One of the ways that I have an opportunity to give back in my communities is by serving on the Golden Belt Community Foundation Board. While you have the opportunity to give to one of your favorite 126 organizations from now until Giving Tuesday on December 2, you can absolutely donate to those organizations all year!

I appreciate that organizations like community foundations exist because they allow donors to contribute amounts that work in their budget to compile with everyone else’s small amount to do great work!

In addition, right now our food pantries and food banks are doing critical work across our communities. Can I fund a whole day or week? No but I can add a few extra items to drop off to help others.

Do I have extra coats taking up space in a closet that haven’t been worn for a couple of years? I get to remove some clutter from my home and benefit someone else! Several years ago, a closet clean-out by one of my adult children resulted in a bag of gently worn shoes that no longer fit. We were able to donate these to a center who made sure that each pair had a new home.

Our family lived on tight budgets for several years and one of my favorite activities during that time was to help my kids understand that even though we didn’t have a lot, there were others in much tougher circumstances. This led to good activities of regularly going through toy boxes and donating books and toys to our library and other organizations.

Yes, please check out the opportunities for Giving Tuesday in your communities and, especially the Golden Belt Community Foundation which serves four counties. But also, look for small and large ways that you can give every day – holding a door, sharing a smile or a wave, volunteering at your church or civic organization, and perhaps donating to a cause that is near and dear to your heart.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>One of the ways that I have an opportunity to give back in my communities is by serving on the Golden Belt Community Foundation Board. While you have the opportunity to give to one of your favorite 126 organizations from now until Giving Tuesday on December 2, you can absolutely donate to those organizations all year!I appreciate that organizations like community foundations exist because they allow donors to contribute amounts that work in their budget to compile with everyone else’s small amount to do great work!In addition, right now our food pantries and food banks are doing critical work across our communities. Can I fund a whole day or week? No but I can add a few extra items to drop off to help others.Do I have extra coats taking up space in a closet that haven’t been worn for a couple of years? I get to remove some clutter from my home and benefit someone else! Several years ago, a closet clean-out by one of my adult children resulted in a bag of gently worn shoes that no longer fit. We were able to donate these to a center who made sure that each pair had a new home.Our family lived on tight budgets for several years and one of my favorite activities during that time was to help my kids understand that even though we didn’t have a lot, there were others in much tougher circumstances. This led to good activities of regularly going through toy boxes and donating books and toys to our library and other organizations.Yes, please check out the opportunities for Giving Tuesday in your communities and, especially the Golden Belt Community Foundation which serves four counties. But also, look for small and large ways that you can give every day – holding a door, sharing a smile or a wave, volunteering at your church or civic organization, and perhaps donating to a cause that is near and dear to your heart.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: Giving Tuesday and every day

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said the greatest threat to democracy is indifference. Polling numbers in non-presidential years have suffered in recent elections. Today is the day to change that. Polling locations around Barton County will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check Great Bend Post.com tonight for unofficial election results.

Voters in Great Bend's first ward will use the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. Voters in the second ward can cast their ballots at Prince of Peace Parish, 4100 Broadway Ave. Ward three voters can head to Grace Community Church, 210 McKinley, and fourth-ward voters will use the Great Bend Rec's Burnside Room, 1214 Stone.

All Hoisington voters can vote in the meeting room at the Hoisington Activity Center. That will also be the location for township elections in the northern part of the county. Voters in Claflin can vote in township races at the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, 110 E. Williamson. Township elections near Ellinwood will be held at the St. Joseph Parish Center, 110 W. 2nd in Ellinwood, and Great Bend Township A will have its election at the Barton County Sheriff's Firing Range, 396 NE 30 Road. Township elections near Pawnee Rock will be at the Faith Community Church Family Center, 293 W. Barton County Road B.

Ballot drop boxes are located behind Central Kansas Community Corrections, 1208 Kansas Ave. in Great Bend. Enter the alley behind the movie theater and use the driver's side of the vehicle to drop the ballot off. The Hoisington City Building, 109 E. First Street, also has a drop box next to the utility drop box. No postage is required for either drop box.

The 2025 General Election includes races for mayor, city council, school board, Barton Community College Board of Trustees, Ellinwood Hospital District, and Cottonwood Extension District.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748883874550.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFranklin D. Roosevelt once said the greatest threat to democracy is indifference. Polling numbers in non-presidential years have suffered in recent elections. Today is the day to change that. Polling locations around Barton County will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check Great Bend Post.com tonight for unofficial election results.Voters in Great Bend's first ward will use the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. Voters in the second ward can cast their ballots at Prince of Peace Parish, 4100 Broadway Ave. Ward three voters can head to Grace Community Church, 210 McKinley, and fourth-ward voters will use the Great Bend Rec's Burnside Room, 1214 Stone.All Hoisington voters can vote in the meeting room at the Hoisington Activity Center. That will also be the location for township elections in the northern part of the county. Voters in Claflin can vote in township races at the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, 110 E. Williamson. Township elections near Ellinwood will be held at the St. Joseph Parish Center, 110 W. 2nd in Ellinwood, and Great Bend Township A will have its election at the Barton County Sheriff's Firing Range, 396 NE 30 Road. Township elections near Pawnee Rock will be at the Faith Community Church Family Center, 293 W. Barton County Road B.Ballot drop boxes are located behind Central Kansas Community Corrections, 1208 Kansas Ave. in Great Bend. Enter the alley behind the movie theater and use the driver's side of the vehicle to drop the ballot off. The Hoisington City Building, 109 E. First Street, also has a drop box next to the utility drop box. No postage is required for either drop box.The 2025 General Election includes races for mayor, city council, school board, Barton Community College Board of Trustees, Ellinwood Hospital District, and Cottonwood Extension District.

ELECTION DAY: Polling locations in Barton County open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

With over 80 years of experience serving producers, the Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) maintains a long-term commitment to Kansas agriculture, by building strong relationships with ag producers. Twenty-four KFMA economists, strategically located around the state who are part of the Department of K-State Agricultural Economics, comprise the professional staff of the KFMA program. The economists/fieldmen work cooperatively with farm families to provide members with production and financial management information for use in decision making.

The primary goal of the KFMA program is to provide each member with information that can be used to help make farm and family decisions. KFMA Economists assist producers by providing the following information and services:

· Accrual basis whole-farm and enterprise analysis

· Financial benchmarks for comparing performance with similar farms

· Integrated tax planning, marketing and asset investment strategies

· Assistance with estate planning and farm succession planning

· Guidance for business entity and structure planning

If you would like further information about becoming a member of KFMA visit https://www.agmanager.info/kfma or contact Mark Dikeman, KFMA Director at 785-532-0516, dikemanm@ksu.edu or you can contact your local County or District Extension Office and they can put you in contact too with KFMA.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>With over 80 years of experience serving producers, the Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) maintains a long-term commitment to Kansas agriculture, by building strong relationships with ag producers. Twenty-four KFMA economists, strategically located around the state who are part of the Department of K-State Agricultural Economics, comprise the professional staff of the KFMA program. The economists/fieldmen work cooperatively with farm families to provide members with production and financial management information for use in decision making.The primary goal of the KFMA program is to provide each member with information that can be used to help make farm and family decisions. KFMA Economists assist producers by providing the following information and services:· Sound farm accounting systems· On-farm visits· Accrual basis whole-farm and enterprise analysis· Financial benchmarks for comparing performance with similar farms· Year-end tax planning and management· Integrated tax planning, marketing and asset investment strategies· Assistance with estate planning and farm succession planning· Guidance for business entity and structure planning· Improved decision makingIf you would like further information about becoming a member of KFMA visit https://www.agmanager.info/kfma or contact Mark Dikeman, KFMA Director at 785-532-0516, dikemanm@ksu.edu or you can contact your local County or District Extension Office and they can put you in contact too with KFMA.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Kansas Farm Management Association continues to serve ag community

Are you curious about coyotes and their role in Kansas’ ecosystem? The public is invited to attend Coyote Biology &amp; Management, a free educational program presented by Drew Ricketts, Extension Wildlife, Horticulture, and Natural Resources Specialist at Kansas State University.

This informative session will explore a wide range of topics, including coyote biology, history, management techniques, trapping, calling methods, and more. Whether you’re a hunter, trapper, landowner, or simply interested in wildlife, this program will deepen your understanding of coyote behavior and effective management strategies.

The program will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, located at 592 NE K-156 Hwy.

This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by K-State Extension Cottonwood District, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, and the Great Bend Recreation Commission.

For more information, please contact the Kansas Wetlands Education Center at 877-243-9268 or the Great Bend Rec at 620-793-3755.

Are you curious about coyotes and their role in Kansas’ ecosystem? The public is invited to attend Coyote Biology &amp; Management, a free educational program presented by Drew Ricketts, Extension Wildlife, Horticulture, and Natural Resources Specialist at Kansas State University.This informative session will explore a wide range of topics, including coyote biology, history, management techniques, trapping, calling methods, and more. Whether you’re a hunter, trapper, landowner, or simply interested in wildlife, this program will deepen your understanding of coyote behavior and effective management strategies.The program will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, located at 592 NE K-156 Hwy.This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by K-State Extension Cottonwood District, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, and the Great Bend Recreation Commission.For more information, please contact the Kansas Wetlands Education Center at 877-243-9268 or the Great Bend Rec at 620-793-3755.

Learn About 'Coyote Biology & Management' with K-State expert Nov. 6 at KWEC

Kansas State University will bring together researchers, producers and industry experts to address the challenges and opportunities of raising forage in a limited-water environment.

The K-State Forage Conference will be held Nov. 5 at the K-State Southwest Research-Extension Center in Garden City. The one-day event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend.

Sessions will deliver fast-paced, practical updates on forage management, soil health, fertility, risk protection and marketing, with time for questions and peer discussion. Lunch is provided thanks to conference sponsors.

“Forage is the backbone of western Kansas agriculture,” said John Holman, K-State cropping systems agronomist. “Our cattle industry depends on reliable hay and silage production, and this conference is designed to provide the research-based information producers can trust—especially when every acre and every inch of water counts.”

Kansas produced more than 5 million tons of hay in 2022 grown on 2.4 million acres, ranking third among all states, and forage contributes more than $536 million annually to the state’s economy.

Holman noted that annual forages -- such as forage sorghum, sudangrass, triticale and wheat -- are especially valuable in the High Plains because of their drought tolerance, and flexibility for grazing, hay or silage. Some hybrids can be ready to graze within 4-6 weeks of planting, providing timely feed sources throughout the year.

“These crops allow producers to fill forage gaps and adapt to changing water availability,” Holman said. “But they also come with challenges, so understanding management strategies is critical.”

The list of conference sessions, as well as presenters, includes:

· Annual forage economics — John Holman.

· Soil impacts of haying, grazing and cover crops — Augustine Obour, K-State soil scientist.

· Managing prussic acid in forages — Scott Staggenborg, seed and product development consultant.

· Alfalfa production update — Romulo Lollato, K-State extension wheat and forages specialist.

· Forage fertility management — Logan Simon, K-State southwest area agronomist.

· Insurance and price protection tools — Jenny Ifft, Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy chair.

· Invasive grass management — Keith Harmoney, K-State range scientist.

Additional sessions are planned on summer legumes, seeding rates, and a Kansas Livestock Association industry update.

To register http://bit.ly/4obibl6 or contact your local extension office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State University will bring together researchers, producers and industry experts to address the challenges and opportunities of raising forage in a limited-water environment.The K-State Forage Conference will be held Nov. 5 at the K-State Southwest Research-Extension Center in Garden City. The one-day event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend.Sessions will deliver fast-paced, practical updates on forage management, soil health, fertility, risk protection and marketing, with time for questions and peer discussion. Lunch is provided thanks to conference sponsors.“Forage is the backbone of western Kansas agriculture,” said John Holman, K-State cropping systems agronomist. “Our cattle industry depends on reliable hay and silage production, and this conference is designed to provide the research-based information producers can trust—especially when every acre and every inch of water counts.”Kansas produced more than 5 million tons of hay in 2022 grown on 2.4 million acres, ranking third among all states, and forage contributes more than $536 million annually to the state’s economy.Holman noted that annual forages -- such as forage sorghum, sudangrass, triticale and wheat -- are especially valuable in the High Plains because of their drought tolerance, and flexibility for grazing, hay or silage. Some hybrids can be ready to graze within 4-6 weeks of planting, providing timely feed sources throughout the year.“These crops allow producers to fill forage gaps and adapt to changing water availability,” Holman said. “But they also come with challenges, so understanding management strategies is critical.”The list of conference sessions, as well as presenters, includes:· Annual forage economics — John Holman.· Soil impacts of haying, grazing and cover crops — Augustine Obour, K-State soil scientist.· Managing prussic acid in forages — Scott Staggenborg, seed and product development consultant.· Alfalfa production update — Romulo Lollato, K-State extension wheat and forages specialist.· Forage fertility management — Logan Simon, K-State southwest area agronomist.· Insurance and price protection tools — Jenny Ifft, Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy chair.· Invasive grass management — Keith Harmoney, K-State range scientist.Additional sessions are planned on summer legumes, seeding rates, and a Kansas Livestock Association industry update.To register http://bit.ly/4obibl6 or contact your local extension office.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: K-State Forage conference set for Nov. 5 in Garden City

Keeping track of financial records can make life easier and more efficient for you. If the event of an emergency, having family members who know how and where to access your records can be a huge help! Stop for a moment and think: Do you know where all your records are located? Would someone else know in case of your injury or death?

Records should be accessible when needed and stored in a safe place. Receipts, documentation, proofs of ownership and identification may be necessary to collect insurance, pension, or retirement benefits, to receive military compensation, and to solve tax or inheritance problems.

This can feel like an overwhelming task but K-State Extension has a great resource to help you collect and document the important information you may need. You can access the document at https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/our-valuable-records_MF685.pdf or stop by the office and we’ll print one off for you.

This document provides space to record everything from bank and investment accounts to health and life insurance information as well as property ownership and tax and legal advisors.

Gathering the information into one place can also be a great time to review ownership and beneficiaries as life can change and the time to change these is not in the midst of a medical emergency. While these discussions can be tough, the Our Valuable Records document can also be a great tool to hold that conversation.

No matter what tool that you use to document your financial records, keeping a copy in a safe or safety deposit box is an important step to protect your sensitive financial information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>Keeping track of financial records can make life easier and more efficient for you. If the event of an emergency, having family members who know how and where to access your records can be a huge help! Stop for a moment and think: Do you know where all your records are located? Would someone else know in case of your injury or death?Records should be accessible when needed and stored in a safe place. Receipts, documentation, proofs of ownership and identification may be necessary to collect insurance, pension, or retirement benefits, to receive military compensation, and to solve tax or inheritance problems.This can feel like an overwhelming task but K-State Extension has a great resource to help you collect and document the important information you may need. You can access the document at https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/our-valuable-records_MF685.pdf or stop by the office and we’ll print one off for you.This document provides space to record everything from bank and investment accounts to health and life insurance information as well as property ownership and tax and legal advisors.Gathering the information into one place can also be a great time to review ownership and beneficiaries as life can change and the time to change these is not in the midst of a medical emergency. While these discussions can be tough, the Our Valuable Records document can also be a great tool to hold that conversation.No matter what tool that you use to document your financial records, keeping a copy in a safe or safety deposit box is an important step to protect your sensitive financial information.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: Financial recordkeeping has many benefits

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man who&nbsp;admitted killing a Kansas woman who was reported missing is going to prison for the rest of his life. 

On Monday Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 31-year-old Kyle Bearden to a life term for the murder of 30-year-old Mariana Christian, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The earliest possibility of parole is 25 years and an additional 181 months in prison if parole is granted.

In August, Bearden entered a plea of guilty during an evidentiary hearing before Judge Goering.

The plea agreement called for the parties to jointly recommend a prison sentence of life with parole eligibility after 25 years, to be followed by an additional 15 years of imprisonment if parole is granted.

Around 10:30 a.m. on July 21, a friend of Mariana Christian filed a missing person report. The friend said Ms. Christian had a history of mental health challenges and often relied on them for transportation to work. That morning, Christian was not at her home in the 1200 block of S. Paige when the friend arrived to pick her up.

At the residence, the friend encountered an unidentified man later identified as Kyle Bearden who said he didn’t know Ms. Christian’s whereabouts.

He claimed Mariana Christian had left the apartment on Friday, July 18, in a truck with an unknown man and woman and hadn’t returned. He also expressed concern for her safety. Although not listed on the lease, the man appeared to be living in the apartment.

Although Ms. Christian was last seen on Friday, July 18, she wasn’t reported missing until Monday, July 21. After multiple failed attempts to reach her and finding her absence unusual, the friend contacted police. Officers issued an attempt-to-locate alert, and investigators took over the case.

WPD investigators identified Bearden as a person of interest. They followed leads to locate Ms. Christian, discovering evidence of her death and where her remains were left in Cottonwood Park near Armor and Bayley in Wichita.

Wichita Police officers responded to the area and located human remains. Investigators believe Bearden shot Ms. Christian.

Crime scene investigators processed Ms. Christian’s apartment and found evidence of foul play. On the morning of July 31, the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center positively identified the remains as those of Mariana Christian.

Kyle Bearden was arrested on July 30 and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753958410010.png" alt="Bearden photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Bearden photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man who&nbsp;admitted killing a Kansas woman who was reported missing is going to prison for the rest of his life. On Monday Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 31-year-old Kyle Bearden to a life term for the murder of 30-year-old Mariana Christian, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The earliest possibility of parole is 25 years and an additional 181 months in prison if parole is granted.In August, Bearden entered a plea of guilty during an evidentiary hearing before Judge Goering.The plea agreement called for the parties to jointly recommend a prison sentence of life with parole eligibility after 25 years, to be followed by an additional 15 years of imprisonment if parole is granted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754062859608.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Around 10:30 a.m. on July 21, a friend of Mariana Christian filed a missing person report. The friend said Ms. Christian had a history of mental health challenges and often relied on them for transportation to work. That morning, Christian was not at her home in the 1200 block of S. Paige when the friend arrived to pick her up.At the residence, the friend encountered an unidentified man later identified as Kyle Bearden who said he didn’t know Ms. Christian’s whereabouts.He claimed Mariana Christian had left the apartment on Friday, July 18, in a truck with an unknown man and woman and hadn’t returned. He also expressed concern for her safety. Although not listed on the lease, the man appeared to be living in the apartment.Although Ms. Christian was last seen on Friday, July 18, she wasn’t reported missing until Monday, July 21. After multiple failed attempts to reach her and finding her absence unusual, the friend contacted police. Officers issued an attempt-to-locate alert, and investigators took over the case.WPD investigators identified Bearden as a person of interest. They followed leads to locate Ms. Christian, discovering evidence of her death and where her remains were left in Cottonwood Park near Armor and Bayley in Wichita.Wichita Police officers responded to the area and located human remains. Investigators believe Bearden shot Ms. Christian.Crime scene investigators processed Ms. Christian’s apartment and found evidence of foul play. On the morning of July 31, the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center positively identified the remains as those of Mariana Christian.Kyle Bearden was arrested on July 30 and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;

Life in prison for killer found at missing Kan. woman's home

Did you know that spiders are likely to be gone by Halloween? According to Jeff Whitworth a K-State Extension Entomologist. Four spider species common to Kansas are likely to be in hiding within the next few weeks.

Two species commonly found in the home that are of most concern to humans because of their venom – the brown recluse and black widow – are ready to go into winter hibernation. Those two species are rarely seen from mid-October to mid-March. The brown recluse is identified by a signature dark line that resembles a violin on its back, with the neck of the violin pointing to the rear of the spider. The bite of a brown recluse releases a hemotoxin that affects a person’s blood cells. A bite from a brown recluse may require medical attention.

The brown recluse is nocturnal, thus they are most active at night when they crawl around searching for food. As daylight returns, they crawl into any dark place close by, which is often in a shoe or clothing, if left on the floor. That is the reason that most bites occur; the spider is threatened when you put the item on. The adult female black widow is more elegant looking, typically a very shiny black with a reddish, hourglass shaped mark on their abdomen. The bite of a black widow releases a neurotoxin that affects the nervous systems of humans and animals.

Black widows are web builders, thus they are usually encountered in some out-of-the-way corner of a garage, shed, basement or similar place. They usually are not out wondering like a brown recluse.

Two less-venomous spiders more common in farm fields or open areas include the orb spider and the garden spider.

The orb spider is typically a big, brown, round spider that weaves intricate webs.

You will often see webbing, but not the spider. The webbing catches insects, and then the spider comes out in the evening to feed on what they’ve caught and repair the web, if needed.

Another common field spider, the garden spider, also is very large, and typically dark green or black and yellow with long legs. Farmers often run into garden spiders when walking between fields because they’ll use corn or sorghum or large weeds to build their webs, and by this time of year, most spiders are at their largest and thus have constructed large webs for catching prey.

If they feel threatened in their web, they will vibrate the web, but if that doesn’t work, they usually drop to the ground and hide.

But like the brown recluse and black widow, orb spiders and garden spiders are likely to be out of sight by the time the scariest holiday of the year rolls around.

We are just about to run out of being scared by spiders, and just before Halloween, because the adult field spiders are going to lay their eggs and then go away. The brown recluse and black widow are going into hibernation and won’t be back until March or April.

Whitworth said that even though the brown recluse and black widow are better known to be dangerous, “all spiders are venomous.”

“Most spider bites don’t affect humans too much, but you just never know,” he said. “I always caution people not to play with spiders.”

Information provided by Jeff Whitworth, K-State Extension Entomologist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Did you know that spiders are likely to be gone by Halloween? According to Jeff Whitworth a K-State Extension Entomologist. Four spider species common to Kansas are likely to be in hiding within the next few weeks.Two species commonly found in the home that are of most concern to humans because of their venom – the brown recluse and black widow – are ready to go into winter hibernation. Those two species are rarely seen from mid-October to mid-March. The brown recluse is identified by a signature dark line that resembles a violin on its back, with the neck of the violin pointing to the rear of the spider. The bite of a brown recluse releases a hemotoxin that affects a person’s blood cells. A bite from a brown recluse may require medical attention.The brown recluse is nocturnal, thus they are most active at night when they crawl around searching for food. As daylight returns, they crawl into any dark place close by, which is often in a shoe or clothing, if left on the floor. That is the reason that most bites occur; the spider is threatened when you put the item on. The adult female black widow is more elegant looking, typically a very shiny black with a reddish, hourglass shaped mark on their abdomen. The bite of a black widow releases a neurotoxin that affects the nervous systems of humans and animals.Black widows are web builders, thus they are usually encountered in some out-of-the-way corner of a garage, shed, basement or similar place. They usually are not out wondering like a brown recluse.Two less-venomous spiders more common in farm fields or open areas include the orb spider and the garden spider.The orb spider is typically a big, brown, round spider that weaves intricate webs.You will often see webbing, but not the spider. The webbing catches insects, and then the spider comes out in the evening to feed on what they’ve caught and repair the web, if needed.Another common field spider, the garden spider, also is very large, and typically dark green or black and yellow with long legs. Farmers often run into garden spiders when walking between fields because they’ll use corn or sorghum or large weeds to build their webs, and by this time of year, most spiders are at their largest and thus have constructed large webs for catching prey.If they feel threatened in their web, they will vibrate the web, but if that doesn’t work, they usually drop to the ground and hide.But like the brown recluse and black widow, orb spiders and garden spiders are likely to be out of sight by the time the scariest holiday of the year rolls around.We are just about to run out of being scared by spiders, and just before Halloween, because the adult field spiders are going to lay their eggs and then go away. The brown recluse and black widow are going into hibernation and won’t be back until March or April.Whitworth said that even though the brown recluse and black widow are better known to be dangerous, “all spiders are venomous.”“Most spider bites don’t affect humans too much, but you just never know,” he said. “I always caution people not to play with spiders.”Information provided by Jeff Whitworth, K-State Extension Entomologist.

CAMPBELL: Common spiders in Kansas likely to go into hiding soon

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man who&nbsp;admitted killing a Kansas woman who was reported missing is going to prison for the rest of his life.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man who&nbsp;admitted killing a woman who was reported missing will learn his fate on Monday.

Judge Jeffrey Goering will sentence 31-year-old Kyle Bearden for the murder of 30-year-old Mariana Christian. Her&nbsp;&nbsp;body was found in a Wichita park,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

The plea agreement calls for the parties to jointly recommend a prison sentence of life with parole eligibility after 25 years, to be followed by an additional 15 years of imprisonment if parole is granted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753958410010.png" alt="Bearden-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bearden-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man who&nbsp;admitted killing a Kansas woman who was reported missing is going to prison for the rest of his life.On Monday Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 31-year-old Kyle Bearden to a life term for the murder of 30-year-old Mariana Christian, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The earliest possibility of parole is 25 years and an additional 181 months in prison if parole is granted.----------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man who&nbsp;admitted killing a woman who was reported missing will learn his fate on Monday.Judge Jeffrey Goering will sentence 31-year-old Kyle Bearden for the murder of 30-year-old Mariana Christian. Her&nbsp;&nbsp;body was found in a Wichita park,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In August, Bearden entered a plea of guilty during an evidentiary hearing before Judge Goering.The plea agreement calls for the parties to jointly recommend a prison sentence of life with parole eligibility after 25 years, to be followed by an additional 15 years of imprisonment if parole is granted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754062859608.png" alt="Police issued a missing person alert for Mariana Christian on July 27" />
 <figcaption>Police issued a missing person alert for Mariana Christian on July 27</figcaption>
 </figure>Around 10:30 a.m. on July 21, a friend of Mariana Christian filed a missing person report. The friend said Ms. Christian had a history of mental health challenges and often relied on them for transportation to work. That morning, Christian was not at her home in the 1200 block of S. Paige when the friend arrived to pick her up.At the residence, the friend encountered an unidentified man later identified as Kyle Bearden who said he didn’t know Ms. Christian’s whereabouts.He claimed Mariana Christian had left the apartment on Friday, July 18, in a truck with an unknown man and woman and hadn’t returned. He also expressed concern for her safety. Although not listed on the lease, the man appeared to be living in the apartment.Although Ms. Christian was last seen on Friday, July 18, she wasn’t reported missing until Monday, July 21. After multiple failed attempts to reach her and finding her absence unusual, the friend contacted police. Officers issued an attempt-to-locate alert, and investigators took over the case.WPD investigators identified Bearden as a person of interest. They followed leads to locate Ms. Christian, discovering evidence of her death and where her remains were left in Cottonwood Park near Armor and Bayley in Wichita.Wichita Police officers responded to the area and located human remains. Investigators believe Bearden shot Ms. Christian.Crime scene investigators processed Ms. Christian’s apartment and found evidence of foul play. On the morning of July 31, the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center positively identified the remains as those of Mariana Christian.Kyle Bearden was arrested on July 30 and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;

Sentencing Day: Killer found at missing Kan. woman's home

I always love the changing of the seasons, especially summer to fall. After the heat of the summer, the cool, crisp mornings and cooler days makes me happy. One of the first signs that I can tell that summer is on its way out is the first leaves on the cottonwood trees starting to turn yellow. The reds and oranges of the maples and oaks quickly follow suite. &nbsp;

Although the New England states are the place to view the changing of the seasons, Kansas is no slouch. I found an article this week for you from the Horticulture Department about why trees change the colors they do and how you get the striking colors of fall.&nbsp;

Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown. Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Other pigments produce 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

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. Coloring also is influenced by the weather.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis and, thus, sugar accumulation 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

K-State Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>I always love the changing of the seasons, especially summer to fall. After the heat of the summer, the cool, crisp mornings and cooler days makes me happy. One of the first signs that I can tell that summer is on its way out is the first leaves on the cottonwood trees starting to turn yellow. The reds and oranges of the maples and oaks quickly follow suite. &nbsp;Although the New England states are the place to view the changing of the seasons, Kansas is no slouch. I found an article this week for you from the Horticulture Department about why trees change the colors they do and how you get the striking colors of fall.&nbsp;Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown. Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Other pigments produce 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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. Coloring also is influenced by the weather.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis and, thus, sugar accumulation 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.K-State Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: The science behind the beautiful colors of fall

In the past week, sorghum ergot has been detected in several locations in Kansas, primarily in forage sorghum fields, but also in grain sorghum. This is a relatively rare event, with notable prior occurrences in 1997 and 2017. Sorghum ergot in the U.S. is caused by the fungus Claviceps africana. Claviceps africana has been reported in Australia, Central America, North America, South America, and South Africa. Sorghum ergot is not the same pathogen that causes ergot in wheat (Claviceps purpurea).

Sorghum ergot development - this fungus, Claviceps africana, infects unfertilized sorghum ovaries, resulting in no development of grain. Pollen present at the same time as ergot inoculum usually prevents ergot infection because pollination occurs much more quickly. The absence of pollen in male-sterile sorghum forage fields makes them extremely susceptible to infection by C. africana when both the pathogen and a favorable environment/weather are present. Sorghum ergot can also be a problem if pollen is somehow absent or ineffective at the flowering stage. This can occur if the plants were subjected to cool, moist conditions prior to or during the flowering period. Anything that reduces pollination increases the potential for ergot infection.

Studies have shown a higher risk of sorghum ergot infection when minimum temperatures are ~53°F. Additionally, the chance of infection decreases when temperatures are above 75°F prior to flowering.

Symptoms and Dispersal - sorghum ergot is a grain replacement disease that creates two major problems.

· First, infection of non-pollinated ovaries precludes normal seed-set or development. Thus, infections are directly responsible for grain yield losses.

· Secondly, seed developing adjacent to infected florets often become contaminated with sugary, sphacelia honeydew, which is a sweet, sticky, amber-colored fluid (Figure 1).

Ergot infection is easy to identify because of the abundance of honeydew that the fungus produces. Thick, sticky, ambered colored, syrup-like honeydew drips from the sorghum head to the leaves and to the ground, where it often dries in a white powdery like substance. The honeydew also sometimes appears as a dried brown to black colored mass in place of kernels in the sorghum head.

Is ergot in sorghum toxic to cattle and other livestock? We are not aware of any issues with toxicity in the past or present in the US caused by the ergot fungus Claviceps africana that infects sorghum. This includes forage fed as silage or hay. It is very important to note that this is not the same ergot fungus that infects wheat, rye, triticale and fescue. The honeydew itself contains very little toxin (alkaloids). In the sorghum head, instead of grain being produced, a compact, hard fungal mass called sclerotia may develop in the later stages of infection. It has a tough outer rind and a compact inner core that may be reddish brown in color and replaces kernels. Do not confuse this with dried honeydew or secondary infections. These sclerotium fall to the ground or are generally separated from the grain during processing. These sclerotia would be expected to have a higher level of alkaloids. However, it is important to note that in the High Plains, there is some question about whether sclerotia is even produced.

Management considerations · Fungicide applications at this point in time will not be effective.

· Harvesting of sorghum, for grain or silage, may prove difficult due to the sticky nature of the honeydew.

· If portions of the field are more severely affected than others, producers may consider not harvesting that portion of the field or keeping the resulting hay lots separate for future testing.

· Delaying harvest until after a rain or freeze can help reduce the amount of honeydew on the plant.

· Honeydew can cause mold formation in baled hay or silage. Mold formation will reduce feed quality and can form mycotoxins.

· The presence of alkaloids, which are a toxic concern for livestock feeding, is reliant on the production of sclerotia. At this time, sclerotia production has not been verified in Kansas fields.

K-State Extension is continuing to monitor this situation and evaluate the infections present in Kansas. If you have any additional questions please reach out to us in the Cottonwood Extension District.

Information provided by Rodrigo Onofre, K-State Extension Row Crop Plant Disease specialist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>In the past week, sorghum ergot has been detected in several locations in Kansas, primarily in forage sorghum fields, but also in grain sorghum. This is a relatively rare event, with notable prior occurrences in 1997 and 2017. Sorghum ergot in the U.S. is caused by the fungus Claviceps africana. Claviceps africana has been reported in Australia, Central America, North America, South America, and South Africa. Sorghum ergot is not the same pathogen that causes ergot in wheat (Claviceps purpurea).Sorghum ergot development - this fungus, Claviceps africana, infects unfertilized sorghum ovaries, resulting in no development of grain. Pollen present at the same time as ergot inoculum usually prevents ergot infection because pollination occurs much more quickly. The absence of pollen in male-sterile sorghum forage fields makes them extremely susceptible to infection by C. africana when both the pathogen and a favorable environment/weather are present. Sorghum ergot can also be a problem if pollen is somehow absent or ineffective at the flowering stage. This can occur if the plants were subjected to cool, moist conditions prior to or during the flowering period. Anything that reduces pollination increases the potential for ergot infection.Studies have shown a higher risk of sorghum ergot infection when minimum temperatures are ~53°F. Additionally, the chance of infection decreases when temperatures are above 75°F prior to flowering.Symptoms and Dispersal - sorghum ergot is a grain replacement disease that creates two major problems.· First, infection of non-pollinated ovaries precludes normal seed-set or development. Thus, infections are directly responsible for grain yield losses.· Secondly, seed developing adjacent to infected florets often become contaminated with sugary, sphacelia honeydew, which is a sweet, sticky, amber-colored fluid (Figure 1).Ergot infection is easy to identify because of the abundance of honeydew that the fungus produces. Thick, sticky, ambered colored, syrup-like honeydew drips from the sorghum head to the leaves and to the ground, where it often dries in a white powdery like substance. The honeydew also sometimes appears as a dried brown to black colored mass in place of kernels in the sorghum head.Is ergot in sorghum toxic to cattle and other livestock? We are not aware of any issues with toxicity in the past or present in the US caused by the ergot fungus Claviceps africana that infects sorghum. This includes forage fed as silage or hay. It is very important to note that this is not the same ergot fungus that infects wheat, rye, triticale and fescue. The honeydew itself contains very little toxin (alkaloids). In the sorghum head, instead of grain being produced, a compact, hard fungal mass called sclerotia may develop in the later stages of infection. It has a tough outer rind and a compact inner core that may be reddish brown in color and replaces kernels. Do not confuse this with dried honeydew or secondary infections. These sclerotium fall to the ground or are generally separated from the grain during processing. These sclerotia would be expected to have a higher level of alkaloids. However, it is important to note that in the High Plains, there is some question about whether sclerotia is even produced.Management considerations · Fungicide applications at this point in time will not be effective.· Harvesting of sorghum, for grain or silage, may prove difficult due to the sticky nature of the honeydew.· If portions of the field are more severely affected than others, producers may consider not harvesting that portion of the field or keeping the resulting hay lots separate for future testing.· Delaying harvest until after a rain or freeze can help reduce the amount of honeydew on the plant.· Honeydew can cause mold formation in baled hay or silage. Mold formation will reduce feed quality and can form mycotoxins.· The presence of alkaloids, which are a toxic concern for livestock feeding, is reliant on the production of sclerotia. At this time, sclerotia production has not been verified in Kansas fields.K-State Extension is continuing to monitor this situation and evaluate the infections present in Kansas. If you have any additional questions please reach out to us in the Cottonwood Extension District.Information provided by Rodrigo Onofre, K-State Extension Row Crop Plant Disease specialist.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Sorghum ergot being found in Kansas

As
of Tuesday, October 7th, the drought monitor report indicates little change
from last week. The state is at 81% totally out of dry conditions.&nbsp; The only abnormally dry, moderate drought
parts of Kansas are North Central along the Nebraska and Eastern Kansas along
the Missouri Border which are worsening a tad.&nbsp;
The six-to ten-day outlook (October 14 to 18) indicates a 70 to 80%
chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of
leaning above normal for precipitation.&nbsp;
The eight to fourteen-day outlook (October 16 to 22) indicates a 50 to 60%
chance of likely above normal for temperatures and 33 to 40% chance of leaning
above normal for precipitation.&nbsp;
Hopefully the precipitation happens as these warm temperatures while
great for harvest are not for keeping soil moisture for winter wheat.&nbsp; These conditions should allow for good tiller
and root system establishment.&nbsp; 

Lately,
the agriculture extension agents for our Cottonwood District have been
featuring problem weeds in crop fields and pasture.&nbsp; These articles describe the weed, its growth
and reproductive characteristics, and control options.&nbsp; Most of us, producers and nonproducers alike,
think of chemical control.&nbsp; While
certainly an important tool in the pest control arsenal, good pest control
(insects, diseases, and weeds) practiced by good producers is more
complicated.&nbsp; The term is Integrated Pest
Management or IPM.&nbsp; So, what is IPM?

After
WWII, there emerged a promising new technology for pest control, initially for
insect control.&nbsp; During WWII, DDT was
developed primarily for mosquito control for troops fighting in the South
Pacific as troop incapacitation from malaria were as significant as losses from
combat.&nbsp; And later in the war for
typhus.&nbsp; Immediately after the war, its
use was promoted for agricultural and public use. The promise was for a world
free of insect pests and the damage/illnesses they spread.&nbsp; Atrazine (triazine based herbicides, one of
the first herbicides was developed by Geigy Labs.&nbsp; The first synthetic fungicides date back to
the 1930s.&nbsp; Initially, the promise was
for a pest free world made possible through chemistry.&nbsp; Back then Dupont’s motto was “Better living
through chemistry.”&nbsp; For DDT by the late
1950s/early 1960s and Atrazine by the end of the 1960s, problems were
apparent.&nbsp; From the loss of beneficial
insects to pest resistance to the chemistries combined with health concerns for
people; a creeping awareness led to IPM.&nbsp;
It was apparent that environmental damage and human health, combined
with decreased effectiveness caused researchers to reevaluate pest control. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682025352095.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>As
of Tuesday, October 7th, the drought monitor report indicates little change
from last week. The state is at 81% totally out of dry conditions.&nbsp; The only abnormally dry, moderate drought
parts of Kansas are North Central along the Nebraska and Eastern Kansas along
the Missouri Border which are worsening a tad.&nbsp;
The six-to ten-day outlook (October 14 to 18) indicates a 70 to 80%
chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of
leaning above normal for precipitation.&nbsp;
The eight to fourteen-day outlook (October 16 to 22) indicates a 50 to 60%
chance of likely above normal for temperatures and 33 to 40% chance of leaning
above normal for precipitation.&nbsp;
Hopefully the precipitation happens as these warm temperatures while
great for harvest are not for keeping soil moisture for winter wheat.&nbsp; These conditions should allow for good tiller
and root system establishment.&nbsp; Lately,
the agriculture extension agents for our Cottonwood District have been
featuring problem weeds in crop fields and pasture.&nbsp; These articles describe the weed, its growth
and reproductive characteristics, and control options.&nbsp; Most of us, producers and nonproducers alike,
think of chemical control.&nbsp; While
certainly an important tool in the pest control arsenal, good pest control
(insects, diseases, and weeds) practiced by good producers is more
complicated.&nbsp; The term is Integrated Pest
Management or IPM.&nbsp; So, what is IPM?After
WWII, there emerged a promising new technology for pest control, initially for
insect control.&nbsp; During WWII, DDT was
developed primarily for mosquito control for troops fighting in the South
Pacific as troop incapacitation from malaria were as significant as losses from
combat.&nbsp; And later in the war for
typhus.&nbsp; Immediately after the war, its
use was promoted for agricultural and public use. The promise was for a world
free of insect pests and the damage/illnesses they spread.&nbsp; Atrazine (triazine based herbicides, one of
the first herbicides was developed by Geigy Labs.&nbsp; The first synthetic fungicides date back to
the 1930s.&nbsp; Initially, the promise was
for a pest free world made possible through chemistry.&nbsp; Back then Dupont’s motto was “Better living
through chemistry.”&nbsp; For DDT by the late
1950s/early 1960s and Atrazine by the end of the 1960s, problems were
apparent.&nbsp; From the loss of beneficial
insects to pest resistance to the chemistries combined with health concerns for
people; a creeping awareness led to IPM.&nbsp;
It was apparent that environmental damage and human health, combined
with decreased effectiveness caused researchers to reevaluate pest control.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - IPM and Pest Control - I

I love to cook but some weeks it is overwhelming to put together nutritious meals; and it’s just my husband and I these days! An article from K-State Extension shares how meal prepping can be a valuable tool to save time, reduce food waste, and meet nutritional goals. It is, however, about finding a system that works for your lifestyle.

Chelsea King, a nutrition, food safety and health agent with K-State Extension’s office in Johnson County, says successful meal prepping starts with a solid plan.

“Often, people feel overwhelmed because they try to create brand-new meals every time they cook,” King said. “Instead, start with go-to recipes that you and your family already enjoy. Once you have those, it becomes easier to build a meal plan around them.”

King encourages home cooks to try one new recipe each week to gradually expand their menus. And don't forget to plan for snacks.

“Snacks are one of those things that are easy to overlook,” she said. “It’s tempting to grab a bag of chips, but with a little prep, you can have nutritious options like energy bites or cut-up fruits and vegetables ready to go.”

Before heading to the grocery store, King suggests checking your pantry, refrigerator and freezer.

“One of the biggest money wasters is buying items you already have,” she said. “Taking inventory before you shop not only saves money, it helps reduce food waste.”

King also recommends eating seasonally. “Seasonal produce is often more nutritious and flavorful,” she said. “It’s usually harvested at its peak and may have been picked just a day or two before you buy it at the farmers market.”

Batch cooking is another time-saver. “If you're making rice, cook extra,” she said. “Roast more vegetables than you need for one meal, and use the leftovers in salads or breakfasts. It saves both time and energy.”

While meal prepping often conjures images of spending an entire Sunday cooking, King says it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

“If one big prep day doesn’t work for you, break it into smaller sessions during the week,” she said. “Do what fits your schedule, whether that’s prepping every few days or just washing and chopping produce ahead of time.”

Food safety is a key part of any meal prep plan. King emphasizes the importance of clean workspaces, proper handwashing and using food-safe containers, especially for freezing meals.

“Don’t use old yogurt containers for freezer storage — they’re not designed for those temperatures,” she said. “Use freezer-safe containers and always label and date what you store.”

Meal prepping also helps in those inevitable life moments — a late meeting, traffic delay, or a sick child.

“Having emergency meals in the freezer keeps you from relying on expensive fast food,” King said. “It helps you stick to your nutrition goals and saves money.”

“Meal-prepping isn’t a one-size-fits all,” she adds. “Find what works best for you and your family. Start small and focus on preparing meals for one or two days, then add more based on your comfort and needs.”

“The overall goal of meal prepping is to be more efficient in the kitchen, meaning less time spent in the kitchen, and to have nutritious homemade meals all week long.”

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>I love to cook but some weeks it is overwhelming to put together nutritious meals; and it’s just my husband and I these days! An article from K-State Extension shares how meal prepping can be a valuable tool to save time, reduce food waste, and meet nutritional goals. It is, however, about finding a system that works for your lifestyle.Chelsea King, a nutrition, food safety and health agent with K-State Extension’s office in Johnson County, says successful meal prepping starts with a solid plan.“Often, people feel overwhelmed because they try to create brand-new meals every time they cook,” King said. “Instead, start with go-to recipes that you and your family already enjoy. Once you have those, it becomes easier to build a meal plan around them.”King encourages home cooks to try one new recipe each week to gradually expand their menus. And don't forget to plan for snacks.“Snacks are one of those things that are easy to overlook,” she said. “It’s tempting to grab a bag of chips, but with a little prep, you can have nutritious options like energy bites or cut-up fruits and vegetables ready to go.”Before heading to the grocery store, King suggests checking your pantry, refrigerator and freezer.“One of the biggest money wasters is buying items you already have,” she said. “Taking inventory before you shop not only saves money, it helps reduce food waste.”King also recommends eating seasonally. “Seasonal produce is often more nutritious and flavorful,” she said. “It’s usually harvested at its peak and may have been picked just a day or two before you buy it at the farmers market.”Batch cooking is another time-saver. “If you're making rice, cook extra,” she said. “Roast more vegetables than you need for one meal, and use the leftovers in salads or breakfasts. It saves both time and energy.”While meal prepping often conjures images of spending an entire Sunday cooking, King says it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.“If one big prep day doesn’t work for you, break it into smaller sessions during the week,” she said. “Do what fits your schedule, whether that’s prepping every few days or just washing and chopping produce ahead of time.”Food safety is a key part of any meal prep plan. King emphasizes the importance of clean workspaces, proper handwashing and using food-safe containers, especially for freezing meals.“Don’t use old yogurt containers for freezer storage — they’re not designed for those temperatures,” she said. “Use freezer-safe containers and always label and date what you store.”Meal prepping also helps in those inevitable life moments — a late meeting, traffic delay, or a sick child.“Having emergency meals in the freezer keeps you from relying on expensive fast food,” King said. “It helps you stick to your nutrition goals and saves money.”“Meal-prepping isn’t a one-size-fits all,” she adds. “Find what works best for you and your family. Start small and focus on preparing meals for one or two days, then add more based on your comfort and needs.”“The overall goal of meal prepping is to be more efficient in the kitchen, meaning less time spent in the kitchen, and to have nutritious homemade meals all week long.”Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: Meal-prepping a way to eat healthier and save money

Musk thistle is one of 12 noxious weeds in Kansas, infesting over 420,000 acres. It has been reported in nearly every county in Kansas and is found primarily in pastures, rangeland, hay meadows, alfalfa, fallow, roadsides, and waste areas. Under the new Noxious Weed Law, musk thistle is considered a Category C weed. That means it is well established within the state and has an extensive population.&nbsp;

Control efforts should be aimed at reducing or eliminating new populations, and established stands should be managed with any accepted control method.&nbsp; These include mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches.&nbsp; Mechanical control involves removing the entire plant or just the reproductive parts to prevent the plants from producing flowers/seeds.&nbsp; Mowing, digging, and hoeing are common mechanical methods of controlling musk thistle. Several herbicides are labeled for musk thistle control and are discussed below.&nbsp; Biological control requires a permit and needs to be integrated with other methods.&nbsp; Head and crown weevils are found in the state but cannot be transported across state lines.&nbsp; A flower fly is a new candidate species for biological control of musk thistle.

Musk thistle is primarily a biennial or winter annual species. Biennials take two growing seasons to complete their life cycle. Thistles germinating in the spring will spend the entire summer as a rosette, live through the winter, and bolt the next year in May and June. Winter annual plants will germinate with moisture and warm temperatures in the fall, live through the winter, and bolt the following year.

Most people recognize musk thistle during the early summer when the plants are actively blooming. However, musk thistle control is easiest as a rosette.

Fall is an excellent time to spray musk thistle as all are in the rosette growth stage. Another advantage of treatment in the fall is reduced risk of off-target drift. Waiting until most deciduous trees have lost their leaves and most crops are harvested will greatly reduce the likelihood of damage from herbicide drift. A wider window of opportunity for treating musk thistle also exists in the fall. The spraying window in the fall probably extends until the ground is frozen, and the musk thistle plants have shut down activity until warmer temperatures in the spring. Freezing temperatures will start to damage musk thistle plants, with some yellowing and curling of leaves. However, the plants are susceptible to herbicides as long as green tissue exists.

Dry conditions in the fall can reduce control of musk thistle with certain herbicides. Still, studies in Kansas indicated that a fall application of 2,4-D LVE at 2 lbs per acre was more effective (80% control) than a similar rate of 2,4-D amine (49% control). Dicamba + 2,4-D amine at 0.25 + 0.75 lbs per acre and picloram at 0.125 lbs per acre were also effective (&gt;90% control) on musk thistle treated in the fall.&nbsp; Other herbicides that have proven effective include 3-5&nbsp; fl oz/acre aminopyralid (Milestone) and aminopyralid + metsulfuron (Chaparral at 1.5 oz/acre).&nbsp; Products containing picloram and aminopyralid will not only control rosettes treated in the fall but will have enough carryover to control emerging seedlings the following spring.

If you need to treat musk thistle this fall, select the proper herbicide for the job.&nbsp; If possible, select a warm, sunny day to spray. Scattered rosettes can be mechanically removed by digging below the crown. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Musk thistle is one of 12 noxious weeds in Kansas, infesting over 420,000 acres. It has been reported in nearly every county in Kansas and is found primarily in pastures, rangeland, hay meadows, alfalfa, fallow, roadsides, and waste areas. Under the new Noxious Weed Law, musk thistle is considered a Category C weed. That means it is well established within the state and has an extensive population.&nbsp;Control efforts should be aimed at reducing or eliminating new populations, and established stands should be managed with any accepted control method.&nbsp; These include mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches.&nbsp; Mechanical control involves removing the entire plant or just the reproductive parts to prevent the plants from producing flowers/seeds.&nbsp; Mowing, digging, and hoeing are common mechanical methods of controlling musk thistle. Several herbicides are labeled for musk thistle control and are discussed below.&nbsp; Biological control requires a permit and needs to be integrated with other methods.&nbsp; Head and crown weevils are found in the state but cannot be transported across state lines.&nbsp; A flower fly is a new candidate species for biological control of musk thistle.Musk thistle is primarily a biennial or winter annual species. Biennials take two growing seasons to complete their life cycle. Thistles germinating in the spring will spend the entire summer as a rosette, live through the winter, and bolt the next year in May and June. Winter annual plants will germinate with moisture and warm temperatures in the fall, live through the winter, and bolt the following year.Most people recognize musk thistle during the early summer when the plants are actively blooming. However, musk thistle control is easiest as a rosette.Fall is an excellent time to spray musk thistle as all are in the rosette growth stage. Another advantage of treatment in the fall is reduced risk of off-target drift. Waiting until most deciduous trees have lost their leaves and most crops are harvested will greatly reduce the likelihood of damage from herbicide drift. A wider window of opportunity for treating musk thistle also exists in the fall. The spraying window in the fall probably extends until the ground is frozen, and the musk thistle plants have shut down activity until warmer temperatures in the spring. Freezing temperatures will start to damage musk thistle plants, with some yellowing and curling of leaves. However, the plants are susceptible to herbicides as long as green tissue exists.Dry conditions in the fall can reduce control of musk thistle with certain herbicides. Still, studies in Kansas indicated that a fall application of 2,4-D LVE at 2 lbs per acre was more effective (80% control) than a similar rate of 2,4-D amine (49% control). Dicamba + 2,4-D amine at 0.25 + 0.75 lbs per acre and picloram at 0.125 lbs per acre were also effective (&gt;90% control) on musk thistle treated in the fall.&nbsp; Other herbicides that have proven effective include 3-5&nbsp; fl oz/acre aminopyralid (Milestone) and aminopyralid + metsulfuron (Chaparral at 1.5 oz/acre).&nbsp; Products containing picloram and aminopyralid will not only control rosettes treated in the fall but will have enough carryover to control emerging seedlings the following spring.If you need to treat musk thistle this fall, select the proper herbicide for the job.&nbsp; If possible, select a warm, sunny day to spray. Scattered rosettes can be mechanically removed by digging below the crown. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Fall is a good time to treat for musk thistle

Field bindweed, a perennial vine in the morningglory family, infests millions of acres in the Great Plains. This weed significantly reduces crop yield and quality, reduces land value, interferes with harvest by entangling crop plants, and increases production costs associated with control practices. Earlier research in Hays, KS, over the span of 12 years, indicated that dense stands of field bindweed induced 20% to 50% cereal crop yield loss and 50% to 80% row crop yield reduction.

In North America, field bindweed was first reported in Virginia in 1739. It was possibly brought to Kansas in infested wheat seed from the Ukrainian region of Russia between 1870 and 1875. In 1877 and 1888, it was reported near Topeka and Nebraska, respectively.

Growth and development - seeds near the soil surface will germinate throughout the growing season following rainfall. Seedling emergence primarily occurs in the spring, usually in early to mid-April in Kansas, and continues growing until November or until temperatures drop to 20°F or lower; at these temperatures, its growth may be retarded, but the vines do not die. Seedlings quickly develop a deep taproot and numerous lateral roots about six weeks after emergence. Once lateral roots grow, the plant has a perennial growth habit. Growth ceases during severe drought, but new top growth appears after adequate rainfall. May 15 to June 15 is the heaviest bloom period in west-central Kansas, with the seed usually maturing from June 15 to July 15. However, field bindweed can continue to bloom under favorable conditions and produce seed during July and August.

Roots and food reserves - field bindweed stores a large quantity of carbohydrates deep into its root system, which provides energy for below- and above-ground growth. Roots can have a lateral spread of approximately 10 feet in one season and may penetrate 18 to 20 feet. In two or three growing seasons, roots may extend to a diameter of 17 to 18 feet. In areas with average annual precipitations of 30 inches or more, field bindweed roots have been found 30 feet below the surface. However, on upland soils near Hays, where annual precipitation averages 23 inches, few roots were found below 6 feet. Also, more than 60% of the total weight of roots is reported to be in the top two feet of soil. Buds formed along lateral roots can develop into shoots, which become new plants when they surface.

Dispersal mode - field bindweed spreads by root segments and seeds, both of which can be spread by road maintenance and equipment. Root segments with buds are dispersed by tillage implements and are capable of starting new plants when the soil has adequate moisture.

· Vines, wrapped around tools and those that pass through harvesting equipment, drop field bindweed seeds.

· Seeds are collected with harvested grain and often planted with crop seed.

· Seeds in grain or hay fed to livestock pass through animals undigested and spread with manure.

· Seed is transported by drainage water, birds, animals, machinery, and vehicles.

Management - because field bindweed has long seed viability and tremendous food reserves stored in roots, a long-term management program is required for its successful control. A single application of an herbicide will not eradicate established stands.

Information provided by K-State Weed Management Specialist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Field bindweed, a perennial vine in the morningglory family, infests millions of acres in the Great Plains. This weed significantly reduces crop yield and quality, reduces land value, interferes with harvest by entangling crop plants, and increases production costs associated with control practices. Earlier research in Hays, KS, over the span of 12 years, indicated that dense stands of field bindweed induced 20% to 50% cereal crop yield loss and 50% to 80% row crop yield reduction.In North America, field bindweed was first reported in Virginia in 1739. It was possibly brought to Kansas in infested wheat seed from the Ukrainian region of Russia between 1870 and 1875. In 1877 and 1888, it was reported near Topeka and Nebraska, respectively.Growth and development - seeds near the soil surface will germinate throughout the growing season following rainfall. Seedling emergence primarily occurs in the spring, usually in early to mid-April in Kansas, and continues growing until November or until temperatures drop to 20°F or lower; at these temperatures, its growth may be retarded, but the vines do not die. Seedlings quickly develop a deep taproot and numerous lateral roots about six weeks after emergence. Once lateral roots grow, the plant has a perennial growth habit. Growth ceases during severe drought, but new top growth appears after adequate rainfall. May 15 to June 15 is the heaviest bloom period in west-central Kansas, with the seed usually maturing from June 15 to July 15. However, field bindweed can continue to bloom under favorable conditions and produce seed during July and August.Roots and food reserves - field bindweed stores a large quantity of carbohydrates deep into its root system, which provides energy for below- and above-ground growth. Roots can have a lateral spread of approximately 10 feet in one season and may penetrate 18 to 20 feet. In two or three growing seasons, roots may extend to a diameter of 17 to 18 feet. In areas with average annual precipitations of 30 inches or more, field bindweed roots have been found 30 feet below the surface. However, on upland soils near Hays, where annual precipitation averages 23 inches, few roots were found below 6 feet. Also, more than 60% of the total weight of roots is reported to be in the top two feet of soil. Buds formed along lateral roots can develop into shoots, which become new plants when they surface.Dispersal mode - field bindweed spreads by root segments and seeds, both of which can be spread by road maintenance and equipment. Root segments with buds are dispersed by tillage implements and are capable of starting new plants when the soil has adequate moisture.Spreading by seed occurs when:· Vines, wrapped around tools and those that pass through harvesting equipment, drop field bindweed seeds.· Seeds are collected with harvested grain and often planted with crop seed.· Seeds in grain or hay fed to livestock pass through animals undigested and spread with manure.· Seed is transported by drainage water, birds, animals, machinery, and vehicles.Management - because field bindweed has long seed viability and tremendous food reserves stored in roots, a long-term management program is required for its successful control. A single application of an herbicide will not eradicate established stands.Information provided by K-State Weed Management Specialist.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: The world of weeds - field bindweed

Fall is an excellent time to plant a tree. The soils are still warm, allowing the root system to begin to spread out. It also gives the roots time to settle and grow before the stress of the summer heat comes along. Homeowners should plan to do a little research in order to pick the right tree for their particular yard. Choose trees that are adapted to your location. Consider whether the tree produces nuisance fruit, or if there are disease-resistant varieties available. And consider the mature size of the tree to make sure you have enough room.

Here are ten rules for planting trees in a home landscape: 

1. Select the right tree for the site. K-State has a list of trees recommended for Kansas available online.

2. Keep the tree well-watered and in a shady location until planting. When moving the tree, lift it by the root ball or pot – not by the trunk.

3. Before planting, remove all wires, labels, cords or anything else tied to the plant. Plant the tree on solid ground, not in fill dirt.

4. Dig a hole deep enough so that the tree sits slightly above nursery level. The width should be three times the width of the root ball.

5. Remove all containers from the root ball, including plastic and peat pots. Roll burlap and wire baskets back into the hole, cutting as much of the excess as possible.

6. Backfill the hole with soil that was removed. Make sure the soil is loosened, without clods or clumps.

7. Don’t cut back branches of the tree after planting except those that are rubbing or damaged.

8. Water the tree thoroughly, then once a week for the first season if there is insufficient rainfall.

9. Place mulch 2-4 inches deep around the tree, and cover an area 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball.

10. Stake only when necessary; trees will establish more quickly and grow faster if they are not staked.

By following these steps when planting your new tree, you are giving it the best start to be able to thrive in the years to come.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Fall is an excellent time to plant a tree. The soils are still warm, allowing the root system to begin to spread out. It also gives the roots time to settle and grow before the stress of the summer heat comes along. Homeowners should plan to do a little research in order to pick the right tree for their particular yard. Choose trees that are adapted to your location. Consider whether the tree produces nuisance fruit, or if there are disease-resistant varieties available. And consider the mature size of the tree to make sure you have enough room.Here are ten rules for planting trees in a home landscape: 1. Select the right tree for the site. K-State has a list of trees recommended for Kansas available online.2. Keep the tree well-watered and in a shady location until planting. When moving the tree, lift it by the root ball or pot – not by the trunk.3. Before planting, remove all wires, labels, cords or anything else tied to the plant. Plant the tree on solid ground, not in fill dirt.4. Dig a hole deep enough so that the tree sits slightly above nursery level. The width should be three times the width of the root ball.5. Remove all containers from the root ball, including plastic and peat pots. Roll burlap and wire baskets back into the hole, cutting as much of the excess as possible.6. Backfill the hole with soil that was removed. Make sure the soil is loosened, without clods or clumps.7. Don’t cut back branches of the tree after planting except those that are rubbing or damaged.8. Water the tree thoroughly, then once a week for the first season if there is insufficient rainfall.9. Place mulch 2-4 inches deep around the tree, and cover an area 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball.10. Stake only when necessary; trees will establish more quickly and grow faster if they are not staked.By following these steps when planting your new tree, you are giving it the best start to be able to thrive in the years to come.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Fall is an ideal time for tree planting

By DALE HOGG Barton County Media Consultant

Recognizing the significant impact&nbsp;4-H&nbsp;programs have on local youth, the Barton County Commission adopted a proclamation Tuesday morning declaring&nbsp;Oct. 5-11&nbsp;as&nbsp;National 4-H Week.

Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District family and community wellness agent for Barton County, along with four 4-H ambassadors and the new 4-H agent&nbsp;Ben Sims, presented the proclamation to the commissioners. It highlighted 4-H as America's largest youth development organization, connecting millions of young people, educators, volunteers, and alumni across the United States.

Beran let the youth with her do most of the speaking.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759359129748.jpeg" alt="Barton County commissioners Shawn Hutchinson, Duane Reif, Tricia Schlessiger, Barb Esfeld and Donna Zimmerman, in the back row, show their support for Barton County 4-Hers Samantha Negaard, Russell Kern, D.J. Wyant and Melody Braddy during the Commission meeting Tuesday morning. The Commission had just adopted a proclamation marking next week as National 4-H Week." />
 <figcaption>Barton County commissioners Shawn Hutchinson, Duane Reif, Tricia Schlessiger, Barb Esfeld and Donna Zimmerman, in the back row, show their support for Barton County 4-Hers Samantha Negaard, Russell Kern, D.J. Wyant and Melody Braddy during the Commission meeting Tuesday morning. The Commission had just adopted a proclamation marking next week as National 4-H Week.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DALE HOGG Barton County Media ConsultantRecognizing the significant impact&nbsp;4-H&nbsp;programs have on local youth, the Barton County Commission adopted a proclamation Tuesday morning declaring&nbsp;Oct. 5-11&nbsp;as&nbsp;National 4-H Week.Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District family and community wellness agent for Barton County, along with four 4-H ambassadors and the new 4-H agent&nbsp;Ben Sims, presented the proclamation to the commissioners. It highlighted 4-H as America's largest youth development organization, connecting millions of young people, educators, volunteers, and alumni across the United States.Beran let the youth with her do most of the speaking.Melody Braddy&nbsp;of Hoisington, a delegate to the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C., highlighted the opportunity to be a part of the&nbsp;Kansas Youth Leadership Forum (KYLF)&nbsp;and the national conference, where delegates presented on issues like youth mental health. “This is my favorite because you get to meet youth from all over the state, who are there because they want to be there and they want to learn about leadership," she said.Praising the diverse project opportunities,&nbsp;Samantha Negaard&nbsp;of Great Bend said her favorite part about being in 4-H is the performing arts. “These easily transfer to school activities and has helped with public speaking and confidence.”D.J. Wyant&nbsp;of Hoisington, a member of the junior leaders and ambassador program, said he enjoys 4-H for its public service activities and for improving his public speaking and leadership skills.They can even earn national honors, said&nbsp;Russell Kern&nbsp;of Ellinwood. His favorite project is foods and nutrition, which has helped him win national awards and scholarships. He was recently named the&nbsp;Youth Educator of the Year&nbsp;by the Home Bakers Association.The commission recognized the importance of 4-H's four core values —&nbsp;Head,&nbsp;Heart,&nbsp;Hands, and&nbsp;Health&nbsp;— which help youth “become beyond ready” for future challenges. The program, delivered by the&nbsp;Cooperative Extension, aims to turn participants into leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries by encouraging them to tackle critical societal issues.The commissioners voted to adopt the proclamation, formally encouraging all citizens to recognize 4-H for its continued role in empowering youth to “learn by doing” and make a positive impact on their communities.“4-H is very near and dear to my heart,” said Commission Chairperson&nbsp;Tricia Schlessiger, District 4, noting her kids take part in the program. “The focus is on the fair, but there is learning that takes place throughout the year.”“This is something that will carry you through life,” said Commissioner&nbsp;Barb Esfeld, District 2, of the lessons learned. “There is so much you can do (in 4-H). I am proud of you guys.”Beran said the new 4-H year is set to begin&nbsp;Oct. 1&nbsp;for nearly&nbsp;150 members&nbsp;across seven community clubs in Barton County, following the conclusion of the Kansas State Fair. The county's 4-H program offers&nbsp;50 projects&nbsp;covering areas such as communication, leadership, citizenship, and career options.She said 4-H involves much more than the annual&nbsp;Barton County Fair, which is managed in partnership with the Fair Association. The&nbsp;4-H Holding Board continues to manage and maintain the 4-H educational buildings, which are used for club meetings, day camps, and archery practice.Beran also introduced&nbsp;Sims&nbsp;as the new 4-H agent, joining the extension office after three years as an agriculture and 4-H agent in Greenwood County. He said his wife is from Wilson and that is why they wanted to relocate to this area.The two noted a slow but positive trend in enrollment, with the state pushing for a&nbsp;10% increase&nbsp;in membership over the next five years. They acknowledged that balancing 4-H with other activities is a challenge for families.The agents said the local program is seeking project leaders and volunteers, who must follow a registration process for risk management. Volunteers are needed for single events, like&nbsp;County Club Days&nbsp;in February, or for longer-term project guidance.Project records will be evaluated&nbsp;Oct. 6&nbsp;in Rice County with six other counties.The Cottonwood Extension District covers Barton and Ellis counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;