashing and carrying disease spores to the plant. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In situations where these diseases have been a problem in the past, rotation is a good strategy. It is too late for that now, but keep it in mind for next year. If rotation is not feasible, fungicides are often helpful. Be sure to cover both upper and lower leaf surfaces, and reapply fungicide if rainfall removes it.</div></font></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><font face="helvetica"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfJxfJk2dziSf9m9mn-IHCH6Q66zmoeDrYdoax-CWD8M6BsXu92Hlo3wK5tjxhKoStyXsN3IQsKrsugV9hplZ0O0lnk00fQsT9NZMAdQgwy9mz6iOEY1XXi4sQicD4EHLOJE3zSCq3F4y/s445/daconil.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="333" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfJxfJk2dziSf9m9mn-IHCH6Q66zmoeDrYdoax-CWD8M6BsXu92Hlo3wK5tjxhKoStyXsN3IQsKrsugV9hplZ0O0lnk00fQsT9NZMAdQgwy9mz6iOEY1XXi4sQicD4EHLOJE3zSCq3F4y/w170-h228/daconil.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Plants usually become susceptible when the tomato fruit is about the size of a walnut. Chlorothalonil is a good choice for fruiting plants because it has a 0-day waiting period, meaning that fruit can be harvested once the spray is dry. Chlorothalonil can be found in numerous products including Fertilome Broad-Spectrum Landscape and Garden Fungicide, Ortho Garden Disease Control, GardenTech Daconil and others. Be sure to start protecting plants when the disease is first seen. It is virtually impossible to control this disease on heavily infected plants. If chlorothalonil doesn’t seem to be effective, try mancozeb (Bonide Mancozeb Flowable). Mancozeb does have a five-day waiting period between application and when the fruit can be harvested. You may wish to pick some tomatoes green just before you spray if you use Mancozeb and let the tomato fruit ripen inside. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you have troubles with your tomatoes this season contact Cassie Homan, Post Rock District Horticulture Agent, at (785)738-3597 or by email at <a href="mailto:choman@ksu.edu">choman@ksu.edu</a></div></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div> </div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-79616575894178748342020-07-27T14:17:00.002-05:002020-07-27T14:23:18.795-05:00Evaluating Your 2020 Wheat Performance and the Post Rock Extension District Wheat Yield Reports<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15.4px;">By Sandra L. Wick, Crop Production Agent </span><div><font face="helvetica"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></font><div><font face="helvetica"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHQGFNHFHp-HtQ7Y33aH8EdByI0pppuIa6IWIvUhoO6qV2wtVVfMap82bZPTcB8H_eueGwHoumYXnEm3fM6lUaouQZhzsPm-p7d_59q0kfEt-sTh7bo4ZqnW8OXj6bC285dyPLJX1Xmk1/s332/wheat.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="332" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHQGFNHFHp-HtQ7Y33aH8EdByI0pppuIa6IWIvUhoO6qV2wtVVfMap82bZPTcB8H_eueGwHoumYXnEm3fM6lUaouQZhzsPm-p7d_59q0kfEt-sTh7bo4ZqnW8OXj6bC285dyPLJX1Xmk1/w205-h171/wheat.jpg" width="205" /></a></div></font><div><font face="helvetica">Clearly, the yield potential of a wheat variety is a top priority, but resistance to diseases and insect pests is also an important factor to consider when selecting a wheat variety. Producers are evaluating the performance of their 2020 wheat varieties and considering new varieties they should plant here in a couple of months. The Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings publication from K-State Research and Extension can help growers identify the best varieties for their farms. The publication also provides helpful summaries to help producers better understand the historical risk of diseases in their area and quickly identify the varieties with the best overall disease resistance. </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5nLIZjjGmrr-F_7GIz3AF3YKw-wafQxDV5aGdXX7gZL3pDZkq3zbKyqztkHwvxvJzyQTmrUvUH6GSur-IkDvfB8-Q9IcxFFeoRbbnOyo-Z8_FjXk8PCV0MC5xtKV8K4OOOF6fLDJq36b/s582/Insect+Rating+Publishing.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="450" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5nLIZjjGmrr-F_7GIz3AF3YKw-wafQxDV5aGdXX7gZL3pDZkq3zbKyqztkHwvxvJzyQTmrUvUH6GSur-IkDvfB8-Q9IcxFFeoRbbnOyo-Z8_FjXk8PCV0MC5xtKV8K4OOOF6fLDJq36b/w198-h256/Insect+Rating+Publishing.png" width="198" /></a></div></div><div><font face="helvetica">Copies of the 2020 KSU Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings, can be found on-line on our Post Rock District website at <a href="https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/crops/">https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/crops/</a> or at any of the Post Rock Extension District Offices. <br /><br />The Post Rock Extension District had <b>4 wheat demonstration test plots</b> in our district, including the Mitchell County plot which is an official K-State Research and Extension “replicated” plot which simply means varieties were planted multiply times in one specific area of the field. This particular yield report will be listed in the KSU wheat performance booklet. All of the yield reports are posted on our district website at <b><i>www.postrock.ksu.edu</i></b> and are available at any of our Post Rock Extension District Offices in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center. Be sure to also look at the K-State Research and Extension experiment field sites across Kansas with close fields in Belleville and Hays. If you are looking for an opportunity to participate in our Wheat demonstration test plot program, contact me at any of our Post Rock District Offices in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center. </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3E4zquZv15orneF23MmdeAt7kKe6W6Rp-HZxJWSqk07nnMk6Tl2TxsJonnaWsm4NXfy2QxvxiSxnwYoVWL2nTQ12XDDAGffCq2ifhibpSAdx1mbV8AIjCA0Xh8ikUnABgqLRbj5vmyDmI/s550/chart.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3E4zquZv15orneF23MmdeAt7kKe6W6Rp-HZxJWSqk07nnMk6Tl2TxsJonnaWsm4NXfy2QxvxiSxnwYoVWL2nTQ12XDDAGffCq2ifhibpSAdx1mbV8AIjCA0Xh8ikUnABgqLRbj5vmyDmI/w194-h320/chart.png" width="194" /></a></div>Especially thanks to our cooperators for our Post Rock District wheat plots including Art Befort, Calvin Bohnert, Marty Fletchall, and Brent Harzman. The average of the <b>Jewell County wheat plot</b> was <b>43 bushels/acre</b> and the <b>Smith County wheat plot average</b> was <b>51 bushels/acre</b>. The KSU replicated wheat plot in <b>Mitchell County</b> averaged <b>47 bushels/acre</b>. The Osborne County wheat plot was not harvested for yield due to weed pressure. <br /><br />The use of <b>wheat variety blends</b> is also a big question with producers. Blends can offer producers some yield stability in most cases. While any one variety may do much better or worse than other varieties in the same vicinity, having a blend of two or three varieties can usually even out those ups and downs. Using blends also reduces the chances of having a landlord possibly upset because the variety planted yielded considerably less than other fields in the area. <br /><br />There are just a few guidelines to remember when using blends. Use varieties with different disease resistance. Although the cost effectiveness of fungicides now may reduce the importance of this factor, there is still value to having at least one natural source of resistance to diseases. Use varieties with slightly different maturities. If producers can spread out the maturity just a bit, there is a better chance that at least one of the varieties can benefit from a given weather pattern. And lastly, don’t be afraid to try new varieties in a blend. </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica">If you have additional questions on selecting wheat varieties contact me at any of the Post Rock Extension District Offices in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center.</font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-78887697037474823172020-07-15T15:29:00.001-05:002020-07-15T15:30:53.761-05:00Social Media Privacy Settings<font face="helvetica">Brenda Langdon, Family Resource Management Agent <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG11FRBnV1joXj1yHAam7CBdS4HROY0h-ukpfolsg6MmS94jLVeUamxvcelUMUdjmZ9X_Jez59vB1st5sgaiwbFTbPrQhBEk07CL9UnY2XYrejiz7ng84Pqwz9RaYloln6iNja6uDWnZ-j/s342/tweet_like_share+sign.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="342" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG11FRBnV1joXj1yHAam7CBdS4HROY0h-ukpfolsg6MmS94jLVeUamxvcelUMUdjmZ9X_Jez59vB1st5sgaiwbFTbPrQhBEk07CL9UnY2XYrejiz7ng84Pqwz9RaYloln6iNja6uDWnZ-j/w256-h170/tweet_like_share+sign.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>The online community created by social media platforms can provide several rewards – new friends, entertainment, education but along with that can raise the concern for privacy risks. It is smart to have limits as to what is revealed and to whom. <br /><br />Here are some Social Media Privacy Best Practices <br />1. <b>Do your due diligence</b> – Check the social media platforms privacy policy before opening an account. Find out how your personal information could be used, and how much control you have over your privacy. <br />2. <b>Be Discreet </b>– You don’t have to fill in every field when creating your profile. Also, don’t post information about your vacation plans, interior of your home etc., things that might make you more attractive to scam artists or thieves. <br />3. <b>Think before you share</b> – remember that things you share could very well be shared outside your intended audience. Ask yourself “what would my parents, teachers, colleges, current or future employer, lender, law enforcement etc. think about this?” Protect your “e-reputation”. </font><div><font face="helvetica">4. <b>Enlist your friends</b> – Real friends will care about your reputation and respect your privacy. If someone has posted something in their own social media account that could affect you, ask them to remove it. <br />5. <b>Smaller is often safer</b> – Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know just to build your audience. You may not know them well enough to trust them which could increase risk that your privacy and security could be compromised. <br />6. <b>Lock intruders out</b> – Use every safety precaution to keep others out of your account. Set strong passwords, use a different password for each social media account, and lock your phone so a password is required. <br />7. <b>Keep your whereabouts to your self </b>– Telling your audience that you are out of town, at the airport, or on a two-week vacation could put you at risk for burglary, stalking etc. <br />8. <b>Resist temptation</b> – Don’t click on unknow links, which could be designed to infect your computer with a virus or data stealing spyware. <br /><br /><b>Planning for your Financial Future</b> <br /><br />It’s a good idea to think about your financial future, even during a pandemic. The median age that active workers say they expect to retire is age 65. Yet, the median age of current retirees in the United States today is 62 – indicating that many people may have fewer years to save for retirement than they might think. <br /><br />There are some important steps that people of all ages can take to make sure retirement meets their expectations. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKDYN1FmQlfrNuFx2EinCGGXY79qnOZXRid5ri5JQtqfdx56D9s3mpyr1MhugTUYrK5U5B5xgZKSvgke9coa6gMCHi6NvtNhXDD4I0-yzLrml83_tUzmCWRe-sr_CjOpSC_kVU7xhmM__/s612/piggy+bank.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKDYN1FmQlfrNuFx2EinCGGXY79qnOZXRid5ri5JQtqfdx56D9s3mpyr1MhugTUYrK5U5B5xgZKSvgke9coa6gMCHi6NvtNhXDD4I0-yzLrml83_tUzmCWRe-sr_CjOpSC_kVU7xhmM__/w256-h170/piggy+bank.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>If you have an employer-provided retirement fund, put in enough of your money to get the maximum match. For example, if you put in 4% and they match 4%, then do that. If they’ll match more, put in more. Do what you can to get the maximum employer match. <br /><br />Think about ways to cut your expenses now and in the future. If you are working less (due to the pandemic) or not working at all, you’re already looking at your expenses carefully. Coming out of the pandemic, think about whether you will continue with the changes that you were forced into. Make plans to continue to put money into your retirement account. <br /><br />In 1983, the U.S. Congress raised the age at which many Americans can receive full social security benefits to 67 (Medicare benefits are available at age 65). The Social Security Administration publishes a chart online, to find your full retirement age by birth year. <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/ageincrease.html">https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/ageincrease.html</a> <br /><br />Beginning at age 62, your monthly benefit is reduced for each month you retire before your full retirement age, and for every month after your full retirement age – up to age 70 – your benefit is increased. If you can wait to retire, your monthly benefit will increase to the maximum amount. Everyone’s situation is unique. What might work for you might not work for your neighbor, sister, or brother. You have to think about what will work for you and your situation and put some thought into your decisions. <br /><br />(References: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2020/06/tips-for-planning-your-financial-future.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2020/06/tips-for-planning-your-financial-future.html</a>) <br /><br /><b>Money Saving Summer Tips</b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy-rKFPfbtvyDhT7NNKT5Z9sISxcf131WXbB5M92DJTrdWNdjNmtUayOab_uUDTofy_B6lF-TkVSFo_s4duPH0GWM9qMkCmlK5y8fKHj5TzUG1razYp7il4gSIj3PkKu3ug_dI80CenlI/s529/money+jar.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="529" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy-rKFPfbtvyDhT7NNKT5Z9sISxcf131WXbB5M92DJTrdWNdjNmtUayOab_uUDTofy_B6lF-TkVSFo_s4duPH0GWM9qMkCmlK5y8fKHj5TzUG1razYp7il4gSIj3PkKu3ug_dI80CenlI/w256-h184/money+jar.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>Looking for a great sale? Let’s look at how to save money and plan your shopping in August. Here is a list of the best products to buy in plus holidays where you might find an extra sale and a bonus including the national days where you can score free items! <br /><br />Close out summer by buying summer products — look for end-of-season clearance sales. <br /><br /><b>Back-to-school supplies</b> - The start of school marks the need to buy small items such as pencils and expensive ones like laptops. Generally, the closer to the start of the school year you buy, the better your chances of getting a good price. <br /><br /><b>Outdoor products.</b> Look for end of summer sales with a big deal on lawn mowers and other seasonal outdoor equipment. <br /><br /><b> Swimsuits.</b> There may not be many swimming days left by the time August rolls around, but that’s exactly why stores will have swimsuit clearance sales. Buy swimsuits for your family now for next year. <br /><br /><i>Mark your calendar:</i> The first day of school is usually in August. </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><i>Freebie day</i>: National Waffle Day is Aug. 24.</font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-35419906383061660532020-07-10T09:35:00.001-05:002020-07-10T09:35:24.389-05:00Have Fun and Stay Safe at the Fair<div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><b>Ashley Svaty, </b>Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent</i></font></div><div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></font></div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">Fair season has arrived in the Post Rock District! 4-H’ers have been busy throughout to ensure their projects are fair ready and Post Rock District staff have been working with community task forces to ensure our 2020 fair goers are safe and healthy as we navigate through COVID-19. While out and about visiting a fair this summer, keep in mind the following to stay healthy and have fun!</font><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcevRYvJ0UCcXbKPKGv6AgPPcKcBD-QGKqe8wIuTPWGyFg4sUTXDzwsWOl1QKr6Dw2Dy-i0_All-sa0yPSikZeiPoqHg9AvQ4vEtRVwDRTMKvryyFiSeuwdAhyphenhyphenlpEvDFnBR9-am_aFQd0H/s1920/Safe+at+Fair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcevRYvJ0UCcXbKPKGv6AgPPcKcBD-QGKqe8wIuTPWGyFg4sUTXDzwsWOl1QKr6Dw2Dy-i0_All-sa0yPSikZeiPoqHg9AvQ4vEtRVwDRTMKvryyFiSeuwdAhyphenhyphenlpEvDFnBR9-am_aFQd0H/w400-h225/Safe+at+Fair.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">Follow local health and safety guidelines regarding physical distancing and masks </font></li><li><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">Utilize the handwashing and/or hand sanitizing stations located throughout the fairgrounds </font></li><li><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">Stay in the shade when possible or visit the fairgrounds in the morning or evenings when the temperatures are cooler </font></li><li><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">Wear sunblock and a hat to block the sun </font></li><li><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">Wear comfortable shoes so you can get your steps in while viewing the exhibits </font></li><li><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">Stay hydrated and drink water while at the fair and before visiting the fairgrounds </font></li><li><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">If you are unsure about physically going to the fair, visit virtually and follow the county fair events on Facebook </font></li></ul><br />To find out more about the Post Rock District fairs, visit our website <a href="https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/4-h/county-fairs/" style="line-height: 1.5;">https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/4-h/county-fairs/</a></font></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-27459099148561330442020-06-30T11:42:00.000-05:002020-06-30T11:42:07.969-05:00The Basics of Blue-green Algae and the Risks to Livestock<div class="separator"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">By Sandra L. Wick, Crop Production Agent </span></div><div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.15;"><br />Wheat harvest is just getting started around north central Kansas, however, with the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPcyng6N_8AKAc64JHZgRv9jsx1zdrVC66p8BQ_q8iwTbN8DzujBS_s2vI5CVwC_D1VgERivhro8SaU8TSxiDQBzfJ1mk480kABiC5BuMyw4pWYGTbOOjwGyQFFj2leePF7uL2au5CfIx/s371/cattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="371" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPcyng6N_8AKAc64JHZgRv9jsx1zdrVC66p8BQ_q8iwTbN8DzujBS_s2vI5CVwC_D1VgERivhro8SaU8TSxiDQBzfJ1mk480kABiC5BuMyw4pWYGTbOOjwGyQFFj2leePF7uL2au5CfIx/w200-h150/cattle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>weather conditions, checking your farm ponds may be something on your “chore list,” as blue-green algae may be a concern! Weather conditions that might increase the potential of blue-algae development in farm ponds include pretty high temperatures along with abundant sunlight. Blue-green algae produce toxins that pose a health risk to livestock that use these ponds for drinking water. <br /><br /><b style="line-height: 1.15;">Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County, is on the WARNING list according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), for Blue-green algae</b>. A WARNING designation means <b style="line-height: 1.15;">Harmful algae is EXPECTED OR PRESENT. The following are the recommendations from KDHE:</b> All contact with water, including fishing and boating, should be avoided. <br /><br />Stay tuned and I will share about the development of blue-green algae, the risks to livestock, and tips for visual identification. <br /><br /><b style="line-height: 1.15;"><i style="line-height: 1.15;">What are blue-green algae?</i></b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYitQlp3fdrqeNf5TY6TKsvjFkxhKFQpKl3eeSHv72noZcnJa6KSYyzqWLPtYS3DXXuZR_peeoQOQYcstOzxgR4DYAR5WAYu4Ijx1fthnIBHeoki_2PkiS1JX5Ce1Sscog1MWAWth4Wcm/s379/blue-green+algae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="379" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYitQlp3fdrqeNf5TY6TKsvjFkxhKFQpKl3eeSHv72noZcnJa6KSYyzqWLPtYS3DXXuZR_peeoQOQYcstOzxgR4DYAR5WAYu4Ijx1fthnIBHeoki_2PkiS1JX5Ce1Sscog1MWAWth4Wcm/w200-h149/blue-green+algae.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Blue-green algae include several different species of photosynthetic cyanobacteria that live in water. Cyanobacteria are bacteria capable of photosynthesis. These cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can sicken or kill livestock. Occasionally, blue-green algae rapidly reproduce and form blooms, or large colonies, that are visible as a scum on the water’s surface. They also may change the water color of a pond. Such blooms of toxic cyanobacteria are often referred to as harmful algal blooms, or HABs. These are typically most severe in stagnant areas where wind disturbance of the water surface is minimal and water temperatures are higher. Floating algal scums may accumulate at the downwind shores of lakes and ponds. <br /><br /><b style="line-height: 1.15;"><i style="line-height: 1.15;">What causes harmful algal blooms? </i></b><br />The causes of harmful algal blooms are not completely understood. They are related to increased nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in water, but the exact relationships between nutrient concentrations and blooms are complex and difficult to predict. Although agricultural nutrient runoff is a known risk factor, harmful algal blooms also are found in ponds surrounded by rangeland, where nutrient loading from cropland is rarely an issue. Other environmental factors that may favor the formation of blooms include hot, sunny weather with little wind. Ponds with relatively clear water may be more likely to produce harmful algal blooms due to high sunlight availability, a necessary component for photosynthetic organisms, throughout the water column. <br /><br /><b style="line-height: 1.15;">Blue-green algae toxins</b> The toxins created by blue-green algae species show up as either <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmduf_lumgzRqk0C0vhVGEKa8Q8eLZuWeIjhTmH2xVelSO4smAmngvLnJddPmbpWohIMKIrgNxmmE9dHWJqA7W7cE_2zx8qjyaVKWg6_VzrPnyFJgTWOKLFtTWyuMf2N1A1Nc7a1A1kL2/s353/cattle_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="353" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmduf_lumgzRqk0C0vhVGEKa8Q8eLZuWeIjhTmH2xVelSO4smAmngvLnJddPmbpWohIMKIrgNxmmE9dHWJqA7W7cE_2zx8qjyaVKWg6_VzrPnyFJgTWOKLFtTWyuMf2N1A1Nc7a1A1kL2/w200-h150/cattle_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>neurotoxins, or hepatotoxins, thus meaning they can damage the nervous system, or affect the liver function of animals. Typically, the first clinical sign noticed in pasture cattle that have consumed neurotoxins are dead cattle. If found early enough, cattle may have muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, slobbering, and diarrhea. Hepatotoxins can cause an acute death similar to neurotoxins, or lead to delayed issues with liver failure. An example of this would be weight loss and photosensitization and can be recognized by severe sun burns on areas of the body not covered with hair. Since there are several causes of acute death in pasture cattle, contact your local veterinarian for diagnosis. Unfortunately, there are no known antidotes to these cyanotoxins. Understanding what to look for, and avoiding livestock exposure is important. Most toxins produced during harmful algal blooms are stored within the cyanobacteria until they die. As the cyanobacteria decompose, they release stored toxins into the water. Toxins are not evenly dispersed in a pond. <br /><br /><i style="line-height: 1.15;">Mycrocystis</i> species, which are generally the most problematic blue-green algae in Kansas, self-regulate their position in the water. This means they are often floating at or near the surface to capture the most sunlight for photosynthesis. When the wind blows in a relatively constant direction, these organisms accumulate on the downwind side of the pond, where toxin concentrations may increase. Other blue-green algae species are less buoyant and may be more widely dispersed in the body of water. <br /><br />Toxin concentrations can vary dramatically, even at nearby locations in the same pond. Pockets of water that contain lethal quantities of toxins may be within a few feet of areas with low concentrations, making it impossible to determine whether or not a water body is toxic by using a single water sample. <b style="line-height: 1.15;">Generally, when finding measurable toxin levels, it is prudent to suspect the entire pond is toxic; do not use for livestock or human drinking water. Avoid wading and touching the water</b> as these toxins may irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. Some toxin types may cause the meat of fish to be poisonous. Do not eat fish caught from these ponds. <br /><br /><b style="line-height: 1.15;">Identification of blue-green algae</b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawSyq8yp1IZTe_4IIJUjHZhmd1Ys0Wf_p4EfZJhzrd4qY0cp5U5tXrc_QzmmQuNsYDsOprsAj_pBDRfGcbxkz4FpDhVz82JYRes9ZM9TRP-LF9B__quqNRBIQua04Zd0FGW9_m7i9Ey0o/s600/identify+blue-green+algae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawSyq8yp1IZTe_4IIJUjHZhmd1Ys0Wf_p4EfZJhzrd4qY0cp5U5tXrc_QzmmQuNsYDsOprsAj_pBDRfGcbxkz4FpDhVz82JYRes9ZM9TRP-LF9B__quqNRBIQua04Zd0FGW9_m7i9Ey0o/w200-h150/identify+blue-green+algae.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A pond containing a harmful algal bloom may be covered with a scum that looks like bright. green paint, but other colors are possible, varying from blue-green to grey, and occasionally red or brown. Some types are filamentous and may form slimy strands when many are clinging to each other. Blue-green algae can be distinguished from duckweed by size, as individual duckweed plants are visible without a microscope. Water from a pond with a harmful algal bloom often will have an unpleasant smell. Most livestock will avoid water with this smell, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMs3TvSZ5t8_ncGDtrliXreCRJ-vjOcGQA3rCnEwCw0IYERqc-DcF3xJrUsVIpxoVRwpJd5OL96OhrltcLKbxtbYF-SgwMAUrveeEN_b68VLtRLYPhtgsGFrHF4ivpjkQJRynUF0YKPQQ/s198/identify+blue-green+algae+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="76" data-original-width="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMs3TvSZ5t8_ncGDtrliXreCRJ-vjOcGQA3rCnEwCw0IYERqc-DcF3xJrUsVIpxoVRwpJd5OL96OhrltcLKbxtbYF-SgwMAUrveeEN_b68VLtRLYPhtgsGFrHF4ivpjkQJRynUF0YKPQQ/" /></a></div>but some dogs are attracted by the smell and are at risk of drinking the water or ingesting scum at the edges of the pond. This behavior may lead to lethal exposures. <br /><br />For more detailed information, K-State Research and Extension has an excellent publication, MF-3065, “Identification and Management of Blue-green algae in farm ponds”. This can be found on our website at </font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.15;"><a href="https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/livestock/" style="line-height: 1.15;">https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/livestock/</a>. </span><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.15;">If you have further questions, contact any office of the Post Rock Extension District in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center.</font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.15; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-56634306633199817402020-06-22T15:55:00.002-05:002020-06-26T14:10:24.848-05:00Is Little Barley Taking Over Your Lawn?<font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 2;"><i>Cassie Homan, Horticulture Agent</i></font><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2mLwk4cMgPRlA2WMztv9IhTXtbm1CRM6uEWM1vDTJtRRRf7OJZ6Mc36Na9goj5KOQVV0YRy6zQmxKeEe9qniHQE_2UDF90l8Ilch5btw2GM9ofr9MzOvJJ3G_ABGjH34F9LVIFki09Ld/s649/pic1final.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="649" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2mLwk4cMgPRlA2WMztv9IhTXtbm1CRM6uEWM1vDTJtRRRf7OJZ6Mc36Na9goj5KOQVV0YRy6zQmxKeEe9qniHQE_2UDF90l8Ilch5btw2GM9ofr9MzOvJJ3G_ABGjH34F9LVIFki09Ld/s320/pic1final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 2;">Growing a green lawn in Kansas is no easy task. This time of year, it can feel impossible to keep up with the weeds. Little barley is a common Kansas weed that can take over your turf and eventually turns brown leaving unsightly patches. It is a winter annual weed that comes up in September or October in our part of the state and spends the winter as a small plant. It thrives in the cooler spring temperatures, forms seed heads and dies out usually by July. Another common weed, foxtail, is often mistaken with little barley. This is because the two weeds have similar seed heads (see pictures 2 and 3). However, foxtails are a summer annual that do well in hot weather. Also, foxtail will not produce seedheads until mid- to late-summer.</font></div><div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 2;"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp2cZHHrBjdQQjl61RhFo76AMJ04ykyUaPrzBVoq_UqxtOQLAnYymgxukXWlMEEWiegx-2ElOwQhGuZLYY6kjHFU6tl8EYLu-h1bY_ZC1odaP9jQU42QWNes2rRL18UezLNoDqxpJ8_U3/s300/pic2final.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp2cZHHrBjdQQjl61RhFo76AMJ04ykyUaPrzBVoq_UqxtOQLAnYymgxukXWlMEEWiegx-2ElOwQhGuZLYY6kjHFU6tl8EYLu-h1bY_ZC1odaP9jQU42QWNes2rRL18UezLNoDqxpJ8_U3/" /></a></div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 2;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGOxH8gG3zG3atBbaWW2W4RG1qqHIK-d852iycUw05iEw8kVgPvwAvashSF5VLRqpE0xwQNAfAlPkWoX67lvIk4MJDIS_ijSpsH5TXq6cxLGTuERwGAu-yNjat9cr59c5IXocA6t4YBph/s320/pic3final.jpg" /></font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 2;">Unfortunately, now is not the ideal time to control little barley. It is best controlled in the fall, around August. If you have a multitude of little barley weeds in your lawn, make sure to mark your calendar for fall so you don’t forget to spray them for control, next season. If you are wanting to kill little barley weeds right now, use a non-selective herbicide that kills everything such as glyphosate (Roundup), just beware that this will damage your turf, and desirable plants. The best control for little barley, and any weed, is a thick lawn that is mowed high enough that sunlight does not hit the soil. Little barley seed will not germinate in such conditions. Overseeding now can thicken up a tall fescue lawn and prevent a little barley infestation. However, if you do not plan to overseed, preemergence herbicides can be used to provide at least partial control of this weed.</font></div><div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 2;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></font></div><div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 2;">The only preemergence herbicide that is labeled specifically for little barley is Surflan. It is also sold under the name of Weed Impede by Monterey Lawn and Garden. Surflan can only be used on warm-season grasses (bermudagrass, buffalograss, zoysiagrass) and tall fescue grown in warm-season areas such as Kansas. However, Dimension (dithiopyr), is labeled for barley (Herodium spp.) which would include little barley and therefore can be used to keep this weed under control. Because little barley is a winter annual, apply the preemergence herbicide in August and water in to activate. If overseeding, do not apply any preemergence herbicide as it will interfere with the germination of tall fescue. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyFeXYlW3KhModtZ7FA26eifzxXyivqr2W3TUdxkOW72y4aLVaOKZy6zrHzdxjkT_4XpE1_xS7g_ygL6-9A5Ng4B39cyQ0NC-RqFErt8MUHPPkyBv274AB4VVo9GpzC7l_Z5c7aJeCh_Y/s300/pic4final.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyFeXYlW3KhModtZ7FA26eifzxXyivqr2W3TUdxkOW72y4aLVaOKZy6zrHzdxjkT_4XpE1_xS7g_ygL6-9A5Ng4B39cyQ0NC-RqFErt8MUHPPkyBv274AB4VVo9GpzC7l_Z5c7aJeCh_Y/" /></a></div><br />The good news about little barley is that it starts dying down in late June and is dead by early July. That is why treatment in May or June is really a waste of time. Remember the best control is to have a thick, lush lawn and if necessary apply a preemergence herbicide in the fall for a more beautiful lawn! <br /><br />If you would like more details about controlling weeds in your lawn contact Cassie Homan, Post Rock District Horticulture Agent, at (785)738-3597 or by email at choman@ksu.edu</font></div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-90212999506578633082020-06-15T15:09:00.000-05:002020-06-15T15:09:06.476-05:00The Importance of Wheat to Kansas and the World!<font face="helvetica">By Sandra L. Wick, Crop Production Agent <br /><br /><br /></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocNNvxqOXQK-le6G44QL6purEHjuh3xuVkZWt3k3CSLFJjRb7xcaGWGjs2Bk8bZPLwyKRz_qc7AHJ0tTrCvQjvL-SA3FIRMqbRmYzv_tr8Ip0zUAmHDwtGKWQU8xGdqaLxdsAXaoBuoAK/s300/wheat+in+hand_resized.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocNNvxqOXQK-le6G44QL6purEHjuh3xuVkZWt3k3CSLFJjRb7xcaGWGjs2Bk8bZPLwyKRz_qc7AHJ0tTrCvQjvL-SA3FIRMqbRmYzv_tr8Ip0zUAmHDwtGKWQU8xGdqaLxdsAXaoBuoAK/w200-h133/wheat+in+hand_resized.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">It won’t be long and combines and semi-trucks will be rolling on the roads and highways up here in north central Kansas. The 2020 Kansas wheat crop has certainly been through a pretty rough growing season with late planting and limited fall growth to freeze injury and dry conditions. But wheat is a pretty resilient crop and it can only deal with so much of these type of growing conditions! <br /><br /> We will see how the 2020 wheat yields are reported soon, but do you know where the Kansas wheat crop goes once it leaves the field? That is a great question, and most people don’t realize just how many other states and countries depend on our Kansas wheat crop! <br /><br />On average, Kansas is the largest wheat producing state with nearly one-fifth of all wheat grown in the United States coming from Kansas. This is why it is called the “Wheat State” and “Breadbasket of the World.” Kansas has about 60,000 farmers with about 20,000 of those that grow wheat! <br /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.5; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OXmbyvfsDT2TmCxN6l1UuiaERQ4xJRfvKAQedHgogXELIyjMyBllEA9Vm7B4Yc9hYKtrbzbz4fxhMJo-kMe0o0HfZ2r7MwBoLJMNHzK6a5VRQiEzsUKfNP4txMLU_MkJkqlfDHfZeng1/s300/kansas+wheat_resized.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OXmbyvfsDT2TmCxN6l1UuiaERQ4xJRfvKAQedHgogXELIyjMyBllEA9Vm7B4Yc9hYKtrbzbz4fxhMJo-kMe0o0HfZ2r7MwBoLJMNHzK6a5VRQiEzsUKfNP4txMLU_MkJkqlfDHfZeng1/w150-h200/kansas+wheat_resized.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Annual average wheat production in Kansas for the past five years has been about 328 million bushels harvested from an average of 8.5 million acres. According to “Kansas Wheat”, the 2020 wheat crop is estimated to come in at 284.4 million bushels, 7% lower than the May 12 USDA estimate of 306 million bushels and down 16% from last year’s (2019) production of 338 million bushels. This estimate was released on May 21, after yield calculations were made in hundreds of fields across the state by crop scouts, including extension agents, agronomists and farmers. This estimate was a snapshot in time of the potential of the crop and if weather conditions are favorable for the wheat crop for the reminder of the season. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD9CEpGCD232pCA1vadfWqaN_0xAuE3lIw9hS9YwSRQL-yOkYNJJLnMC8C184R3FlcoCPOqpE-2R88M0VXo6ns8VNWu-dsmV0lCy6UdwccgXjz_kfSADhxOhJo28lz2cUqakSME85p3Sr/s300/looking+at+wheat_resized.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="300" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD9CEpGCD232pCA1vadfWqaN_0xAuE3lIw9hS9YwSRQL-yOkYNJJLnMC8C184R3FlcoCPOqpE-2R88M0VXo6ns8VNWu-dsmV0lCy6UdwccgXjz_kfSADhxOhJo28lz2cUqakSME85p3Sr/w200-h183/looking+at+wheat_resized.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Crop scouts stopped in wheat fields across the state over three days and calculated potential yields using a history-based formula provided by USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. This formula has traditionally been used by the Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Red Winter Wheat Tour, which is held each year during the first week of May. This year’s tour was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so a virtual tour was held the week of May 18 by Kansas Wheat and Kansas State University Research & Extension, with support from the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Day 1 covered North Central and Northwest Kansas. The north central district has been plagued by spring drought. Stripe rust was also becoming more prevalent, and barley yellow dwarf was found. The spring freeze also had a large effect on the crop in the area. The average yield for north central Kansas was estimated at 41.1 bushels per acre. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1_c14Wf0FNT9suNhyphenhyphenYKCJlxy-XxEC0dII9KuIZTkUwJyjhDrfkYT98ifBnMZgmoxTO6cMiLeRN5rx9TqqwZ0UJf3l2K3i_6E2PXnhmfRMtjag7wfU8d76OUvXizyIYy5vHgHb7oQCJfb/s300/wheat+train_resized.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1_c14Wf0FNT9suNhyphenhyphenYKCJlxy-XxEC0dII9KuIZTkUwJyjhDrfkYT98ifBnMZgmoxTO6cMiLeRN5rx9TqqwZ0UJf3l2K3i_6E2PXnhmfRMtjag7wfU8d76OUvXizyIYy5vHgHb7oQCJfb/d/wheat+train_resized.jpg" /></a></div>All the wheat grown in Kansas in a single year would fit in a train stretching from western Kansas to the Atlantic Ocean and Kansas stores more wheat than any other state. On average, Kansas ranks number one in wheat and wheat products exported. Half of the wheat grown in Kansas is used in the United States; the other half is exported. <br /><br /></font></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0yuAUWHkjU0EqWcqLKSeZiPUaJzLurFw7yjDbylYA6zKL-KZ62lakV8NIiMUstKmeqr3p29K-LArdNWhr4NWxShPJ4kuGmdpNnuTj3zGZKm9CnBgh50HtyZHT8DxqknykqJ3g-DoJUYc/s299/bread.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0yuAUWHkjU0EqWcqLKSeZiPUaJzLurFw7yjDbylYA6zKL-KZ62lakV8NIiMUstKmeqr3p29K-LArdNWhr4NWxShPJ4kuGmdpNnuTj3zGZKm9CnBgh50HtyZHT8DxqknykqJ3g-DoJUYc/" /></a></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">As you all know, wheat is used for many kinds of foods such as breads, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, cereals, crackers, pasta, flour tortillas and Oriental noodles. But did you know that one 60-pound bushel of wheat provides about 42 pounds of white flour, enough for about 70, one-pound loaves of white bread and each American consumes about 134 pounds of wheat flour per year. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Bojlfi2cH6rJ6gepp7mYd9CJIoT3Mh8rcePzhT5-btvDirayRbFVOMHlCi9r_5B5kjliaLOoBAP1IsbP6HUKCAbKizCPRI9qG-BQoN4Th3ICQsr8OECZweM9cfwmG3umfHE4qFVYUgmf/s300/demo+plots_resized.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Bojlfi2cH6rJ6gepp7mYd9CJIoT3Mh8rcePzhT5-btvDirayRbFVOMHlCi9r_5B5kjliaLOoBAP1IsbP6HUKCAbKizCPRI9qG-BQoN4Th3ICQsr8OECZweM9cfwmG3umfHE4qFVYUgmf/w200-h200/demo+plots_resized.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Stay tuned to my Post Rock Extension District Crop page (<a href="https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/crops/test-plots/" style="line-height: 1.5;">https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/crops/test-plots/</a>) for the yield reports from our four Wheat Demonstration wheat plots. All four plots are scheduled to be harvested and the yield reports will be posted for each of the locations. We also taped and recorded our first-ever “Post Rock Extension District Virtual Wheat Tour” that is also posted in this location. Be sure and grab some popcorn and your favorite drink to learn about the “new” and “traditional” wheat varieties from 2020 and what to think about for your varieties for your 2021 wheat crop. <br /><br /></font></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font></div><div style="line-height: 1.5;"><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;">We hope you have a successful and more importantly SAFE 2020 Wheat harvest! <br /><br /><i>Post Rock Extension District of K-State Research and Extension serves Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith counties. Sandra may be contacted at <a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu" style="line-height: 1.5;">swick@ksu.edu</a> or by calling Smith Center, 282-6823, Beloit 738-3597, Lincoln 524-4432, Mankato 378-3174, or Osborne 346-2521. Join us on Facebook at “Post Rock Extension” along with our blog site at “postrockextension.blogspot.com. Also remember our website is <b>www.postrock.ksu.edu</b> and my twitter account is @PRDcrops.</i></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1.5; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-54106954902660699722020-06-11T13:06:00.000-05:002020-06-11T13:06:06.081-05:00Check Your Credit <font face="helvetica">Brenda Langdon, Family Resource Management Agent <br /><br /><br />One in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports according to a study conducted by The Federal Trade Commission. When was the last time you checked your free credit report? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_F0Pp8lv79pgY9m58ABcvY_SpbT1mM9xkZazJeUXMewEL1vT3yCM7KD_ecsLi1xqe6scMZizaI5jG-Z6xG_77TTHjpieKbsv55WV4SJK5BrZ5H1HyuEnjHEQXVKh-gbLWNoZYrCShHh6/s628/check+your+credit.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="628" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_F0Pp8lv79pgY9m58ABcvY_SpbT1mM9xkZazJeUXMewEL1vT3yCM7KD_ecsLi1xqe6scMZizaI5jG-Z6xG_77TTHjpieKbsv55WV4SJK5BrZ5H1HyuEnjHEQXVKh-gbLWNoZYrCShHh6/w320-h61/check+your+credit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>Credit reports affect many aspects of your life including your ability to get a loan, rates for loans and insurance and more. <br /><br />Check your credit from once a year to once a week until April 2021. You can access your credit report from each credit reporting agency – Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union by going to the website <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action">https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action</a>. Be sure to check your credit and keep errors off your account. Especially if you are postponing bills, using more credit than usual, or applying for loans.<div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><b>Economic Impact Payment Frequently Asked Questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPJ4MT5U20d6j_MhaBNbIO0qJGpY7opJw4h0dtHt5jUDEUPnenOkQZlUYgh3DZ9KO_bGbBckg0dfXv_LSQMDmnBRfaW5CVs4Cn_AykX0Jvodyj1HqUi0EQpzW-b4X6wjXjk47bdXmkUAg/s91/money.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="69" data-original-width="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPJ4MT5U20d6j_MhaBNbIO0qJGpY7opJw4h0dtHt5jUDEUPnenOkQZlUYgh3DZ9KO_bGbBckg0dfXv_LSQMDmnBRfaW5CVs4Cn_AykX0Jvodyj1HqUi0EQpzW-b4X6wjXjk47bdXmkUAg/d/money.jpg" /></a></div></b><br />Most of you should have received your Economic Impact Payment by now. Here are some frequently asked questions about those payments. <br /><br />How can I return an Economic Impact Payment that I received in error? <br /><br />If you received a payment in error go to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic- impact-payment-information-center</a> and scroll down to Q54 for instructions on how to send the payment back. <br /><br />Does someone who died qualify for an Economic Impact Payment? <br /><br />No. A payment made to someone who died before receipt of the Payment should be returned to the IRS. Go to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center</a> and scroll down to Q54 for instructions. <br /><br />Does someone who is incarcerated qualify for an Economic Impact Payment? <br /><br />No. A payment made to someone who is incarcerated should be returned to the IRS. Go to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center">https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center</a> and scroll down to Q54 for instructions. <br /><br />My loved one is in a nursing home and received an Economic Impact Payment. What do I need to do? <br /><br />Economic Impact Payment Funds are not considered income by Medicaid. After 12 months any remaining funds will count as a resource for continued qualifying for Medicaid, including those in care homes. <br /><br />Does my Economic Impact Payment affect federal programs I am applying for? <br /><br />No. A payment will not affect your income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs. </font><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FtLOOyR6sz8WI-NY89AdSQA1PfGXNdfJv0T8LPzTOgVGp8P7lyJGqNbYkmeYRa88GLXbD9M62HQWE49uqlJp2OXGVT4BB50YiXAJWouia9gIK4p8CeS0v9t733-72Va7_DWMxU0zYr0K/s400/Logo+with+background.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="400" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FtLOOyR6sz8WI-NY89AdSQA1PfGXNdfJv0T8LPzTOgVGp8P7lyJGqNbYkmeYRa88GLXbD9M62HQWE49uqlJp2OXGVT4BB50YiXAJWouia9gIK4p8CeS0v9t733-72Va7_DWMxU0zYr0K/w200-h56/Logo+with+background.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><font face="helvetica"><br /><br /><b>Making Ends Meet </b><br /><br />Here are some steps you can take, called the 5 C’s, for if or when your income drops. The 5 C’s are a great starting point to assist people who are struggling to balance income and expenses in economic good times or bad such as trying to reduce debt, establishing an emergency fund, saving for retirement, or reaching a personal financial goal. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XWY7mJjR61KlnkrDUFJ-YJsO6Si9uAxH3Qa77AirlRpKh1PiTarc8YlA0B2RoVnxLvhrxlwZuVRYh7XNB73iuNVgsPFkR9gXxOulpyn5mvZpyCTLf7yoIUKs7QWVCHLkKPJFgrN7yg49/s214/house.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XWY7mJjR61KlnkrDUFJ-YJsO6Si9uAxH3Qa77AirlRpKh1PiTarc8YlA0B2RoVnxLvhrxlwZuVRYh7XNB73iuNVgsPFkR9gXxOulpyn5mvZpyCTLf7yoIUKs7QWVCHLkKPJFgrN7yg49/" /></a></div>· <b>Control</b> as much of the situation as you can <br /><br />· <b>Claim</b> benefits due to you <br /><br />· <b>Communicate</b> with family members <br /><br />· <b>Confer</b> with creditors <br /><br />· <b>Change</b> your lifestyle <br /><br /><b><br /></b></font><div><font face="helvetica"><b><br /></b></font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><b><br /></b></font></div><div><b style="font-family: helvetica;">Planning your summer budget <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLhSvHhA64RhA9MLXAK9lOcZiTiuARDTUX1HlteukgiRowtZhidy67xSWRbsfEefw9CEyG_DgjwEeYSE830kcOdvEZvn32gUoWx1jQFvi0NuEaTgURrIuGjkzJpYFSR343k7CO-_VxIm-/s474/summer.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="474" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLhSvHhA64RhA9MLXAK9lOcZiTiuARDTUX1HlteukgiRowtZhidy67xSWRbsfEefw9CEyG_DgjwEeYSE830kcOdvEZvn32gUoWx1jQFvi0NuEaTgURrIuGjkzJpYFSR343k7CO-_VxIm-/w200-h118/summer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></b></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br />Summer is here, the weather is warm, and it’s time to head outside. Summer activities can hit<br /> you in the pocketbook and start adding up before you know it. Start preparing your summer budget (spending plan) by taking a few minutes to plan for upcoming extra expenses. <br /><br />Here are some reminders of things to include in your summer budget. Father’s Day is right around the corner. Plan to budget for a gift, grilling for dad or going out to eat at his favorite restaurant. Weddings and graduation season are here, budget for a gift for all the invites. Farmers Markets will soon be opening. Set some money aside for some fresh fruits and vegetables and support the farmers markets. Be sure to set aside some money for lawn care, extra watering for the lawn and garden. As the summer heats up, the air conditioner will be running in full force. Be sure to budget for higher electric and water bills. If you are planning a vacation or a staycation, either one is going to cost you some dollars. Be prepared for the costs associated with travel, or the “to do” list around the house if you opt for a staycation. Whether you are taking the kids to the local pool, or the backyard pool, budget for sunscreen. Keep the kids and yourself safe from the sun by applying sunscreen. Also consider seasonal clothing for the family, and back to school clothing and school supplies. And let’s not forget those backyard barbeques and family gatherings. Be sure to budget for additional summer food costs. Have a great summer! </font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-21722552039621544612020-06-08T13:17:00.001-05:002020-06-08T13:17:48.031-05:00Safe Home-Canning FAQ’s<div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><b>Ashley Svaty, </b>Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent</i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></i></div><font face="helvetica">Whether you’re new to canning or if you’ve been canning for decades, it’s always a great idea to stay up to date and use the most current and research based food preservation methods. If home canned foods are not canned safely, foodborne illness can turn a treat into tragedy. Please call any of our Post Rock District offices with food preservation questions or to schedule a time to test your dial gauge, we are happy to help!</font><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font><div><div><font face="helvetica"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEP3KsWLUd57sD6bkFvGucW8vLzUU_jS5GfVMRs1Md9W6KdI39YoNyr2yepQglLshkBEYeKR8B3HbACnyNgjVIkJTtI93pQeX4uq3ERBvaSddHxM3BwrDq-cMXCRlis3QIcxURkrv8Y4A/s600/Canner+Image+for+Blog+June+8+resized.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEP3KsWLUd57sD6bkFvGucW8vLzUU_jS5GfVMRs1Md9W6KdI39YoNyr2yepQglLshkBEYeKR8B3HbACnyNgjVIkJTtI93pQeX4uq3ERBvaSddHxM3BwrDq-cMXCRlis3QIcxURkrv8Y4A/w266-h400/Canner+Image+for+Blog+June+8+resized.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><b>Can I use my electric pressure cooker to can food? </b><br /><b>A: NO</b>- Do not use electric pressure cookers for canning. Research conducted at Utah State University shows that electric pressure cookers do not always reach or sustain safe temperature levels for safe canning. This is even more critical at higher altitudes. Electric pressure cookers also have faster heat up and cool down time periods. This can affect heat transfer and pathogen destruction. Learn more about Utah State University’s study at <a href="https://bit.ly/2Yqxhah" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2Yqxhah</a> and from Food Safety News at <a href="https://bit.ly/2JydlyO" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2JydlyO</a>. <br /><br /><b>Q: Do I need to adjust for altitude? </b><br /><b>A: YES -</b> Kansas altitudes can range from below 1,000 feet to just over 4,000 feet. Failure to adjust for altitude will lead to under processed food, which could cause foodborne illness.<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3172.pdf" target="_blank"> Use the publication found here to make altitude adjustments</a> <br /><br /><b>Q: Should I test my dial gauge? </b><br /><b>A: YES -</b> We recommend that you have your dial gauge tested for accuracy each year and we offer this testing free of charge. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment before dropping off your canner lid and gauge. <br /><br /><b>Q: Why is headspace important? </b><br /><b>A:</b> Proper headspace helps ensure a good vacuum seal on jars. Too little headspace can compromise the seal. Food and liquid expands during processing and may seep underneath the sealing compound. <br /><br /><b>Q: Is open kettle canning safe? </b><br /><b>A: NO -</b> Processing methods that are recommended for home canning are water bath canners for high-acid foods and pressure canners for low-acid foods. The following old methods are not recommended and may cause spoiled food and foodborne illness: <br /><ul><li><font face="helvetica"><b>Open Kettle Canning-</b> In this method, hot food is poured into jars and the lid and ring are applied with no further heat processing. This allows bacteria, yeast, and mold to grow and spoil food. Examples include inverting hot jars and sun canning.</font></li><li><font face="helvetica"><b>Oven-</b> Oven temperatures vary with the accuracy of oven regulators and air movement. Dry heat moves slowly through jars, allowing bacteria to grow. Jars may crack due to temperature shock.</font></li><li><font face="helvetica"><b>Dishwasher-</b> Use the dishwasher to wash empty jars and keep them hot, do not use it for processing filled jars. The water temperature is not high enough to kill bacteria.</font></li></ul><b>Q: Can I experiment and can my own personal recipe? </b><br /><b>A: NO-</b> Canning your homemade favorite recipe is risky, and may cause spoilage and make you sick. It is difficult to determine the safety of a homemade recipe without having detailed knowledge of the recipe, preparation procedures, total acid content, and consistency of the final product. Use tested recipes from trusted resources such as USDA, K-State Research and Extension publications, or home preserving equipment and ingredient manufacturers. Commercially canned foods are rigorously tested for safety. It is dangerous to recreate them at home. <br /><br /><b>Q: Do I need to acidify tomatoes? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnkdh6Lhcqw2JLqGaBpdqFiFH_8-uiZD7TZz7mI-0VMV5QfnVdTo7BHRzgOC2cld16SfiZmKbarOKqrHMdRJPCWivXhHnIQ0PI2SOhTiBp8wCaJW5HHU5mQ_MEZZudYRVN7yy3-_RjlCP/s500/Tomatoes+Image+for+Blog+June+8+resized.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="311" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnkdh6Lhcqw2JLqGaBpdqFiFH_8-uiZD7TZz7mI-0VMV5QfnVdTo7BHRzgOC2cld16SfiZmKbarOKqrHMdRJPCWivXhHnIQ0PI2SOhTiBp8wCaJW5HHU5mQ_MEZZudYRVN7yy3-_RjlCP/w249-h400/Tomatoes+Image+for+Blog+June+8+resized.jpg" width="249" /></a></div></b><b>A: YES-</b>Tomatoes are on the borderline between a low-acid and high-acid food. Tomato processing recommendations include both boiling water and pressure canning. Pressure processing instructions are equivalent in heat treatment to water bath processing. Both methods require acidification. There are no recommendations to process tomatoes without acidification.</font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /><b>Q: Can I guess how long food should be processed? </b><br /><b>A: NO-</b> only use trusted resources and follow their safe processing instructions. Guessing can lead to under processing and foodborne illness or to over processing and poor quality food. <br /><br /><b>Q: What size jar do I use? </b><br /><b>A:</b> Recipes specify what size of jar to use. If a recipe lists pints only, do not use a larger jar. Regular and wide-mouth Mason-type, threaded, home-canning jars with self-sealing lids are the best choice. Half-gallon jars are only used for canning high acid juices. With careful use and handling, Mason jars may be reused many times. <br /><br /><b>Q: Can I reuse lids? </b><br /><b>A: NO-</b> The common self-sealing lid consists of a flat metal lid and a metal screw band. These lids are used one-time only. Reusing metal lids can lead to seal failure and spoilage. Lids manufactured since 2014 do not require heat treatment before use. All lids, however, can be heated gently in hot simmering water. Do not boil lids as excessive heat softens the gasket compound too much. Metal screw bands can be reused. <br /><br /><b>Q: Can I modify a tested recipe to suit my preferences? </b><br /><b>A: NO-</b> Adding thickeners, pasta, rice, or any other ingredient to tested recipes can result in spoilage and foodborne illness. These changes alter the acidity and consistency, which slows heat penetration. Instead, make the recipe as stated, then add extra ingredients before serving. <br /><br /><b>Q: Are fancy packs safe?</b> <br /><b>A:</b> Fancy packs are not practical and produce potentially unsafe products. Processing times depend on specific preparation procedures. For example, preparation instructions specify cutting carrot pieces, instead of packing them whole. Fancy packs can slow heat penetration through the jar of dense food. The slow process of fancy packing hot food will cool the food too much, resulting in under processing. <br /><br />There are many more resources available on our <a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation/" target="_blank">Rapid Response Center’s Food Preservation site</a>. For access to this publication and other food preservation resources, contact a Post Rock District Office or email Ashley at <a href="mailto:asvaty@ksu.edu">asvaty@ksu.edu</a></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> </div></div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-32763079236491390992020-05-18T15:01:00.000-05:002020-05-18T15:01:12.582-05:00Annual Post Rock District Wheat Plot Tours Converted to "Virtual"<font face="helvetica">By Sandra L. Wick, Crop Production Agent <br /><br />Annually the Post Rock Extension District conducts face-to-face tours of our wheat demonstration plots around the district. However, with the pandemic conditions, we have converted our tours to “virtual”. But, the variety signs are up on each of the wheat plots in Jewell, Osborne and Smith counties and the field locations are posted on our website at <a href="https://www.postrock.ksu.edu" target="_blank">www.postrock.ksu.edu</a> under the “Crops” tab and then “Test Plots”.</font><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLhUlcVlyCl9lforOu_YvLebaKcsJhVvvsGStuxQygpkhCpwYFHTzLQ-9bnrRCd_BEALilTxynGn3hEaN17nEWNn0j2Zm8eKAK6RcpLaUcvn2yYYh74CoabedTI-XTvKXUo-LCUpRABIa/"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLhUlcVlyCl9lforOu_YvLebaKcsJhVvvsGStuxQygpkhCpwYFHTzLQ-9bnrRCd_BEALilTxynGn3hEaN17nEWNn0j2Zm8eKAK6RcpLaUcvn2yYYh74CoabedTI-XTvKXUo-LCUpRABIa/w320-h240/Osborneresized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><font face="helvetica">Sandra Wick, Post Rock District Crop Production Agent, along with K-State Research and Extension agronomists will provide updated information on each of the varieties along with conditions throughout the growing season including diseases, insects or low temperature effects and a “virtual” tour of the plots will be recorded and posted on our website. We will let you know through email, Twitter, Facebook, etc. when the program will be posted online. The anticipated post date will be the first week of June. </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj388oa9NquAMjX7UbVDiWWPsxlzdoWyO60uN3LuELdMcehWsAVZ9ACn4pUdyRCkWuqJfS1LG6V-OkxPBSffs1IrOW0uNR7pj0TY2vS5zJdelbzMnE-YHim4A5qURNOyUOadlQBQuu_Uco5/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj388oa9NquAMjX7UbVDiWWPsxlzdoWyO60uN3LuELdMcehWsAVZ9ACn4pUdyRCkWuqJfS1LG6V-OkxPBSffs1IrOW0uNR7pj0TY2vS5zJdelbzMnE-YHim4A5qURNOyUOadlQBQuu_Uco5/s320/Jewellresized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><font face="helvetica"><br /><br />K-State Research and Extension will also host its first-ever live Virtual Wheat Field Day on the evenings of Wednesday., May 27 and Thursday., May 28. In a twist on the typical wheat field day that Kansas farmers often attend, K-State Research and Extension will host a two-part wheat field day live on K-State Agronomy YouTube to update growers and others on the most recent crop advances and challenges while keeping producers safe from COVID-19. The two “field evenings,” will begins at 7 p.m. and will end at approximately 9 p.m. each evening. Agriculture Today radio host Eric Atkinson will moderate the program and will allow for questions from the audience. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95hGKy8T2oEVXL7y-fTIvxEti0jJeDiC-8P4zGZAEdlGU3hIRG_mRZErfbKaan1eFpiJALHhJ4H7ep3jy2efQfVFjQgOGuDPtoNLJ3GYp3AMl3uK4vuln3UHU8glGRwoLM1HI6E_JBYrI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95hGKy8T2oEVXL7y-fTIvxEti0jJeDiC-8P4zGZAEdlGU3hIRG_mRZErfbKaan1eFpiJALHhJ4H7ep3jy2efQfVFjQgOGuDPtoNLJ3GYp3AMl3uK4vuln3UHU8glGRwoLM1HI6E_JBYrI/s320/Smithresized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />This program will include information on an overview of the 2020 wheat growing season, variety selection, disease and insect management, wheat breeding update along with a presentation from the Kansas Wheat commission. <br /><br />Producers and all others are encouraged to participate in any of these educational opportunities from the Post Rock Extension District and K-State Research and Extension. Please let us know if you have any questions. <br /><br /><i>Post Rock Extension District of K-State Research and Extension serves Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith counties. Sandra may be contacted at <a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu" target="_blank">swick@ksu.edu</a> or by calling Smith Center, 282-6823, Beloit 738-3597, Lincoln 524-4432, Mankato 378-3174, or Osborne 346-2521. Join us on Facebook at “Post Rock Extension” along with our blog site at “postrockextension.blogspot.com. Also remember our website is <b>www.postrock.ksu.edu</b> and my twitter account is @PRDcrops.</i></font></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-19271790638664845442020-05-13T09:16:00.005-05:002020-05-13T09:32:08.520-05:00Pollinator Power Activity<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Cassie Homan, Horticulture Agent </span></p><span style="line-height: 1.5;"><font face="helvetica">One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to work with youth through 4-H and school programs. An elementary school, youth enrichment class I teach is called pollinator power. In this lesson we learn the parts of the flower and discuss why pollinators are so important. This is a lesson that we can all do at home! It’s a fun way to learn a bit of science while getting a little messy and learning some important information. </font></span><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></font><div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpnhobtDiNUzeMYMah-UeWgHzMUHBS0bq3u0cIrhAD2nWVSeEfg11E3kkCjJ2Z2p8RvkDGYF1Dx-bTjpcti18CH0NgVRMsv03LHnZo73Ke0kiS61PRS5aSuzv3wljz-OmW2Nmpuj2_Kf7/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpnhobtDiNUzeMYMah-UeWgHzMUHBS0bq3u0cIrhAD2nWVSeEfg11E3kkCjJ2Z2p8RvkDGYF1Dx-bTjpcti18CH0NgVRMsv03LHnZo73Ke0kiS61PRS5aSuzv3wljz-OmW2Nmpuj2_Kf7/w200-h150/kids+sized.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div> The first thing you will need is any type of flower. Right now, tulips, iris, and other spring flowers are blooming and they work perfect for this activity. Other flowers that work great are lilies and roses. Kids can have some fun by dissecting the flowers and looking for the different parts. </font><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc80n8v2-WT8k9YVweBij2s0S7cIDu3LI8dzVnwh8DfLVno5hfUtwSefn3-Adxw_zTQRkPx7eVFTR2__FeI8xOW2Bkjc2_-FiDg6yLD44VZ7XYWRQx_2XGbuw-fh7pnAX4ilhkSxNS9TR/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="459" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc80n8v2-WT8k9YVweBij2s0S7cIDu3LI8dzVnwh8DfLVno5hfUtwSefn3-Adxw_zTQRkPx7eVFTR2__FeI8xOW2Bkjc2_-FiDg6yLD44VZ7XYWRQx_2XGbuw-fh7pnAX4ilhkSxNS9TR/w150-h200/picture.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /><b>Activity: </b><br />Start the lesson by asking kids to think about gardening. What are some things the garden needs to grow? This is the same for flowers. Flowers need water, soil, and sunlight to bloom. Did anyone mention bees? Flowers also need insects to help pollinate their blooms. Bees and pollinators are very important! Can you think of different types of pollinators? Think about butterflies, birds, bats, humans, and wind or water. <br /><br /><b> Fun Fact about Pollinators: </b><br />-About 1/3 of our diets are from insect pollinated plants <br /><br />-80% of insect crop pollination is accomplished by honeybees <br /><br />Think about what you recently ate for breakfast or lunch. What foods might have been pollinated by insects? <br /><br />I like this short video to describe pollination. They also start to talk about the parts of a flower, which is the next step in the lesson. <br /><br /><b>Like Fruit? Thank a Bee YouTube Video:</b><a href=" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txv2k7OoY7U&t=75s " target="_blank"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txv2k7OoY7U&t=75s </a><br /><br /><b>Let’s Learn the Parts of a Flower: </b><br />Ask students to think of what a flower is made up of. Some answers might be stem, petals, roots, and leaves. If the flower you are using has these parts go ahead and identify them. Some flowers also have baby leaves called sepals. They are right at the base of the flower and they protect the flower when it is small. <br /><br />Today we will see that some flowers have different male and female parts. This is how pollination occurs. </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4uMl5eLxbNyh9lWBp6tc4zlupyuCod-CbFl2PcIzLdkJp9xaGMH9FTxa44p0Q6gBSNwRYPUT7IrRhixUUl4s922Xz8u627SC2NzqVUCs7MRkU45bc04NNSefejPqK5mtpVUul1JTsMlL/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4uMl5eLxbNyh9lWBp6tc4zlupyuCod-CbFl2PcIzLdkJp9xaGMH9FTxa44p0Q6gBSNwRYPUT7IrRhixUUl4s922Xz8u627SC2NzqVUCs7MRkU45bc04NNSefejPqK5mtpVUul1JTsMlL/" /></a></div><div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /><br /><b style="line-height: 1.5;">Male Part of the Flower is called the-</b> </font><font color="#0b8043" style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: 1.5;"><b style="line-height: 1.5;">Stamen</b></font><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> the stamen is made up of two parts the filament and the anther. </span></div><div><font face="helvetica" style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /><font color="#0b8043" style="line-height: 1.5;"><b style="line-height: 1.5;">filament:</b></font> is the stalk that holds the anther and attaches it to the flower <br /><br /><font color="#0b8043" style="line-height: 1.5;"><b style="line-height: 1.5;">anther:</b></font> (pollen grains) –this is the pollen producing part of the plant, which will hopefully be transferred to the female part of the flower by wind, animals, or insects <br /><br /><b>Female Part of the Flower is called the-</b> <font color="#0b8043" style="line-height: 1.5;"><b style="line-height: 1.5;">Pistil</b></font> the pistil is made up of three parts the stigma, style, and ovary. <br /><br /><font color="#0b8043" style="line-height: 1.5;"><b style="line-height: 1.5;">Stigma:</b></font> this is the head of the pistil and looks like a sticky bulb on a long stalk in the center of the flower- it receives the pollen grains <br /><br /><font color="#0b8043" style="line-height: 1.5;"><b style="line-height: 1.5;">Style:</b></font> is the stalk that the stigma sits on top of <br /><br /><font color="#0b8043" style="line-height: 1.5;"><b style="line-height: 1.5;">Ovary:</b></font> the oval shaped ovary is in the middle of the flower. It is usually at the base of the style- where the seed develops <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkgNFQHF_L3HBk-a1XfXlr2QkJEd33yQ7k3z93xOlfBg5dBxP9c3BJIPzE6P_hps3G-2NxnTXg0tBDIBRAN0Kb6uc9wlI-dK4FCbWohKGl2Yq4Yt5TJ3WXxBHUXX-opfb0pCnuGz7rZYf/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="359" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkgNFQHF_L3HBk-a1XfXlr2QkJEd33yQ7k3z93xOlfBg5dBxP9c3BJIPzE6P_hps3G-2NxnTXg0tBDIBRAN0Kb6uc9wlI-dK4FCbWohKGl2Yq4Yt5TJ3WXxBHUXX-opfb0pCnuGz7rZYf/w150-h200/flower.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />Below is a link for a worksheet on the parts of a flower. It might be best to practice learning the parts on the worksheet before dissecting the real flower. You can also Google parts of a flower worksheets and find lots of options! <br /><br /><a href="https://www.havefunteaching.com/resource/science/plants/flower-parts-of-a-plant-worksheet " target="_blank">https://www.havefunteaching.com/resource/science/plants/flower-parts-of-a-plant-worksheet </a><br /><br /><b>Explanation of Pollination- </b><br />When a plant is pollinated, the pollen that has landed on the stigma, reaches down through the style to the ovary. When the pollen tube reaches the ovary, it can be fertilized by the pollen. Then the ovules become seeds, and the ovary swells. <br /><br />- We eat the seeds of many plants! Think of: corn, beans, sunflowers <br /><br />- We also eat many fruits, which are the enlarged ovaries that contain the seeds of the plant. Like: Apples, Peaches, Avocados <br /><br /><b>Dissecting the Flower Activity: </b><br />Carefully pull the flower apart to find the many pieces of the flower. You can use a piece of paper and layout each part then label the pieces. Slowly pull apart the flower and be gentle so you don’t break any of the pieces. <br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjG46cnvWJQcwZlB44hoWBRnwrYl3EPXTjvg042ThWhMp2P35Z6gwOr0Iqpb5RitCbomgjclsJkM_WSyzQwM9tXE272Na9WNx3fhs-wftZqhDUTbb7Fv75mwyGb_a3-zevYPJ9A8qUzvS/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="420" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjG46cnvWJQcwZlB44hoWBRnwrYl3EPXTjvg042ThWhMp2P35Z6gwOr0Iqpb5RitCbomgjclsJkM_WSyzQwM9tXE272Na9WNx3fhs-wftZqhDUTbb7Fv75mwyGb_a3-zevYPJ9A8qUzvS/w150-h200/kids_2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Spring is the perfect time to engage with the nature around us! Make sure to spend some time outside every day and notice all the beautiful blooms. If you would like more details about gardening or youth activities contact Cassie Homan, Post Rock District Horticulture Agent, at (620)218-3137 or by email at choman@ksu.edu <br /></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy80adl9Mc8uocc6zse9VCy_Jaf-J4QfvB9Q8zQZKCCK0IW_Wf5g91RC_o_MYlph49lsAWCLaET4DVFo1x_GOw1YEx5j5QNjahaAgptRG4nuqUbJelqH4Okf0_yuDLjiHH4cgjVBpx99Dy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="380" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy80adl9Mc8uocc6zse9VCy_Jaf-J4QfvB9Q8zQZKCCK0IW_Wf5g91RC_o_MYlph49lsAWCLaET4DVFo1x_GOw1YEx5j5QNjahaAgptRG4nuqUbJelqH4Okf0_yuDLjiHH4cgjVBpx99Dy/w150-h200/flower_2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /> </div></div>Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-13843588674577443002020-05-04T16:41:00.001-05:002020-05-04T16:48:15.312-05:00What are some guidelines to follow with your soybean crop?<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By: <b>Sandra L. Wick</b>, Crop Production Agent</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Well, we finally received some moisture in North Central Kansas and hopefully we will continue to receive additional timely rains as the season progresses. Producers are busy this time of year moving equipment, planting along with other spring tasks, so be careful out there and be aware of this most precious commodity….our American farmer! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After considering the effects of genetic yield potential and the environment, <b>planting date</b> is one of the primary management practices under the farmer’s control that can highly influence soybean yields according to Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti, K-State Research and Extension, Crop Production and Cropping Systems specialist. In recent years, Kansas producers have been planting soybeans slightly earlier. However, in past growing seasons, the “50% planting date” mark was achieved at a similar time, the first week of June, statewide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ciampitti pointed out that soybeans can be planted over a wide range of dates, including May 5 to June 30, depending on which part of the state you live in. For </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">North Central</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Kansas, generally the planting window is May 5 to June 10, but it also depends on adequate soil moisture conditions, as germination and emergence could be reduced and/or delayed in cool soils that are less than 60 degrees F.<br /><br />The <b>maturity group</b> of a soybean variety is also an important component of your cropping enterprise. The recommended maturity varies across Kansas by the area of the state. Generally, for North Central Kansas, group three is the recommended maturity group. <br /><br /> </span><br />
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Ultimately, weather patterns dictate soybean yields, especially under dryland conditions. There is no guarantee that any certain planting date will always work out the best when it comes to soybean yields in Kansas. In fact, the distribution and amount of rainfall and the day/night temperature variations around flowering and during the grain filling periods have large impacts on defining soybean yield potential. Thus, when the risk of drought stress during the growing season is high, diversifying planting dates may be a good approach to consider, stresses Ciampitti.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When planting early, seed should be treated with a fungicide and insecticide. Selecting varieties with resistance to soybean cyst nematode and sudden death syndrome is also advisable. Do not plant into soils that are too wet or until soil temperatures are close to 60 degrees F. If planted into soils cooler than 60 degrees F, seedlings may eventually emerge, but will have poor vigor.<br /><br /> In drier areas of Kansas and on shallow soils, yields have been most consistent when planting soybeans in late May to early June. By planting during that window, soybeans will bloom and fill seed in August and early September, when nights are cooler and the worst of heat and drought stress is usually over. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfs_Z1uWhbHTSzPX7doFk_zNP1-WsoGPoBvFNOf62RvQ6hZGma8TbM4gwuleEtr67EELb6tFaUbUTTDAR6UZnb3vcx-hOBX8_PBmqy7543gi-ubEnLISz2PcRQR8ZUvOfsx4wTJQME0Kc/s1600/tractor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="639" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfs_Z1uWhbHTSzPX7doFk_zNP1-WsoGPoBvFNOf62RvQ6hZGma8TbM4gwuleEtr67EELb6tFaUbUTTDAR6UZnb3vcx-hOBX8_PBmqy7543gi-ubEnLISz2PcRQR8ZUvOfsx4wTJQME0Kc/s320/tractor.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The optimum seeding rate</b> is one of the most influential factors for increasing soybean profitability as seed cost is one of the most expensive inputs. Soybean seeding rate, row spacing, and planting date are all tied together. The final number of seeds per linear foot of row decreases as row spacing narrows. For example, at a target population of 105,000 plants per acre and 85 percent germination, 30-inch rows will need twice the number of seeds per linear foot as 15-inch rows (6 vs. 3 seeds per linear foot). Seeding rate will need to increase at later planting dates to compensate for the reduction in the growing season since more plants are needed to increase early light interception and biomass production. Seeding rates generally range from 80,000 to 140,000 seeds/acre with the average around 110,000 seeds/acre depending on your yield environments. In summary, adjusting seeding rates reduces risks of yield losses especially in low yielding environments, while limiting higher seed costs especially for medium and high yield environments. Furthermore, soybean plant populations above the optimal plant populations increase the risk of lodging and disease development without adding a yield benefit. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGnnlhaXHHpy0Rom0Bw3oGFD-hd-2xASRD0LrSUVYcIX_nUOlP2Zw498_xi9W6E4EI0e28_AdkUehwC0AOiWO_Ny8dvA0R_2i6DpqV2KqNTt1GLyBPMEeiz0NggVRsse__MCXRXbieAEY/s1600/kansas+soybean+publication.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="595" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGnnlhaXHHpy0Rom0Bw3oGFD-hd-2xASRD0LrSUVYcIX_nUOlP2Zw498_xi9W6E4EI0e28_AdkUehwC0AOiWO_Ny8dvA0R_2i6DpqV2KqNTt1GLyBPMEeiz0NggVRsse__MCXRXbieAEY/s200/kansas+soybean+publication.png" width="154" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The optimum planting depth is from 1 to 1 1/2 inches and be sure to use an inoculate to ensure adequate nodulation which provides approximately 50-60% of the total nitrogen demand.<br /><br />K-State Research and Extension has an excellent publication,<b> ”2020 Soybean Management”</b>, that is available ONLINE or at any of our Post Rock District Offices. The publication is an excellent resource that provides detailed information on variety selection, planting, fertilization, insects, weed control and harvesting. <br /><br />For further information on soybean production, contact me at any Post Rock Extension District Office in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center. <br /><br /><br /><br /><i>Post Rock Extension District of K-State Research and Extension serves Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith counties. Sandra may be contacted at <a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu">swick@ksu.edu</a> or by calling Smith Center, 282-6823, Beloit 738-3597, Lincoln 524-4432, Mankato 378-3174, or Osborne 346-2521. Join us on Facebook at “Post Rock Extension” along with our blog site at “postrockextension.blogspot.com. Also remember our website is <b>www.postrock.ksu.edu </b>and my twitter account is @PRDcrops.</i></span></div>
Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-7542323001355157952020-04-27T16:59:00.000-05:002020-04-27T16:59:48.555-05:00Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Brenda Langdon, Family Resource Management Agent<br /><br />Every day we are hearing about and living the effects of Coronavirus or COVID-19. Businesses and schools have shut down, parents are helping their children learn from home via technology with their school and teacher, parents are working from home and we are living in an unsettled time. There are a lot of acronyms in the news these days, which can add to the confusion and stress. Let’s talk about the acronym CARES. CARES stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The CARES Act is a law meant to address the economic fallout of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. Its intent is to provide fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses, and to preserve jobs for American industries. <br /><br />The CARES Act is funding the stimulus checks that many people currently have received or will be receiving. Please be aware of scams. The government will not call and ask for your bank account information, or your social security number, nor will they ask for any payment from you in order to receive your stimulus check. The graphic below will help explain how much you can expect to receive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every year we all work towards meeting the April 15th deadline to file our taxes. It’s a little </span><br />
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more dreaded if you owe money to the IRS versus getting a refund. This year due to the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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COVID-19 outbreak, the deadline to file and pay your 2019 income taxes has been extended to July 15, 2020. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This applies to both individuals and businesses. If you have not yet filed, your stimulus check will be based off of your 2018 tax return filing. If you owed money to the government and they do not have your bank account information for direct deposit you can go to </span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.irs.gov</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> then the <u><i><span style="color: blue;">get my payment</span></i></u> link where you can add your bank account information to your records.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are some ideas for ways to make the most of your stimulus benefit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Pay your bills – such things as rent, food, mortgage.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyWXtRtlE-0Hopr0J0qAkugZH5H2lDvMkgwTKhMU_F60qUD7pyeBqVAW8_yDzu2S1u7hnpPgYH_tScSr1JOtSp3FXw1EpD0wqT5vT1vtAvi8SkAVYhk4BX5ZVK8TWGQw2zQDsbPfUn6Ry/s1600/stimuluscheck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyWXtRtlE-0Hopr0J0qAkugZH5H2lDvMkgwTKhMU_F60qUD7pyeBqVAW8_yDzu2S1u7hnpPgYH_tScSr1JOtSp3FXw1EpD0wqT5vT1vtAvi8SkAVYhk4BX5ZVK8TWGQw2zQDsbPfUn6Ry/s1600/stimuluscheck.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Meet your basic needs first. 2. Pay Down Debt.<br />3. Build an emergency savings fund. <br />4. Help others who are less fortunate. <br /><br />Even though we are working remotely, Post Rock District staff are here to help during this difficult time. Please call your local office with any questions. </span><br />
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Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963091402958995205.post-37193844218171175052020-04-24T13:39:00.000-05:002020-04-24T13:39:55.499-05:00Brenda Langdon to Serve as Family Resource Management Extension Agent<br />
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<span class="marktezvu43sn"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;">By: Nora Rhoades, District Extension Director and Youth Development Agent</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="marktezvu43sn"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Brenda</span></span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> <span class="markb4jf6i96q">Langdon</span> has joined our Post Rock District Team
as the Family Resource Management Extension Agent. We are thrilled to have her
join our team of difference makers in North Central Kansas!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Brenda earned her bachelor’s
degree in Business Communications from Fort Hays State University, and has most
recently been employed as a SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator in the Post Rock
District. Prior to working with <span class="mark6oqg0zka3">K-State
Research and Extension, </span><span class="marktezvu43sn">she</span> was a
Human Resources and Community Relations Director for KU Health Systems – Pawnee
Valley Campus, in Larned, KS.</span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozbiffJppEXNioXbxdCD8zSwvXNQLZQWrLIJkDnLGAAvjNwFpqI2weSQzn71pjRuqD1FZBSu5m3dF17e6UcXKxTJDANFdNNoObUdJnfYoWdxTTlZXNF7KVYxJZAY6bzKrRGl-vZ3csg_Q/s1600/Brenda+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="557" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozbiffJppEXNioXbxdCD8zSwvXNQLZQWrLIJkDnLGAAvjNwFpqI2weSQzn71pjRuqD1FZBSu5m3dF17e6UcXKxTJDANFdNNoObUdJnfYoWdxTTlZXNF7KVYxJZAY6bzKrRGl-vZ3csg_Q/s320/Brenda+%25281%2529.jpg" width="290" /></a><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Brenda will extend the mission
of K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences with a focus on
family resource management. As an Extension Agent, she will p</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">rovide primary leadership for the
development and implementation of research-based educational programming to
support successful individuals and families and the systems that serve them in
communities. Programs may include but are not limited to: financial planning
and management, Medicare and insurance education, consumer decision-making,
lifestyle and business transition planning, entrepreneurship, and home
management to promote independent living. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Brenda looks to develop
strong relationships throughout our Post Rock District communities, working to build
a legacy described by others as a professional who is easy to talk to, a good
listener and full of resources. She’ll strive to inspire those she serves,
supporting a positive impact or a better outcome for individuals and families.<br />
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Outside of work, Brenda enjoys spending time with family, going for walks,
gardening, and keeping the yard looking nice. She also looks forward to
attending sports and school activities, as well as being involved in the
community happenings. Having moved to the area in the summer of 2019, Brenda
acknowledges the friendliness of people. It is easy to recognize people truly
care about their communities; there is a lot of pride!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The role of K-State Research
and Extension is to encourage the adoption of research-based information to
improve the quality of life for Kansans.</span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">K-State Research and Extension is an
equal opportunity provider of educational programming. <span class="marktezvu43sn"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Brenda</span></span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">’s primary office is located in Osborne. Please join us in
welcoming Brenda to the Post Rock District Team!</span><span style="color: #201f1e;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Post Rock Extension Districthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712107979522184655noreply@blogger.com