By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Drought has significantly affected wheat in southwest Kansas, but the rains may have saved some of the wheat in northwest Kansas.

"Our neighbors in southwest Kansas have been in extreme drought, I think quite a few acres of wheat down there have just been abandoned, destroyed." said Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood District K-State Extension agent for agriculture.

"Fortunately here in our area, we have had a few rains. We're probably in a little better shape than in southwest Kansas. Some of our wheat looks like it is going to do pretty good, all things considered."

The Cottonwood District covers both Hays and Great Bend.

Ellis County is listed on the Kansas Drought Monitor as being in a moderate drought as of May 31. Great Bend has areas listed in both moderate and severe drought. Other sections of northwest Kansas are listed in extreme drought.

Rains are rarely consistent even within counties, so Campbell said soil and crop conditions can vary.

Campbell said farmers won't know wheat yields for sure until harvest. The first harvest in Ellis County usually starts about June 18 t 20. By June 24 harvest in this region should be in full swing, depending on weather, he said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f5b7f548-6f23-4b41-aa53-b6efa926e4bc">Campbell said in his weekly column the dry weather has resulted in shorter wheat. </a>Machines may need to be adjusted to most efficiently separate straw from heads, he said.

Nathan Leiker, 36, a farmer with crops in Rush and Ellis counties, said the fluctuating prices and drought should make for an interesting year.

He has concerns the drought may affect his wheat but was a little more optimistic for his fall crops. He said the fall crops look very promising in light of the rain over the last couple of weeks. He is growing corn, milo and wheat.

May rain will help fall crops, but Campbell said more will be needed to help the fall crops, especially dryland corn. He said the soil moisture profile is still not good.

With the drought conditions, Campbell anticipated some farmers will forgo corn for more drought-tolerant crops, such as milo.

Drought and the war in Ukraine have forced wheat prices up. As of May 27, Kansas hard red wheat for July was about $11 per bushel. That is compared to prices as low as $4 per bushel in 2020.

However, Campbell said much of the profit farmers may make due to the increase in the sale price will be eaten up by inflation.

Input prices for fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides and diesel, have all gone up two to two and half times compared to a year ago, he said.

"They do need a better price to still make some money," Campbell said.

Leiker said he thought he may make a profit on wheat this year, but the increases in production costs may wipe out any profit on next year's wheat.

He said the market is changing so fast that some farmers are trying to take advantage of high prices now to lock in sales. If farmers wait until the wheat is out of the fields, they may see prices drop, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654271601887.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDrought has significantly affected wheat in southwest Kansas, but the rains may have saved some of the wheat in northwest Kansas."Our neighbors in southwest Kansas have been in extreme drought, I think quite a few acres of wheat down there have just been abandoned, destroyed." said Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood District K-State Extension agent for agriculture."Fortunately here in our area, we have had a few rains. We're probably in a little better shape than in southwest Kansas. Some of our wheat looks like it is going to do pretty good, all things considered."The Cottonwood District covers both Hays and Great Bend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654272487890.png" alt="Kansas Drought Monitor map as of May 31 " />
 <figcaption>Kansas Drought Monitor map as of May 31 </figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County is listed on the Kansas Drought Monitor as being in a moderate drought as of May 31. Great Bend has areas listed in both moderate and severe drought. Other sections of northwest Kansas are listed in extreme drought.Rains are rarely consistent even within counties, so Campbell said soil and crop conditions can vary.Campbell said farmers won't know wheat yields for sure until harvest. The first harvest in Ellis County usually starts about June 18 t 20. By June 24 harvest in this region should be in full swing, depending on weather, he said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f5b7f548-6f23-4b41-aa53-b6efa926e4bc">Campbell said in his weekly column the dry weather has resulted in shorter wheat. </a>Machines may need to be adjusted to most efficiently separate straw from heads, he said.Nathan Leiker, 36, a farmer with crops in Rush and Ellis counties, said the fluctuating prices and drought should make for an interesting year.He has concerns the drought may affect his wheat but was a little more optimistic for his fall crops. He said the fall crops look very promising in light of the rain over the last couple of weeks. He is growing corn, milo and wheat.May rain will help fall crops, but Campbell said more will be needed to help the fall crops, especially dryland corn. He said the soil moisture profile is still not good.With the drought conditions, Campbell anticipated some farmers will forgo corn for more drought-tolerant crops, such as milo.Drought and the war in Ukraine have forced wheat prices up. As of May 27, Kansas hard red wheat for July was about $11 per bushel. That is compared to prices as low as $4 per bushel in 2020.However, Campbell said much of the profit farmers may make due to the increase in the sale price will be eaten up by inflation.Input prices for fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides and diesel, have all gone up two to two and half times compared to a year ago, he said."They do need a better price to still make some money," Campbell said.Leiker said he thought he may make a profit on wheat this year, but the increases in production costs may wipe out any profit on next year's wheat.He said the market is changing so fast that some farmers are trying to take advantage of high prices now to lock in sales. If farmers wait until the wheat is out of the fields, they may see prices drop, he said.

Wheat better than expected, but high input prices to cut into profits

It is the time of year you have all been waiting for, that is, dealing with that “infamous” of insect pests known as the bagworm. Throughout Kansas, bagworm eggs have hatched and the young caterpillars are out-and-about feeding on both broadleaf and evergreen trees and shrubs. Bagworms were first considered a pest of conifers but over the years they have expanded their host range to include a number of broadleaf plants, including: rose, honeylocust, and flowering plum.

Most calls on how to control bagworms come in during late-July to early-August when damage appears. Bagworms are difficult to control when they are that large. They are much easier to kill while small.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

Bagworms overwinter as eggs inside the dead female's bag. Young larvae normally hatch and emerge during mid- to late-May in Kansas. Now would be a good time to scout for bagworms.&nbsp; Wait to use control measures until mid-June as earlier sprays may miss those who emerge from the bag later than normal. &nbsp;

The key to dealing with bagworms when using insecticides is to apply early and frequently enough in order to kill the highly susceptible young caterpillars that are feeding aggressively on plant foliage. Older caterpillars that develop later in the season, in the bags are typically more difficult to kill with insecticides. In addition, females feed less as they prepare for reproduction; thus, reducing their susceptibility to spray applications and any residues.&nbsp;

However, make sure the bagworms are present by looking for a miniature version of&nbsp;the mature bagworm.&nbsp; Also, check to be sure the bagworms are alive before spraying. Predators and parasites can sometimes naturally control this pest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Insecticides commonly used for controlling bagworms include:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

- acephate (Orthene)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - permethrin (38 Plus Turf, Termite &amp; Ornamental Insect Spray; Eight Vegetable, Fruit &amp; Flower&nbsp; Concentrate; Garden and Farm Insect Control)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - bifenthrin (Bug Blaster II, Bug-B-Gon Max Lawn and Garden Insect Killer)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - lambda-cyhalothrin (Spectracide Triazicide, Bonide Caterpillar Killer) - spinosad (Conserve; Natural Guard Spinosad; and Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Spinosad is an organic control that is very effective on this pest. Thorough spray coverage of foliage is essential for good control with any of these products.&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>It is the time of year you have all been waiting for, that is, dealing with that “infamous” of insect pests known as the bagworm. Throughout Kansas, bagworm eggs have hatched and the young caterpillars are out-and-about feeding on both broadleaf and evergreen trees and shrubs. Bagworms were first considered a pest of conifers but over the years they have expanded their host range to include a number of broadleaf plants, including: rose, honeylocust, and flowering plum.Most calls on how to control bagworms come in during late-July to early-August when damage appears. Bagworms are difficult to control when they are that large. They are much easier to kill while small.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Bagworms overwinter as eggs inside the dead female's bag. Young larvae normally hatch and emerge during mid- to late-May in Kansas. Now would be a good time to scout for bagworms.&nbsp; Wait to use control measures until mid-June as earlier sprays may miss those who emerge from the bag later than normal. &nbsp;The key to dealing with bagworms when using insecticides is to apply early and frequently enough in order to kill the highly susceptible young caterpillars that are feeding aggressively on plant foliage. Older caterpillars that develop later in the season, in the bags are typically more difficult to kill with insecticides. In addition, females feed less as they prepare for reproduction; thus, reducing their susceptibility to spray applications and any residues.&nbsp;However, make sure the bagworms are present by looking for a miniature version of&nbsp;the mature bagworm.&nbsp; Also, check to be sure the bagworms are alive before spraying. Predators and parasites can sometimes naturally control this pest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Insecticides commonly used for controlling bagworms include:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - acephate (Orthene)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - permethrin (38 Plus Turf, Termite &amp; Ornamental Insect Spray; Eight Vegetable, Fruit &amp; Flower&nbsp; Concentrate; Garden and Farm Insect Control)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - bifenthrin (Bug Blaster II, Bug-B-Gon Max Lawn and Garden Insect Killer)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - lambda-cyhalothrin (Spectracide Triazicide, Bonide Caterpillar Killer) - spinosad (Conserve; Natural Guard Spinosad; and Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Spinosad is an organic control that is very effective on this pest. Thorough spray coverage of foliage is essential for good control with any of these products.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.&nbsp;

BOOR: Dealing with bagworms

The Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool is a free tool that was recently developed by the Soil Health Nexus and a regional advisory team with support from North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE). It is designed as a 101 tool to assess the effects of current and future management practices on soil health.

Producers who are looking to implement a new soil health practice on their operation can use this comparative tool to get an overall feel for practices that benefit soil health and which management decisions may be the best fit for their operation.

The tool includes four practices – tillage, manure, cover crops, and crop rotation – and two complementary practices – controlled traffic and managed grazing – and eight soil health indicators.

Users can select their current practices and then select any future planned practices that they are currently considering implementing on their operation. From there, users can explore their soil health score for their current practices and compare those with the scores for future planned practices they are considering.

The tool provides three scores: an indicator, practice, and an overall score. The indicator scores are based on how a practice affects each of the soil health indicators and the practice score is the score for a particular practice across all the soil health indicators. The overall score is the average of all the indicator scores allowing users to easily compare how different combinations of practices impact soil health.

It is important to note that the score values are not meant to serve as quantitative values producers can use on the farm. Instead, they are directional scores – that result from averaging the scores of research and extension representatives from across the region. The tool is designed to be a conversation starter between producers and their extension educator and allow producers to explore different implementation options to find the choice that makes the most sense to them.

The tool also includes a future considerations table that breaks down the equipment, time and labor, skill level, and cost for implementing new practices. Additionally, the table highlights any ecosystem services a new soil health practice will provide, such as groundwater protection and pollinator habitat, You can access the tool by visiting the Soil Health Nexus website. There are two versions of the tool: a downloadable Excel version that can be accessed by scrolling to the bottom of the page and the web-based version located directly on the website.

The tool is currently in the pilot phase and the team is looking for feedback on how to refine the tool and improve its function. A short 5-minute survey is accessible on the Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool webpage and thoughts, feedback, and suggestions are encouraged.

For additional information or answers to your questions, you can contact DeAnn Presley, K-State Soil Management Specialist at deann@ksu.edu. Presley was on the team that developed this tool.

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/2022/6/1654545462769.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>The Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool is a free tool that was recently developed by the Soil Health Nexus and a regional advisory team with support from North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE). It is designed as a 101 tool to assess the effects of current and future management practices on soil health.Producers who are looking to implement a new soil health practice on their operation can use this comparative tool to get an overall feel for practices that benefit soil health and which management decisions may be the best fit for their operation.The tool includes four practices – tillage, manure, cover crops, and crop rotation – and two complementary practices – controlled traffic and managed grazing – and eight soil health indicators.Users can select their current practices and then select any future planned practices that they are currently considering implementing on their operation. From there, users can explore their soil health score for their current practices and compare those with the scores for future planned practices they are considering.The tool provides three scores: an indicator, practice, and an overall score. The indicator scores are based on how a practice affects each of the soil health indicators and the practice score is the score for a particular practice across all the soil health indicators. The overall score is the average of all the indicator scores allowing users to easily compare how different combinations of practices impact soil health.It is important to note that the score values are not meant to serve as quantitative values producers can use on the farm. Instead, they are directional scores – that result from averaging the scores of research and extension representatives from across the region. The tool is designed to be a conversation starter between producers and their extension educator and allow producers to explore different implementation options to find the choice that makes the most sense to them.The tool also includes a future considerations table that breaks down the equipment, time and labor, skill level, and cost for implementing new practices. Additionally, the table highlights any ecosystem services a new soil health practice will provide, such as groundwater protection and pollinator habitat, You can access the tool by visiting the Soil Health Nexus website. There are two versions of the tool: a downloadable Excel version that can be accessed by scrolling to the bottom of the page and the web-based version located directly on the website.The tool is currently in the pilot phase and the team is looking for feedback on how to refine the tool and improve its function. A short 5-minute survey is accessible on the Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool webpage and thoughts, feedback, and suggestions are encouraged.For additional information or answers to your questions, you can contact DeAnn Presley, K-State Soil Management Specialist at deann@ksu.edu. Presley was on the team that developed this tool.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: Soil health matrix decision tool

Summer activities are happening and that means the family laundry basket is most likely overflowing. This week we had the opportunity to catch our youngest grandsons’ first baseball games of the season. Bo’s slide into home base on Tuesday evening resulted in a ground in dirt stain that looked like it would be difficult to remove. Add that to the grass stain on one knee from diving for a ball and you have a challenge on your hands.

There are many great products on the market to help remove stains of all kinds. Without endorsing any brands, I will share some great tips for tackling a few of these summer stains.

· Grass stains – You will want to treat the stain as quickly as possible for best results. Pre-soak the stained garment in warm water with an enzyme-based stain remover or a few drops of dishwashing soap. Work in the stain remover with your fingers or a soft bristle brush and give it time to work – at least 15 minutes. Launder as usual following the care instructions on the garment tag. Hang to dry in case the stain isn’t completely removed as heat from the dryer will set the stain.

· Dirt and mud stains – Mud is just wet dirt, but it is so much harder to remove. Because soil is made up of organic matter, mud must be treated as a protein stain. If the stain is dried or old, scrape or brush off any crusted matter, then soak in cold water using a high-quality liquid detergent and a color-safe bleach. After pre-soaking for 30 minutes, wash in warm (not hot) water and detergent. If the stain remains, skip the high heat of the dryer and soak for an additional hour or overnight in a fresh solution of oxygen bleach, then rewash.

· Suncreen stains - We all realize the importance of wearing sunscreen when we spend any amount of time outdoors, but many of the ingredients in sunscreens can be difficult to remove from clothing. Either pre-treat the stain with a heavy-duty liquid detergent of with a paste made with powdered detergent and water. Let this set on the fabric for at least 30 minutes before laundering as usual.

· Ketchup or BBQ sauce – Tomato-based stains are notoriously stubborn, so removing them may take a while. Remove as much of the excess ketchup from the fabric as possible, using a spoon or the back of a knife, which won’t damage the fabric. Run cold water through the back of the stain as soon as you are able. This will force the stain back out through the fabric. Avoid any use of hot water as this will set a tomato-based stain. Rub a liquid laundry detergent into the stain in a circular motion. This should remove the color as well as the oily component of the stain. If the stain remains use a gel or spray stain remover and wash the garment as usual.

General stain removal tips include tackling the stain as soon as possible. If you are using a strong stain remover product test your garment for colorfastness in an inconspicuous place. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: dkrug@ksu.edu or (620)793-1910. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Summer activities are happening and that means the family laundry basket is most likely overflowing. This week we had the opportunity to catch our youngest grandsons’ first baseball games of the season. Bo’s slide into home base on Tuesday evening resulted in a ground in dirt stain that looked like it would be difficult to remove. Add that to the grass stain on one knee from diving for a ball and you have a challenge on your hands.There are many great products on the market to help remove stains of all kinds. Without endorsing any brands, I will share some great tips for tackling a few of these summer stains.· Grass stains – You will want to treat the stain as quickly as possible for best results. Pre-soak the stained garment in warm water with an enzyme-based stain remover or a few drops of dishwashing soap. Work in the stain remover with your fingers or a soft bristle brush and give it time to work – at least 15 minutes. Launder as usual following the care instructions on the garment tag. Hang to dry in case the stain isn’t completely removed as heat from the dryer will set the stain.· Dirt and mud stains – Mud is just wet dirt, but it is so much harder to remove. Because soil is made up of organic matter, mud must be treated as a protein stain. If the stain is dried or old, scrape or brush off any crusted matter, then soak in cold water using a high-quality liquid detergent and a color-safe bleach. After pre-soaking for 30 minutes, wash in warm (not hot) water and detergent. If the stain remains, skip the high heat of the dryer and soak for an additional hour or overnight in a fresh solution of oxygen bleach, then rewash.· Suncreen stains - We all realize the importance of wearing sunscreen when we spend any amount of time outdoors, but many of the ingredients in sunscreens can be difficult to remove from clothing. Either pre-treat the stain with a heavy-duty liquid detergent of with a paste made with powdered detergent and water. Let this set on the fabric for at least 30 minutes before laundering as usual.· Ketchup or BBQ sauce – Tomato-based stains are notoriously stubborn, so removing them may take a while. Remove as much of the excess ketchup from the fabric as possible, using a spoon or the back of a knife, which won’t damage the fabric. Run cold water through the back of the stain as soon as you are able. This will force the stain back out through the fabric. Avoid any use of hot water as this will set a tomato-based stain. Rub a liquid laundry detergent into the stain in a circular motion. This should remove the color as well as the oily component of the stain. If the stain remains use a gel or spray stain remover and wash the garment as usual.General stain removal tips include tackling the stain as soon as possible. If you are using a strong stain remover product test your garment for colorfastness in an inconspicuous place. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: dkrug@ksu.edu or (620)793-1910. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

KRUG: Summer stain removal tips

In many areas of Kansas, prolonged drought has resulted in short wheat and thin stands. Harvesting wheat in these situations can be a challenge. Special attention needs to be given to cutting height, machine adjustments, and operator control. In short wheat, getting the heads into the combine with less straw will be a challenge. In some cases, the reel may not be able to effectively convey the wheat back from the cutter bar to the auger, nor hold it in place during cutting. Short cutting will also mean more contact potential with the ground and reduced levels of surface residue which will likely negatively impact cropping systems in water-limited environments.

In the case of material conveyance, stripper headers, air reels, and draper headers may be a great help. The information in this article has been condensed considerably, for the full article go to our web site at www.cottonwood.ksu.edu

Stripper headers - stripper headers allow the grain to be harvested efficiently while leaving the maximum amount of standing residue in the field. Research has shown that this preservation of wheat residue can reduce evaporative losses of water after harvest, aid in the moisture retention of snow, and improve the yields of next year’s crop.

Air reels - air reels will also aid in the material conveyance from the cutter bar to the auger in reel-type units when crops are light or thin. These units are made in several different types including finger air reels, non-reel, and units that fit over existing reels. Examples of manufacturers are Crary (West Fargo, ND) and AWS (Mitchell, Ontario Canada).

Draper headers and flex heads - draper headers may help with the conveyance of material since they have a very short distance between the cutterbar the conveyance belt. The ability to tip the cutterbar completely back will aid in keeping harvested crop material moving across the cutter bar and onto the belt as well as ensuring some stubble remains standing on the soil surface.

Flex heads will also help deal with the lower cutting heights and potential ground strikes. In thin stands of wheat it is even more important that sickles and guards are in good condition as there is less crop material pushing into the cutting area, which would normally help ensure cutting by worn sickles and guards.

If harvesting with a draper or flex header, maintain the cutting height as high as possible to preserve standing stubble. Typically, cutting wheat at two-thirds of its full height will result in

losses of less than 0.5 percent as any missed heads contain light weight grain that will be lost as tailings during the harvesting process.

Conventional headers - for many farmers, new equipment may not be an economical choice and you may have to make do with a conventional head on your combine. In this case, adjust the reel to get the best movement of the heads from the cutter bar to the auger.

Combine adjustments - in addition to material conveyance and cutting height, lower yields and uneven crop flow may also require performing combine adjustments to the concave/rotor cage clearance, cylinder/rotor speed, and fan speed. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Summary -although this will be a rough wheat harvest for many farmers, some changes can be made to help maximize harvest efficiencies. If you have ever wanted to try an alternate header (stripper, flex-draper, etc.), this may be the year for you. For those not wanting to buy, renting may also be a viable option.

Producers in dryland production systems need to keep in mind that in very low-yielding wheat years, anything that can be done to preserve what little crop residue is present will have large impacts on evaporative losses and productivity of the next crop.

Information provided by Lucas Haag, NW Area Crops specialist and Ajay Sharda, Extension Agricultural Engineer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1654013418180.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>In many areas of Kansas, prolonged drought has resulted in short wheat and thin stands. Harvesting wheat in these situations can be a challenge. Special attention needs to be given to cutting height, machine adjustments, and operator control. In short wheat, getting the heads into the combine with less straw will be a challenge. In some cases, the reel may not be able to effectively convey the wheat back from the cutter bar to the auger, nor hold it in place during cutting. Short cutting will also mean more contact potential with the ground and reduced levels of surface residue which will likely negatively impact cropping systems in water-limited environments.In the case of material conveyance, stripper headers, air reels, and draper headers may be a great help. The information in this article has been condensed considerably, for the full article go to our web site at www.cottonwood.ksu.eduStripper headers - stripper headers allow the grain to be harvested efficiently while leaving the maximum amount of standing residue in the field. Research has shown that this preservation of wheat residue can reduce evaporative losses of water after harvest, aid in the moisture retention of snow, and improve the yields of next year’s crop.Air reels - air reels will also aid in the material conveyance from the cutter bar to the auger in reel-type units when crops are light or thin. These units are made in several different types including finger air reels, non-reel, and units that fit over existing reels. Examples of manufacturers are Crary (West Fargo, ND) and AWS (Mitchell, Ontario Canada).Draper headers and flex heads - draper headers may help with the conveyance of material since they have a very short distance between the cutterbar the conveyance belt. The ability to tip the cutterbar completely back will aid in keeping harvested crop material moving across the cutter bar and onto the belt as well as ensuring some stubble remains standing on the soil surface.Flex heads will also help deal with the lower cutting heights and potential ground strikes. In thin stands of wheat it is even more important that sickles and guards are in good condition as there is less crop material pushing into the cutting area, which would normally help ensure cutting by worn sickles and guards.If harvesting with a draper or flex header, maintain the cutting height as high as possible to preserve standing stubble. Typically, cutting wheat at two-thirds of its full height will result inlosses of less than 0.5 percent as any missed heads contain light weight grain that will be lost as tailings during the harvesting process.Conventional headers - for many farmers, new equipment may not be an economical choice and you may have to make do with a conventional head on your combine. In this case, adjust the reel to get the best movement of the heads from the cutter bar to the auger.Combine adjustments - in addition to material conveyance and cutting height, lower yields and uneven crop flow may also require performing combine adjustments to the concave/rotor cage clearance, cylinder/rotor speed, and fan speed. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.Summary -although this will be a rough wheat harvest for many farmers, some changes can be made to help maximize harvest efficiencies. If you have ever wanted to try an alternate header (stripper, flex-draper, etc.), this may be the year for you. For those not wanting to buy, renting may also be a viable option.Producers in dryland production systems need to keep in mind that in very low-yielding wheat years, anything that can be done to preserve what little crop residue is present will have large impacts on evaporative losses and productivity of the next crop.Information provided by Lucas Haag, NW Area Crops specialist and Ajay Sharda, Extension Agricultural Engineer.

CAMPBELL: Considerations when harvesting short wheat

Many people mistake little barley (Hordeum pusillum) for a little foxtail because the foxtail and little barley seedheads are similar. However, little barley is a winter annual that comes up in late September - October and spends the winter as a small plant. It thrives in the cooler spring temperatures, forms seed heads and dies out usually by July. Foxtail, on the other hand, is a summer annual that does well in hot weather. Also, foxtail will not produce seedheads until mid- to late-summer.

So, why are we talking about little barley now? Because now is NOT the time to control it unless it is in an area where a non-selective herbicide that kills everything such as glyphosate (Roundup) can be used. The best control for little barley in turf is a thick lawn that is mowed high enough that sunlight does not hit the soil. Little barley seed will not germinate in such conditions.

Overseeding in late August to early September can thicken up a tall fescue lawn and help prevent a little barley infestation. However, early germinating little barley may not be controlled. So, if you do not plan to overseed even though the lawn is a bit thin, preemergence herbicides can be used to provide at least partial control of this weed.

Dimension (dithiopyr), is labeled for barley (Herodium spp.) which would include little barley and therefore can be used to keep this weed under control. Because little barley is a winter annual, apply the preemergence herbicide in mid-September and water in to activate. However, you may have to apply at least a couple of weeks earlier if you are in southern Kansas. If overseeding, do not apply any preemergence herbicide as it will interfere with the germination of tall fescue.

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.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Many people mistake little barley (Hordeum pusillum) for a little foxtail because the foxtail and little barley seedheads are similar. However, little barley is a winter annual that comes up in late September - October and spends the winter as a small plant. It thrives in the cooler spring temperatures, forms seed heads and dies out usually by July. Foxtail, on the other hand, is a summer annual that does well in hot weather. Also, foxtail will not produce seedheads until mid- to late-summer.So, why are we talking about little barley now? Because now is NOT the time to control it unless it is in an area where a non-selective herbicide that kills everything such as glyphosate (Roundup) can be used. The best control for little barley in turf is a thick lawn that is mowed high enough that sunlight does not hit the soil. Little barley seed will not germinate in such conditions.Overseeding in late August to early September can thicken up a tall fescue lawn and help prevent a little barley infestation. However, early germinating little barley may not be controlled. So, if you do not plan to overseed even though the lawn is a bit thin, preemergence herbicides can be used to provide at least partial control of this weed.Dimension (dithiopyr), is labeled for barley (Herodium spp.) which would include little barley and therefore can be used to keep this weed under control. Because little barley is a winter annual, apply the preemergence herbicide in mid-September and water in to activate. However, you may have to apply at least a couple of weeks earlier if you are in southern Kansas. If overseeding, do not apply any preemergence herbicide as it will interfere with the germination of tall fescue.K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;

BOOR: Little barley

A few weeks ago, we interviewed several college students who were interested in our summer intern positions in the Cottonwood Extension District. Now, with another semester of college behind them, our interns have arrived. Summer activities, including day camps, and County Fairs, require a lot of planning and preparation. I am excited to introduce our two summer interns to you today.

Taylor Meyer, a junior majoring in animal science at Fort Hays State University, is interning in the Hays office. Taylor grew up in Garden Plain where she was active in FFA and sports. When she is not working or going to school, she enjoys gardening and exploring the world around her. She is especially looking forward to meeting the Ellis County 4-H members and their families and growing her knowledge of agriculture.

Dalton Dicks grew up in the Busy Buzzer 4-H club in Barton County and will be interning in our Great Bend office. After graduation and aging out of the 4-H program, he moved to Wichita State University where he is a junior pursuing a major in communications with minors in political science and university honors. In his free time Dalton enjoys keeping up with the news, hunting and shooting, and writing short stories and scripts. He is excited that the internship opportunity will provide a way to give back to 4-H through upcoming STEM and craft summer day camps, the Barton County Fair, and more.

Many (like 40 plus) years ago I worked in the Washington County Extension office two summers in a work/study program. I firmly believe the experiences I had during those summers influenced my career choice and helped me understand the important work K-State Research and Extension is accomplishing. I had wonderful mentor agents who took me under their wing then and encouraged me when I joined KSRE in July of 1989.

I am excited about the energy Taylor and Dalton will bring to our team this summer. The technology skills they bring to the table will be a big asset too. Please stop by the Cottonwood District Offices in Hays or Great Bend and introduce yourself to Taylor and Dalton. And if you can, I hope you will take advantage of the learning opportunities they are planning for the summer.

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>A few weeks ago, we interviewed several college students who were interested in our summer intern positions in the Cottonwood Extension District. Now, with another semester of college behind them, our interns have arrived. Summer activities, including day camps, and County Fairs, require a lot of planning and preparation. I am excited to introduce our two summer interns to you today.Taylor Meyer, a junior majoring in animal science at Fort Hays State University, is interning in the Hays office. Taylor grew up in Garden Plain where she was active in FFA and sports. When she is not working or going to school, she enjoys gardening and exploring the world around her. She is especially looking forward to meeting the Ellis County 4-H members and their families and growing her knowledge of agriculture.Dalton Dicks grew up in the Busy Buzzer 4-H club in Barton County and will be interning in our Great Bend office. After graduation and aging out of the 4-H program, he moved to Wichita State University where he is a junior pursuing a major in communications with minors in political science and university honors. In his free time Dalton enjoys keeping up with the news, hunting and shooting, and writing short stories and scripts. He is excited that the internship opportunity will provide a way to give back to 4-H through upcoming STEM and craft summer day camps, the Barton County Fair, and more.Many (like 40 plus) years ago I worked in the Washington County Extension office two summers in a work/study program. I firmly believe the experiences I had during those summers influenced my career choice and helped me understand the important work K-State Research and Extension is accomplishing. I had wonderful mentor agents who took me under their wing then and encouraged me when I joined KSRE in July of 1989.I am excited about the energy Taylor and Dalton will bring to our team this summer. The technology skills they bring to the table will be a big asset too. Please stop by the Cottonwood District Offices in Hays or Great Bend and introduce yourself to Taylor and Dalton. And if you can, I hope you will take advantage of the learning opportunities they are planning for the summer.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

KRUG: Summer interns have arrived

Through the year’s agriculture, conservation and overall land management has gone through phases with each phase having its’ buzzwords, promoters, detractors, research objectives - well, you get the point. Some promoters will always feel like they’ve just unleashed the silver bullet to cure all the planet’s woes. Spoiler alert, none of them have! For the most part each phase has brought some improvements and certainly more tools for farmers, ranchers and land managers to consider and use. But no one is the cure all panacea that will work for everyone.

The newest buzzword is “soil health”. Soil health is a broad category for a lot of different things that are actually quite important. In searching for a good definition of soil health, and there are many out there. I found some that were way out there. Others were restrictive and may work for certain soils in certain ecosystems, some were very vague. Many definitions were tailored for a very specific form of agriculture, i.e. no-till, organic, natural, etc.

One of the top choices came from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at USDA. Quoting from their web site, “Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” They go on to point out that soil isn’t just some sterile rooting medium but is rather a living functioning ecosystem of its’ own.

Many people don’t realize how alive soil is! There is so much life in the soil, much of it invisible to the naked eye. Bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and many other organisms make up a valuable part of the soil mass and we often only see hints of it.

Mt. St. Helens volcano that blew in 1980 changed the landscape. Twenty-nine years later when a colleague of mine visited it, what he saw was “just scattered plants starting to grow, much of it looked like the landscape of a

barren planet”. When that volcano erupted it flash fried all living things and then buried it under feet, tens of feet, of ash. There was instantly a sterile environment. If a seed fell, that sterile medium was missing all those soil organisms that make plant life possible. We cannot underestimate the impact, the necessity of soil organisms!

In the end, defining soil health is fairly easy. Measuring it is another story however. There are many soil organisms that have not been discovered yet, that are important, or we know they are there but we don’t know what they do. We truly have so much we need to learn. Perhaps the best measure of soil health is by how well plants grow, by how productive the soil is, or by how sustainable the practices. Soil health is likely something we measure indirectly.

Soil health can, and does, change over time. How we farm, how we garden, how we tend our lawn, can all impact that soil health. We can compact soil with heavy equipment. We can tear it up and turn it over with construction or recreation. The plants we grow on it, the nutrients we add to it, the organic matter we allow to develop in it, even the rainfall or irrigation it receives, are all things that can improve or hurt soil health. If you haven’t yet heard about soil health, you eventually will. I doubt that we’ll come up with a simple way of measuring soil health in my life time. But we need to remember that soil health isn’t an end goal but an ongoing journey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653404075959.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Through the year’s agriculture, conservation and overall land management has gone through phases with each phase having its’ buzzwords, promoters, detractors, research objectives - well, you get the point. Some promoters will always feel like they’ve just unleashed the silver bullet to cure all the planet’s woes. Spoiler alert, none of them have! For the most part each phase has brought some improvements and certainly more tools for farmers, ranchers and land managers to consider and use. But no one is the cure all panacea that will work for everyone.The newest buzzword is “soil health”. Soil health is a broad category for a lot of different things that are actually quite important. In searching for a good definition of soil health, and there are many out there. I found some that were way out there. Others were restrictive and may work for certain soils in certain ecosystems, some were very vague. Many definitions were tailored for a very specific form of agriculture, i.e. no-till, organic, natural, etc.One of the top choices came from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at USDA. Quoting from their web site, “Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” They go on to point out that soil isn’t just some sterile rooting medium but is rather a living functioning ecosystem of its’ own.Many people don’t realize how alive soil is! There is so much life in the soil, much of it invisible to the naked eye. Bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and many other organisms make up a valuable part of the soil mass and we often only see hints of it.Mt. St. Helens volcano that blew in 1980 changed the landscape. Twenty-nine years later when a colleague of mine visited it, what he saw was “just scattered plants starting to grow, much of it looked like the landscape of abarren planet”. When that volcano erupted it flash fried all living things and then buried it under feet, tens of feet, of ash. There was instantly a sterile environment. If a seed fell, that sterile medium was missing all those soil organisms that make plant life possible. We cannot underestimate the impact, the necessity of soil organisms!In the end, defining soil health is fairly easy. Measuring it is another story however. There are many soil organisms that have not been discovered yet, that are important, or we know they are there but we don’t know what they do. We truly have so much we need to learn. Perhaps the best measure of soil health is by how well plants grow, by how productive the soil is, or by how sustainable the practices. Soil health is likely something we measure indirectly.Soil health can, and does, change over time. How we farm, how we garden, how we tend our lawn, can all impact that soil health. We can compact soil with heavy equipment. We can tear it up and turn it over with construction or recreation. The plants we grow on it, the nutrients we add to it, the organic matter we allow to develop in it, even the rainfall or irrigation it receives, are all things that can improve or hurt soil health. If you haven’t yet heard about soil health, you eventually will. I doubt that we’ll come up with a simple way of measuring soil health in my life time. But we need to remember that soil health isn’t an end goal but an ongoing journey.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: Soil health

June is the time to fertilize warm-season lawn grasses such as bermudagrass, buffalograss, and zoysiagrass. These species all thrive in warmer summer weather, so this is the time they respond best to fertilization. The most important nutrient is nitrogen (N), and these three species need it in varying amounts.

Bermudagrass requires the most nitrogen. Bermudagrass used on athletic fields needs about 4 lbs. nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. during the season. High-quality home lawns are often given 3 pounds per 1000 square feet and low maintenance areas can get by on 2 lbs.. Apply this as separate applications, about 4 weeks apart consisting of 1 lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. starting in early May for athletic fields. It is already too late for the May application, but the June application is just around the corner. The nitrogen can come from either a quick- or slow-release source. So any lawn fertilizer will work. Plan the last application for no later than August 15. This helps ensure the bermudagrass is not overstimulated, making it susceptible to winter-kill.

Zoysiagrass grows more slowly than bermudagrass and is prone to develop thatch. Consequently, it does not need as much nitrogen. In fact, too much is worse than too little. One and one-half to 2 pounds N per 1,000 sq. ft. during the season is sufficient. Split the total in two and apply once in early June and again around mid-July. Slow-release nitrogen is preferable but quick-release is acceptable. Slow-release nitrogen is sometimes listed as "slowly available" or "water insoluble."

Buffalograss requires the least nitrogen of all lawn species commonly grown in Kansas. It will survive and persist with no supplemental nitrogen, but giving it one lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. will improve color and density. This application should be made in early June. For a little darker color, fertilize it as described for zoysiagrass in the previous paragraph, but do not apply more than a total of 2 lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. in one season. As with zoysia, slow-release nitrogen is preferable, but fast-release is also OK. As for all turfgrasses, phosphorus and potassium are best applied according to soil test results because many soils already have adequate amounts of these nutrients for turfgrass growth. 

If you need to apply phosphorus or potassium, it is best to core aerate beforehand to ensure the nutrients reach the roots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>June is the time to fertilize warm-season lawn grasses such as bermudagrass, buffalograss, and zoysiagrass. These species all thrive in warmer summer weather, so this is the time they respond best to fertilization. The most important nutrient is nitrogen (N), and these three species need it in varying amounts.Bermudagrass requires the most nitrogen. Bermudagrass used on athletic fields needs about 4 lbs. nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. during the season. High-quality home lawns are often given 3 pounds per 1000 square feet and low maintenance areas can get by on 2 lbs.. Apply this as separate applications, about 4 weeks apart consisting of 1 lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. starting in early May for athletic fields. It is already too late for the May application, but the June application is just around the corner. The nitrogen can come from either a quick- or slow-release source. So any lawn fertilizer will work. Plan the last application for no later than August 15. This helps ensure the bermudagrass is not overstimulated, making it susceptible to winter-kill.Zoysiagrass grows more slowly than bermudagrass and is prone to develop thatch. Consequently, it does not need as much nitrogen. In fact, too much is worse than too little. One and one-half to 2 pounds N per 1,000 sq. ft. during the season is sufficient. Split the total in two and apply once in early June and again around mid-July. Slow-release nitrogen is preferable but quick-release is acceptable. Slow-release nitrogen is sometimes listed as "slowly available" or "water insoluble."Buffalograss requires the least nitrogen of all lawn species commonly grown in Kansas. It will survive and persist with no supplemental nitrogen, but giving it one lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. will improve color and density. This application should be made in early June. For a little darker color, fertilize it as described for zoysiagrass in the previous paragraph, but do not apply more than a total of 2 lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. in one season. As with zoysia, slow-release nitrogen is preferable, but fast-release is also OK. As for all turfgrasses, phosphorus and potassium are best applied according to soil test results because many soils already have adequate amounts of these nutrients for turfgrass growth. If you need to apply phosphorus or potassium, it is best to core aerate beforehand to ensure the nutrients reach the roots.

BOOR: Fertilize warm-season grasses

During my 32 plus year Extension career my goal has always been to provide educational programs that help improve a persons’ quality of life and lead by example. The focus of my column today is to review important bicycle safety rules and encourage families to participate in upcoming bike events that are planned in our area.

The fact that school is out means you will see more young riders heading to their summer activities on bicycles. Instead of making in-person visits to the elementary schools in the area the past couple of years we created a short video that highlights bicycle safety rules. You can access it at the following link: https://youtu.be/vdaRPTky1SE I hope you will take a few minutes and share the video with your kids or grandkids. In the video you will see my husband, John, and I in our hi-vis jackets and helmets. While I feel wearing an approved bicycle helmet is a must, I see a lot of cyclists going without that protection. Statistics show that the number of head injuries is reduced drastically when a properly fitted helmet is worn. Make sure all riders are fitted with a bike helmet and that you review the rules with young riders. Bicyclists need to ride with traffic, and acknowledge traffic signals. Some dangers to watch for include motorists backing from a parking stall or someone opening their car door in your traffic lane.

Two upcoming bicycle events are planned in Ellinwood and Great Bend to share bicycle safety tips as well as having fun. The community of Ellinwood will have a Bicycle Rodeo for kids of all ages on Saturday, June 11th. Information will be out soon

via social media with the details. I know we will be bringing 25 helmets to be given away on a first come first served basis.

Another event, the “Family Fun Bike Ride” is in it’s second year as an activity at the Barton County Fair. Come to the runway just west of the Armory Saturday, July 9th, at 7:30 AM. Again, we will have bicycle helmets for riders of all ages available at no cost. You can watch for more details about this fun event on our Cottonwood website.

Every Friday night during the summer there is a community bike ride in Great Bend that leaves from the Jack Kilby bandshell area at 6:00 PM. We go at a relaxed pace and do a loop around Vet’s park. Consider joining us!

I hope you will make participating in one of these bike events a priority this summer. Bicycling a great family activity in the months to come!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. She may be reached at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>During my 32 plus year Extension career my goal has always been to provide educational programs that help improve a persons’ quality of life and lead by example. The focus of my column today is to review important bicycle safety rules and encourage families to participate in upcoming bike events that are planned in our area.The fact that school is out means you will see more young riders heading to their summer activities on bicycles. Instead of making in-person visits to the elementary schools in the area the past couple of years we created a short video that highlights bicycle safety rules. You can access it at the following link: https://youtu.be/vdaRPTky1SE I hope you will take a few minutes and share the video with your kids or grandkids. In the video you will see my husband, John, and I in our hi-vis jackets and helmets. While I feel wearing an approved bicycle helmet is a must, I see a lot of cyclists going without that protection. Statistics show that the number of head injuries is reduced drastically when a properly fitted helmet is worn. Make sure all riders are fitted with a bike helmet and that you review the rules with young riders. Bicyclists need to ride with traffic, and acknowledge traffic signals. Some dangers to watch for include motorists backing from a parking stall or someone opening their car door in your traffic lane.Two upcoming bicycle events are planned in Ellinwood and Great Bend to share bicycle safety tips as well as having fun. The community of Ellinwood will have a Bicycle Rodeo for kids of all ages on Saturday, June 11th. Information will be out soonvia social media with the details. I know we will be bringing 25 helmets to be given away on a first come first served basis.Another event, the “Family Fun Bike Ride” is in it’s second year as an activity at the Barton County Fair. Come to the runway just west of the Armory Saturday, July 9th, at 7:30 AM. Again, we will have bicycle helmets for riders of all ages available at no cost. You can watch for more details about this fun event on our Cottonwood website.Every Friday night during the summer there is a community bike ride in Great Bend that leaves from the Jack Kilby bandshell area at 6:00 PM. We go at a relaxed pace and do a loop around Vet’s park. Consider joining us!I hope you will make participating in one of these bike events a priority this summer. Bicycling a great family activity in the months to come!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. She may be reached at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Review bicycle safety rules with young riders

Kansas State University veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek said that a bacterial infection that causes lameness in calves could be decreasing the breeding effectiveness of the cow herd and costing producers' profits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hanzlicek referred to a recent research stocker calf project indicating that lame calves gained one-half pound less than their healthy counterparts.&nbsp;

“When we talk about infectious lameness in cow-calf herds -- especially on pasture -- we're talking about foot rot,” Hanzlicek said. “There is another infectious lameness that is called hairy heel wart, but it is uncommon in pasture situations.”&nbsp;

Foot rot is a bacterial infection that is caused by several bacteria. The bacteria, according to Hanzlicek, are found in the rumen (the largest part of the stomach), and are therefore everywhere in environments where cattle are present. These bacteria and are unable to penetrate the cow’s skin on their own.&nbsp;

“Something has to break the integrity of the skin to let the bacteria from the outside of the skin into or underneath the skin,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If your herd experiences a foot rot outbreak, it is helpful to investigate what in the environment is affecting skin integrity.”&nbsp;

According to Hanzlicek, the cow’s feet are susceptible to foot rot when conditions are too wet or dry; or due to mechanical injury.&nbsp;

“When the infection begins, it is subtle, but it will continue to progress and eventually swelling will become apparent around the coronary band (the area where the hoof is attached to the skin),” Hanzlicek said.&nbsp;

“If we can provide appropriate treatment to animals early, most of those will recover and do well.”&nbsp;

If not caught early, however, the infection can lead to the animal not responding well to treatment and they can become chronically lame, Hanzlicek said.&nbsp;

“Most lameness involves the foot and foot rot is more common in the hind feet, so if the producer sees cattle noticeably lame, just think foot first ,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To treat foot rot,&nbsp;Hanzlicek recommends picking up the bad smelling hoof, if possible; cleaning the area; getting rid of the dead tissue; and applying a topical antibiotic. Then, he said, most veterinarians will put a wrap on the hoof to protect the cut, and administer an antibiotic.

“As always, seek advice from&nbsp;your veterinarian on the best treatment for those animals,” Hanzlicek said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State University veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek said that a bacterial infection that causes lameness in calves could be decreasing the breeding effectiveness of the cow herd and costing producers' profits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hanzlicek referred to a recent research stocker calf project indicating that lame calves gained one-half pound less than their healthy counterparts.&nbsp;“When we talk about infectious lameness in cow-calf herds -- especially on pasture -- we're talking about foot rot,” Hanzlicek said. “There is another infectious lameness that is called hairy heel wart, but it is uncommon in pasture situations.”&nbsp;Foot rot is a bacterial infection that is caused by several bacteria. The bacteria, according to Hanzlicek, are found in the rumen (the largest part of the stomach), and are therefore everywhere in environments where cattle are present. These bacteria and are unable to penetrate the cow’s skin on their own.&nbsp;“Something has to break the integrity of the skin to let the bacteria from the outside of the skin into or underneath the skin,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If your herd experiences a foot rot outbreak, it is helpful to investigate what in the environment is affecting skin integrity.”&nbsp;According to Hanzlicek, the cow’s feet are susceptible to foot rot when conditions are too wet or dry; or due to mechanical injury.&nbsp;“When the infection begins, it is subtle, but it will continue to progress and eventually swelling will become apparent around the coronary band (the area where the hoof is attached to the skin),” Hanzlicek said.&nbsp;“If we can provide appropriate treatment to animals early, most of those will recover and do well.”&nbsp;If not caught early, however, the infection can lead to the animal not responding well to treatment and they can become chronically lame, Hanzlicek said.&nbsp;“Most lameness involves the foot and foot rot is more common in the hind feet, so if the producer sees cattle noticeably lame, just think foot first ,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;To treat foot rot,&nbsp;Hanzlicek recommends picking up the bad smelling hoof, if possible; cleaning the area; getting rid of the dead tissue; and applying a topical antibiotic. Then, he said, most veterinarians will put a wrap on the hoof to protect the cut, and administer an antibiotic. “As always, seek advice from&nbsp;your veterinarian on the best treatment for those animals,” Hanzlicek said.&nbsp;

BOOR: Foot rot

Have you ever had a day where things just weren’t going the way you wanted? I know I sure have and just a couple of weeks ago, I acted like…. well, a brat to a colleague. I all but stomped my foot in frustration and growled at someone who that I shouldn’t have. The frustration at the situation was very real but my reaction was more than it needed to be.

The 4-H motto is Learning by Doing and that applies to every aspect of life. Youth aren’t always going to make the best decisions; actually, many adults I know don’t always make the best decisions. However, our goal should always be to fairly evaluate the facts and our reaction. If we are fair in evaluating ourselves, we need to look at: do I have all the facts? Did I over-react? Will this really matter in 10 days or 10 years? What can I learn today to apply tomorrow?

Depending on the appropriateness of our reaction, we may need to own our mistake and apologize. In my case, that involved a heart-felt apology delivered with a box of cookies.

I encourage youth to stop and think about their actions and reactions. As leaders of youth, it is important to model behaviors which include apologizing when needed as well as giving them the space to learn and adjust. I encourage you to think about a situation recently that you might have handled differently and consider what you would change or if you need to make amends with someone.

Each of us are a work in progress but the goal is always progress!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Have you ever had a day where things just weren’t going the way you wanted? I know I sure have and just a couple of weeks ago, I acted like…. well, a brat to a colleague. I all but stomped my foot in frustration and growled at someone who that I shouldn’t have. The frustration at the situation was very real but my reaction was more than it needed to be.The 4-H motto is Learning by Doing and that applies to every aspect of life. Youth aren’t always going to make the best decisions; actually, many adults I know don’t always make the best decisions. However, our goal should always be to fairly evaluate the facts and our reaction. If we are fair in evaluating ourselves, we need to look at: do I have all the facts? Did I over-react? Will this really matter in 10 days or 10 years? What can I learn today to apply tomorrow?Depending on the appropriateness of our reaction, we may need to own our mistake and apologize. In my case, that involved a heart-felt apology delivered with a box of cookies.I encourage youth to stop and think about their actions and reactions. As leaders of youth, it is important to model behaviors which include apologizing when needed as well as giving them the space to learn and adjust. I encourage you to think about a situation recently that you might have handled differently and consider what you would change or if you need to make amends with someone.Each of us are a work in progress but the goal is always progress!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Work in progress

Farmers make plans to join us on Monday, May 23 at 8:30 a.m. for the annual Cottonwood Extension District Wheat Variety Plot Field Day in Barton County.

This is a big variety plot this year says Stacy Campbell, Crop Production agent with the Cottonwood District. Furthermore, Romulo Lollato, K-State Extension Wheat &amp; Forage specialist has a large-scale intensive management wheat study beside our variety plot that he will discuss. In addition, Kelsey Anderson Onofre, Extension specialist in small grains plant pathology will discuss wheat diseases common to our area and preventative measures. And as always these field days are for the growers and there will be plenty of time for Q &amp; A!

It is located 2.5 miles west of Great Bend on West Barton County Road at the intersection of NW 50th Ave. Donuts, coffee and juice will be provided courtesy of American Ag Credit and Ed Junior Farm.

All interested people are invited to attend. RSVP appreciated by Friday, May 20th call the Great Bend Office at 620-793-1910 or email Brenda bwalton@ksu.edu

Plan to join us on Monday, May 23 beginning at 8:30 a.m. 2.5 miles west of Great Bend on West Barton County Road.

In case of inclement weather, it will be held at American Ag Credit in Great Bend, 5634 10th Street.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production agent in the Cottonwood District. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652304868216.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Farmers make plans to join us on Monday, May 23 at 8:30 a.m. for the annual Cottonwood Extension District Wheat Variety Plot Field Day in Barton County.This is a big variety plot this year says Stacy Campbell, Crop Production agent with the Cottonwood District. Furthermore, Romulo Lollato, K-State Extension Wheat &amp; Forage specialist has a large-scale intensive management wheat study beside our variety plot that he will discuss. In addition, Kelsey Anderson Onofre, Extension specialist in small grains plant pathology will discuss wheat diseases common to our area and preventative measures. And as always these field days are for the growers and there will be plenty of time for Q &amp; A!It is located 2.5 miles west of Great Bend on West Barton County Road at the intersection of NW 50th Ave. Donuts, coffee and juice will be provided courtesy of American Ag Credit and Ed Junior Farm.All interested people are invited to attend. RSVP appreciated by Friday, May 20th call the Great Bend Office at 620-793-1910 or email Brenda bwalton@ksu.eduPlan to join us on Monday, May 23 beginning at 8:30 a.m. 2.5 miles west of Great Bend on West Barton County Road.In case of inclement weather, it will be held at American Ag Credit in Great Bend, 5634 10th Street.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production agent in the Cottonwood District. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

Barton Co. Wheat Plot Field Day is May 23

The month of May is flying by. We have celebrated Mother’s Day and graduation ceremonies are scattered throughout the month. Hopefully all of these celebrations have provided some great family time for you.

Nearly 130 people in the Cottonwood Extension District will be celebrating the conclusion of the eight-week long Walk Kansas program on May 21st. Most of the teams are meeting or surpassing their goal to exercise at least 30 minutes five times a week. With more spring like temperatures forecast in the week ahead I hope you can keep the habit of regular exercise going, whether you are on a Walk KS team or not. I have two Walk Kansas celebrations set for later this month. In Great Bend you can join the Walk KS celebration on Wednesday, May 25th at noon at the bandshell on Jack Kilby Square. Walk KS participants can call our Great Bend office by Friday, the 20th to order a box lunch. The Walk KS celebration in Hays is set for Thursday, May 26th at noon at the Extension office meeting room, 601 Main. I will have a light lunch for those who sign up by Friday, May 20th.

And finally, May 16th – 22nd is designated as “Bicycle to Work Week.” Since I am passionate about cycling whenever I have the chance I consider this week a celebration. Although it is estimated that less than 1 percent of adult Americans commute to work by bicycle, roughly 41 percent of work commutes are shorter than 5 miles. In my case, my husband John and I log ten plus miles a day which includes two round trips to my office. Unless it is below 20 degrees or icy underfoot, you are likely to see us in our hi-vis green jackets and helmets, pedaling along on our tandem bike.

Bicycle commuting is a great way to squeeze regular exercise into a busy schedule. Commuting time can be used to stay in shape instead of sitting frustrated in traffic. Statistics also show that bicycle commuters are happier and more productive at work. As more cyclists take to the streets as summer approaches, make sure you take time to review bicycle safety rules with young riders. Watch for my column next week as I share the basic rules of the road. We have a couple of bicycling events I will be sharing information about in the weeks ahead.

Whether you are riding for fun, fitness or with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of a movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.

So, whatever you are celebrating this May, have a wonderful time!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>The month of May is flying by. We have celebrated Mother’s Day and graduation ceremonies are scattered throughout the month. Hopefully all of these celebrations have provided some great family time for you.Nearly 130 people in the Cottonwood Extension District will be celebrating the conclusion of the eight-week long Walk Kansas program on May 21st. Most of the teams are meeting or surpassing their goal to exercise at least 30 minutes five times a week. With more spring like temperatures forecast in the week ahead I hope you can keep the habit of regular exercise going, whether you are on a Walk KS team or not. I have two Walk Kansas celebrations set for later this month. In Great Bend you can join the Walk KS celebration on Wednesday, May 25th at noon at the bandshell on Jack Kilby Square. Walk KS participants can call our Great Bend office by Friday, the 20th to order a box lunch. The Walk KS celebration in Hays is set for Thursday, May 26th at noon at the Extension office meeting room, 601 Main. I will have a light lunch for those who sign up by Friday, May 20th.And finally, May 16th – 22nd is designated as “Bicycle to Work Week.” Since I am passionate about cycling whenever I have the chance I consider this week a celebration. Although it is estimated that less than 1 percent of adult Americans commute to work by bicycle, roughly 41 percent of work commutes are shorter than 5 miles. In my case, my husband John and I log ten plus miles a day which includes two round trips to my office. Unless it is below 20 degrees or icy underfoot, you are likely to see us in our hi-vis green jackets and helmets, pedaling along on our tandem bike.Bicycle commuting is a great way to squeeze regular exercise into a busy schedule. Commuting time can be used to stay in shape instead of sitting frustrated in traffic. Statistics also show that bicycle commuters are happier and more productive at work. As more cyclists take to the streets as summer approaches, make sure you take time to review bicycle safety rules with young riders. Watch for my column next week as I share the basic rules of the road. We have a couple of bicycling events I will be sharing information about in the weeks ahead.Whether you are riding for fun, fitness or with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of a movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.So, whatever you are celebrating this May, have a wonderful time!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

KRUG: Lots to celebrate in May

The newest buzzword is “soil health”. Soil health is a broad category for a lot of different things that are actually quite important. In searching for a good definition of soil health, and there are many out there, as in millions. I found some that were way out there. Others were restrictive and may work for certain soils in certain ecosystems, some were very vague. Many definitions were tailored for a very specific form of agriculture, i.e. no-till, organic, natural, etc.

One of the top choices came from the Natural Resources Conservation Service at USDA. Quoting from their web site, “Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” They go on to point out that soil isn’t just some sterile rooting medium but is rather a living functioning ecosystem of its’ own.

Many people don’t realize how alive soil is! There is so much life in the soil, much of it invisible to the naked eye. Bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and many other microbes make up a valuable part of the soil mass and we often only see hints of it.

Mt. St. Helens volcano that blew in 1980 changed the landscape. Twenty-nine years later when a colleague of mine visited it what he saw was “just scattered plants starting to grow, much of it looked like the landscape of a

barren planet”. When that volcano erupted it flash fried all living things and then buried it under feet, tens of feet, of ash. There was instantly a sterile environment. If as seed fell, that sterile medium was missing all those microbes that make plant life possible. We cannot underestimate the impact, the necessity of soil organisms!

In the end, defining soil health is fairly easy. Measuring it is another story however. There are microbes that we haven’t even identified yet that are important, or we know they are there but we don’t know what they do. We truly have so much we need to learn. Perhaps the best measure of soil health is by how well plants grow, by how productive the soil is, or by how sustainable the practices. Soil health is likely something we measure indirectly.

Soil health can, and does, change over time. How we farm, how we garden, how we tend our lawn, can all impact that soil health. We can compact soil with heavy equipment. We can tear it up and turn it over with construction or recreation. The plants we grow on it, the nutrients we add to it, the organic matter we allow to develop in it, even the rainfall or irrigation it receives, are all things that can improve or hurt soil health. If you haven’t yet heard about soil health, you eventually will. I doubt that we’ll come up with a simple way of measuring soil heath in my life time. But we need to remember that soil health isn’t an end goal but an ongoing journey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Through the year’s agriculture, conservation and overall land management has gone through phases with each phase having its’ buzzwords, promoters, detractors, research objectives - well, you get the point. Some promoters will always feel like they’ve just unleashed the silver bullet to cure all the planet’s woes. Spoiler alert, none of them have! For the most part each phase has brought some improvements and certainly more tools for farmers, ranchers and land managers to consider and use. But no one is the cure all panacea that will work for everyone.The newest buzzword is “soil health”. Soil health is a broad category for a lot of different things that are actually quite important. In searching for a good definition of soil health, and there are many out there, as in millions. I found some that were way out there. Others were restrictive and may work for certain soils in certain ecosystems, some were very vague. Many definitions were tailored for a very specific form of agriculture, i.e. no-till, organic, natural, etc.One of the top choices came from the Natural Resources Conservation Service at USDA. Quoting from their web site, “Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” They go on to point out that soil isn’t just some sterile rooting medium but is rather a living functioning ecosystem of its’ own.Many people don’t realize how alive soil is! There is so much life in the soil, much of it invisible to the naked eye. Bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and many other microbes make up a valuable part of the soil mass and we often only see hints of it.Mt. St. Helens volcano that blew in 1980 changed the landscape. Twenty-nine years later when a colleague of mine visited it what he saw was “just scattered plants starting to grow, much of it looked like the landscape of abarren planet”. When that volcano erupted it flash fried all living things and then buried it under feet, tens of feet, of ash. There was instantly a sterile environment. If as seed fell, that sterile medium was missing all those microbes that make plant life possible. We cannot underestimate the impact, the necessity of soil organisms!In the end, defining soil health is fairly easy. Measuring it is another story however. There are microbes that we haven’t even identified yet that are important, or we know they are there but we don’t know what they do. We truly have so much we need to learn. Perhaps the best measure of soil health is by how well plants grow, by how productive the soil is, or by how sustainable the practices. Soil health is likely something we measure indirectly.Soil health can, and does, change over time. How we farm, how we garden, how we tend our lawn, can all impact that soil health. We can compact soil with heavy equipment. We can tear it up and turn it over with construction or recreation. The plants we grow on it, the nutrients we add to it, the organic matter we allow to develop in it, even the rainfall or irrigation it receives, are all things that can improve or hurt soil health. If you haven’t yet heard about soil health, you eventually will. I doubt that we’ll come up with a simple way of measuring soil heath in my life time. But we need to remember that soil health isn’t an end goal but an ongoing journey.

Jennifer Ifft knows that farmers and ranchers face risk each day, so finding strategies to mitigate risk is necessary to be successful.

Ifft, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University, has released a nine-part series and historic performance decision aid about price risk management considerations and strategies for cow-calf producers.

She said that those that will benefit from the series include cow-calf producers with limited experience hedging; and producers who are interested in learning more about Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), including stockers, feedlot operators and cow-calf producers with hedging experience.

“In today’s volatile commodity markets, price risk management is as important as ever,” Ifft said. “Cow-calf producers historically have had limited options for formal price risk management. LRP is a livestock insurance product that has been available for two decades, but recent policy changes make it more affordable to producers. LRP makes payments when national prices drop below the producer-selected coverage price.”

She said the risk management series will:

· Help cow-calf producers assess whether LRP is a good fit for their operation, or learn more.

· Increase awareness of key policy characteristics and decisions for producers that are interested in LRP.

Ifft said the series is designed to provide a gradual introduction to LRP. She said cow-calf producers -- especially small and midsize operations -- may have limited experience with hedging, which is similar to LRP.

“The series begins with key price risk management concepts and practices before presenting policy details. The series concludes with a discussion of how LRP would have performed historically for Kansas cow-calf producers,” she said.

“LRP is very similar to a put option (which gives an option buyer the right to sell at a predetermined price) but is more affordable and small-producer friendly,” Ifft said. A producer can enroll anywhere from 1 to 6,000 head of cattle (feeder or fed) in a single policy (endorsement) and premiums are not due until the end of the coverage period (usually after cattle would be sold).”

Ifft added that LRP is designed to replace the income that is lost due to unexpected price declines.

“The producer must select a coverage price, or the level to which prices must drop for an LRP payout to be triggered,” she said.

Ifft noted that like other federal crop and livestock insurance products, LRP is designed so the producer comes out ahead in the long run. Producers are more likely than not to receive more in payouts than they pay in premiums in the long run, she said.

“The key phrase here is ‘the long run,’” Ifft said. “Several years can pass without a payout. Having a long-term perspective and understanding how LRP works as insurance against price declines can help producers decide whether LRP is a good choice for their operation.”

The series of articles can be found online from the K-State Department of Agricultural Economics.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer Ifft knows that farmers and ranchers face risk each day, so finding strategies to mitigate risk is necessary to be successful.Ifft, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University, has released a nine-part series and historic performance decision aid about price risk management considerations and strategies for cow-calf producers.She said that those that will benefit from the series include cow-calf producers with limited experience hedging; and producers who are interested in learning more about Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), including stockers, feedlot operators and cow-calf producers with hedging experience.“In today’s volatile commodity markets, price risk management is as important as ever,” Ifft said. “Cow-calf producers historically have had limited options for formal price risk management. LRP is a livestock insurance product that has been available for two decades, but recent policy changes make it more affordable to producers. LRP makes payments when national prices drop below the producer-selected coverage price.”She said the risk management series will:· Help cow-calf producers assess whether LRP is a good fit for their operation, or learn more.· Increase awareness of key policy characteristics and decisions for producers that are interested in LRP.Ifft said the series is designed to provide a gradual introduction to LRP. She said cow-calf producers -- especially small and midsize operations -- may have limited experience with hedging, which is similar to LRP.“The series begins with key price risk management concepts and practices before presenting policy details. The series concludes with a discussion of how LRP would have performed historically for Kansas cow-calf producers,” she said.“LRP is very similar to a put option (which gives an option buyer the right to sell at a predetermined price) but is more affordable and small-producer friendly,” Ifft said. A producer can enroll anywhere from 1 to 6,000 head of cattle (feeder or fed) in a single policy (endorsement) and premiums are not due until the end of the coverage period (usually after cattle would be sold).”Ifft added that LRP is designed to replace the income that is lost due to unexpected price declines.“The producer must select a coverage price, or the level to which prices must drop for an LRP payout to be triggered,” she said.Ifft noted that like other federal crop and livestock insurance products, LRP is designed so the producer comes out ahead in the long run. Producers are more likely than not to receive more in payouts than they pay in premiums in the long run, she said.“The key phrase here is ‘the long run,’” Ifft said. “Several years can pass without a payout. Having a long-term perspective and understanding how LRP works as insurance against price declines can help producers decide whether LRP is a good choice for their operation.”The series of articles can be found online from the K-State Department of Agricultural Economics.K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

BOOR: Risk management

Extension educators, conservation specialists, agricultural professionals and agricultural producers are invited to a soil health workshop at the Agricultural Research Center – Hays on May 18-19.

The two-day workshop will teach participants about soil health principles, soil management, and carbon credits. In addition, attendees will have opportunities for hands-on experiences conducting field demonstrations and field assessments.

The workshop begins at 9 a.m. at the Western Kansas Agricultural Research Center Auditorium. The first day will feature expert speakers on topics such as cover crop management in dryland and how soil health is connected to water. Soil health demonstrations will also take place on day one.

On day two of the workshop, participants will learn how to conduct in-field soil assessments, interpret soil health test results, and make soil health recommendations. Specialists will be available during the entire workshop to answer questions and give advice. Meals will be provided to attendees on both days of the event.

Interested participants should RSVP by calling 785-769-3297 or emailing Stacie Minson (sedgett@ksu.edu) no later than May 15. The event flyer and agenda are available online from the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment.

This event is organized by K-State Research and Extension, the Soil Health Nexus, and the Kansas National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651846177687.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Extension educators, conservation specialists, agricultural professionals and agricultural producers are invited to a soil health workshop at the Agricultural Research Center – Hays on May 18-19.The two-day workshop will teach participants about soil health principles, soil management, and carbon credits. In addition, attendees will have opportunities for hands-on experiences conducting field demonstrations and field assessments.The workshop begins at 9 a.m. at the Western Kansas Agricultural Research Center Auditorium. The first day will feature expert speakers on topics such as cover crop management in dryland and how soil health is connected to water. Soil health demonstrations will also take place on day one.On day two of the workshop, participants will learn how to conduct in-field soil assessments, interpret soil health test results, and make soil health recommendations. Specialists will be available during the entire workshop to answer questions and give advice. Meals will be provided to attendees on both days of the event.Interested participants should RSVP by calling 785-769-3297 or emailing Stacie Minson (sedgett@ksu.edu) no later than May 15. The event flyer and agenda are available online from the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment.This event is organized by K-State Research and Extension, the Soil Health Nexus, and the Kansas National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

CAMPBELL: Soil health workshop

“Shape up your plate” is a great slogan for what I want to visit about today. With summer just around the corner it is the perfect time for you and your family to focus on a few healthy eating habits! Hopefully farmers markets can soon provide the colorful produce that tastes so good when it is in season and locally grown.

The MyPlate healthy eating icon has been around for ten plus years now. Simply put, the MyPlate guide to healthy eating promotes making half of your plate fruits and vegetables. A generous portion of grain, (preferably whole), a small amount of lean protein, and a serving of low fat dairy round out the plan. Oh, and did I mention that the plate we eat off of is supposed to be nine inches in diameter?

Another simple healthy eating habit includes starting each day with a powerful, nutrient dense breakfast. Our grandparents knew this was important, our parents knew this was important, and somewhere along the way we lost this information in the fast pace lives we lead. Studies show that people who eat a solid, healthy, balanced breakfast are healthier, have fewer cravings throughout their day and make wiser food choices.

A couple of nutrition educational programs to provide a healthy interpretation of the MyPlate guidelines are scheduled during the month of May. The program, “More Plants on the Plate” will be presented twice on Wednesday, May 11th. Join me at the Great Bend Senior Center at 10:30 AM or at noon at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th St. The information will be the same at both locations. The fact sheet I will be sharing includes a lot of great information about increasing fiber and eating less processed food. I’ll have a few recipes to share as well.

Another opportunity to learn about how good nutrition can affect one’s health is a program titled, “Make a Med DASH to a Healthy Heart.” This educational program is set for Thursday, May 26th, at noon at the Extension office meeting room, 601 Main, in Hays. I am combining this program with the Walk KS celebration on the 26th. I will be providing a light lunch for anyone who calls in by May 20th to reserve a spot.

Mark your calendars for one or both of these educational programs and make healthy eating a priority during the months ahead!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>“Shape up your plate” is a great slogan for what I want to visit about today. With summer just around the corner it is the perfect time for you and your family to focus on a few healthy eating habits! Hopefully farmers markets can soon provide the colorful produce that tastes so good when it is in season and locally grown.The MyPlate healthy eating icon has been around for ten plus years now. Simply put, the MyPlate guide to healthy eating promotes making half of your plate fruits and vegetables. A generous portion of grain, (preferably whole), a small amount of lean protein, and a serving of low fat dairy round out the plan. Oh, and did I mention that the plate we eat off of is supposed to be nine inches in diameter?Another simple healthy eating habit includes starting each day with a powerful, nutrient dense breakfast. Our grandparents knew this was important, our parents knew this was important, and somewhere along the way we lost this information in the fast pace lives we lead. Studies show that people who eat a solid, healthy, balanced breakfast are healthier, have fewer cravings throughout their day and make wiser food choices.A couple of nutrition educational programs to provide a healthy interpretation of the MyPlate guidelines are scheduled during the month of May. The program, “More Plants on the Plate” will be presented twice on Wednesday, May 11th. Join me at the Great Bend Senior Center at 10:30 AM or at noon at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th St. The information will be the same at both locations. The fact sheet I will be sharing includes a lot of great information about increasing fiber and eating less processed food. I’ll have a few recipes to share as well.Another opportunity to learn about how good nutrition can affect one’s health is a program titled, “Make a Med DASH to a Healthy Heart.” This educational program is set for Thursday, May 26th, at noon at the Extension office meeting room, 601 Main, in Hays. I am combining this program with the Walk KS celebration on the 26th. I will be providing a light lunch for anyone who calls in by May 20th to reserve a spot.Mark your calendars for one or both of these educational programs and make healthy eating a priority during the months ahead!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

KRUG: Shape up your plate

By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend Post

Keep your eyes open for bicyclists when you are driving in Barton County. That's one of the messages Barton County Commissioners wanted to convey when they declared May as National Bike Month in the county. Motorists are urged to prevent collisions, injuries and fatalities by being aware of cyclists.&nbsp;

Dale Hogg, a committee member of Be Well Barton County, is an avid cyclist. He gave the county good marks for improving the cycling experience.&nbsp;

“Over the years, Barton County has done a great deal to help cycling,” Hogg said. “They have this signage around many county blacktops. I’ve heard from cyclists and motorists. Both appreciate having that additional awareness of one another on the roadways.”&nbsp;

Hogg pointed out that a bicycle is a good mode of transportation to see the county close-up.&nbsp;

“B.J. Wooding, the county cartographer, has created a wonderful cycling map that has landmarks as well as suggested bicycling routes around the county. It's available on the Be Well Barton County website as well as the bike shop and other locations around town.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651767155714.jpeg" alt="K-State's Cottonwood Extension District Director Donna Krug and husband John getting ready to pedal away from Wednesday's county commission meeting." />
 <figcaption>K-State's Cottonwood Extension District Director Donna Krug and husband John getting ready to pedal away from Wednesday's county commission meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend PostKeep your eyes open for bicyclists when you are driving in Barton County. That's one of the messages Barton County Commissioners wanted to convey when they declared May as National Bike Month in the county. Motorists are urged to prevent collisions, injuries and fatalities by being aware of cyclists.&nbsp;Dale Hogg, a committee member of Be Well Barton County, is an avid cyclist. He gave the county good marks for improving the cycling experience.&nbsp;“Over the years, Barton County has done a great deal to help cycling,” Hogg said. “They have this signage around many county blacktops. I’ve heard from cyclists and motorists. Both appreciate having that additional awareness of one another on the roadways.”&nbsp;Hogg pointed out that a bicycle is a good mode of transportation to see the county close-up.&nbsp;“B.J. Wooding, the county cartographer, has created a wonderful cycling map that has landmarks as well as suggested bicycling routes around the county. It's available on the Be Well Barton County website as well as the bike shop and other locations around town.”&nbsp;Since 2019, Great Bend has been a stop on the Trans-America Bicycle Trail that stretches between Astoria, Oregon and Yorktown, Virginia. Hogg told commissioners that a campground on the lawn behind Central Christian Church on Harrison Street has been very popular with cyclists that travel on the cross-country trail. The church and the Be Well Barton County group have set up a bicycle repair area there as well as a charging station for cell phones.&nbsp;