This summer,&nbsp;thousands of Kansas teenagers&nbsp;will&nbsp;begin their first job&nbsp;working for&nbsp;a farmer&nbsp;or rancher.&nbsp;&nbsp;For those that are&nbsp;ages 14 or 15, they must complete a tractor safety course in order to be legally employed.&nbsp;A thirteen-year-old may enroll in the training if turning 14 before the next year’s class is offered, but the certificate will not be issued until their fourteenth birthday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To&nbsp;help&nbsp;prepare&nbsp;some of&nbsp;those youth for the upcoming work season,&nbsp;several K-State Research and Extension Districts&nbsp;are collaborating and&nbsp;will&nbsp;be hosting&nbsp;three&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;tractor safety&nbsp;classes&nbsp;scheduled for&nbsp;Saturdays,&nbsp;March 5 (Salina), April 9&nbsp;(Beloit) and May&nbsp;14&nbsp;(Great Bend).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This course will meet&nbsp;the requirements of the U.S.&nbsp;Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA). The HOOA regulations&nbsp;state&nbsp;that youth 14 and 15 years of age, who wish to work as a hired employee for someone other than a parent or legal guardian and operate a farm tractor that is 20 HP&nbsp;or greater, must successfully pass a tractor safety training program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The cost of the program is&nbsp;$15&nbsp;to cover&nbsp;the&nbsp;cost of materials for the course.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those wanting to enroll simply go online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.postrock.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">www.postrock.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;complete the registration&nbsp;at least 5 days prior to the scheduled course.&nbsp;&nbsp;The book for the course is available at your local Extension District office and will need to be purchased prior to the first class as participants are encouraged to go through the “safety activity sheets” at the end of each chapter prior to Saturday’s session.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prospective students&nbsp;can&nbsp;check availability&nbsp;and ask questions&nbsp;prior to registering by&nbsp;calling&nbsp;or&nbsp;emailing&nbsp;or Sandra Wick&nbsp;<a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu" target="_blank">swick@ksu.edu</a>,&nbsp;Blaire Todd&nbsp;<a href="mailto:blairet@ksu.edu" target="_blank">blairet@ksu.edu</a>;&nbsp;Craig Dinkel,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cadinkel@ksu.edu" target="_blank"></a><a href="mailto:cadinkel@ksu.edu" target="_blank">cadinkel@ksu.edu</a>;&nbsp;Clinton&nbsp;Laflin,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cllaflin@ksu.edu" target="_blank"></a><a href="mailto:cllaflin@ksu.edu" target="_blank">cllaflin@ksu.edu</a>;&nbsp; Alicia Boor,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu" target="_blank"></a><a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu" target="_blank">aboor@ksu.edu</a>;&nbsp;Jay&nbsp;Wisbey&nbsp;or&nbsp;Justine Henderson,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jwh04@ksu.edu" target="_blank"></a><a href="mailto:jwh04@ksu.edu" target="_blank">jwh04@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&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>This summer,&nbsp;thousands of Kansas teenagers&nbsp;will&nbsp;begin their first job&nbsp;working for&nbsp;a farmer&nbsp;or rancher.&nbsp;&nbsp;For those that are&nbsp;ages 14 or 15, they must complete a tractor safety course in order to be legally employed.&nbsp;A thirteen-year-old may enroll in the training if turning 14 before the next year’s class is offered, but the certificate will not be issued until their fourteenth birthday.&nbsp;&nbsp;To&nbsp;help&nbsp;prepare&nbsp;some of&nbsp;those youth for the upcoming work season,&nbsp;several K-State Research and Extension Districts&nbsp;are collaborating and&nbsp;will&nbsp;be hosting&nbsp;three&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;tractor safety&nbsp;classes&nbsp;scheduled for&nbsp;Saturdays,&nbsp;March 5 (Salina), April 9&nbsp;(Beloit) and May&nbsp;14&nbsp;(Great Bend).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This course will meet&nbsp;the requirements of the U.S.&nbsp;Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA). The HOOA regulations&nbsp;state&nbsp;that youth 14 and 15 years of age, who wish to work as a hired employee for someone other than a parent or legal guardian and operate a farm tractor that is 20 HP&nbsp;or greater, must successfully pass a tractor safety training program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The cost of the program is&nbsp;$15&nbsp;to cover&nbsp;the&nbsp;cost of materials for the course.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those wanting to enroll simply go online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.postrock.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">www.postrock.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;complete the registration&nbsp;at least 5 days prior to the scheduled course.&nbsp;&nbsp;The book for the course is available at your local Extension District office and will need to be purchased prior to the first class as participants are encouraged to go through the “safety activity sheets” at the end of each chapter prior to Saturday’s session.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prospective students&nbsp;can&nbsp;check availability&nbsp;and ask questions&nbsp;prior to registering by&nbsp;calling&nbsp;or&nbsp;emailing&nbsp;or Sandra Wick&nbsp;<a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu" target="_blank">swick@ksu.edu</a>,&nbsp;Blaire Todd&nbsp;<a href="mailto:blairet@ksu.edu" target="_blank">blairet@ksu.edu</a>;&nbsp;Craig Dinkel,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cadinkel@ksu.edu" target="_blank"></a><a href="mailto:cadinkel@ksu.edu" target="_blank">cadinkel@ksu.edu</a>;&nbsp;Clinton&nbsp;Laflin,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cllaflin@ksu.edu" target="_blank"></a><a href="mailto:cllaflin@ksu.edu" target="_blank">cllaflin@ksu.edu</a>;&nbsp; Alicia Boor,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu" target="_blank"></a><a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu" target="_blank">aboor@ksu.edu</a>;&nbsp;Jay&nbsp;Wisbey&nbsp;or&nbsp;Justine Henderson,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jwh04@ksu.edu" target="_blank"></a><a href="mailto:jwh04@ksu.edu" target="_blank">jwh04@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

BOOR: Tractor safety classes offered by Extension Districts

This past week I had a great opportunity to attend a cattle conference. As part of the conference, we listened to a variety of speakers with keynotes by boxer George Foreman and football player Joe Theismann!

In both of their speeches, there was a common theme that applies to many of us.

George touched on Principles – knowing who you are and the foundation that provides; Fight – keep working toward goals every day; and Convictions – knowing what you believe in and being willing to work toward that, even when it is hard.

In Joe’s address, he highlighted the following:

Goals – set personal, professional, spiritual, and financial goals because without a goal, how do you know where you are headed or when you are making progress.

Attitude – “When is the last time you congratulated yourself?” and focused on working to keep a positive attitude every day, no matter the circumstances.

Teamwork – make sure that everyone on the team feels valued regardless of the size of their role.

Motivation – Keeping an eye on goals and attitude will help but at the end of the day, each of us must choose to be motivated to be better, to learn something new, to improve on a skill.

Both men have seen incredible success and have dealt with some pretty tough circumstances. They continue to use the lessons they have learned to be better people and I certainly respect that!

Everyone deals with their own set of circumstances and difficulties - some of our own making and some out of our control – but each of us can set goals, adjust our attitude, acknowledge those around us, and stay focused on our path to learn, grow, and improve every day.

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>This past week I had a great opportunity to attend a cattle conference. As part of the conference, we listened to a variety of speakers with keynotes by boxer George Foreman and football player Joe Theismann!In both of their speeches, there was a common theme that applies to many of us.George touched on Principles – knowing who you are and the foundation that provides; Fight – keep working toward goals every day; and Convictions – knowing what you believe in and being willing to work toward that, even when it is hard.In Joe’s address, he highlighted the following:Goals – set personal, professional, spiritual, and financial goals because without a goal, how do you know where you are headed or when you are making progress.Attitude – “When is the last time you congratulated yourself?” and focused on working to keep a positive attitude every day, no matter the circumstances.Teamwork – make sure that everyone on the team feels valued regardless of the size of their role.Motivation – Keeping an eye on goals and attitude will help but at the end of the day, each of us must choose to be motivated to be better, to learn something new, to improve on a skill.Both men have seen incredible success and have dealt with some pretty tough circumstances. They continue to use the lessons they have learned to be better people and I certainly respect that!Everyone deals with their own set of circumstances and difficulties - some of our own making and some out of our control – but each of us can set goals, adjust our attitude, acknowledge those around us, and stay focused on our path to learn, grow, and improve every day.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: Listening for inspiration 

Growers are concerned about the high prices and availability of chemicals for weed management in 2022! To help producers and service providers with this most challenging production situation. K-State Research &amp; Extension Offices in northwest and north central Kansas have scheduled a series of Weed Management Update Meetings on February 15 &amp; 16th.

Colby, City Limits Convention Center 2227 S. Range Ave 9 a.m. to noon

Osborne, United Christian Church 214 North 2nd Street 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hill City, Graham County 4-H Building Fairgrounds 9 a.m. to noon

Claflin, Community Center 409 A Street 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Topics for the meeting will include revisiting residual herbicides in corn; non-chemical approaches to deal with herbicide shortages and prices; research update in application technology along with a question and answer session. Presenters for the program will include K-State Research and Extension weed management specialists, along with Randy Lloyd, technology research scientist with the University of Nebraska will share his research from the application technology lab at North Platte. Three Pest Management CCA credits and 3 commercial applicator CEU’s are available.

Registration is requested for the meal count by Friday, February 11 online at www.northwest.ksu.edu/events or call your local Extension Office.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643991208312.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Growers are concerned about the high prices and availability of chemicals for weed management in 2022! To help producers and service providers with this most challenging production situation. K-State Research &amp; Extension Offices in northwest and north central Kansas have scheduled a series of Weed Management Update Meetings on February 15 &amp; 16th.February 15Colby, City Limits Convention Center 2227 S. Range Ave 9 a.m. to noonOsborne, United Christian Church 214 North 2nd Street 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.February 16Hill City, Graham County 4-H Building Fairgrounds 9 a.m. to noonClaflin, Community Center 409 A Street 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.Topics for the meeting will include revisiting residual herbicides in corn; non-chemical approaches to deal with herbicide shortages and prices; research update in application technology along with a question and answer session. Presenters for the program will include K-State Research and Extension weed management specialists, along with Randy Lloyd, technology research scientist with the University of Nebraska will share his research from the application technology lab at North Platte. Three Pest Management CCA credits and 3 commercial applicator CEU’s are available.Registration is requested for the meal count by Friday, February 11 online at www.northwest.ksu.edu/events or call your local Extension Office.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Weed management school in Claflin

I remember as a kid growing up in a conservative Kansas farm family we always paid for our purchases with cash or a check. My first experience with establishing credit was at age 15 when I made three equal payments to the company I bought my new Singer sewing machine from. No interest was added; it was just a way to show my responsibility to pay a bill in full. I still like to wait until I have the money in hand before making a sizable purchase. It just feels right.

For many families, credit is a tool used to accomplish their short- and long-term goals. When managed successfully, a home mortgage, car or student loan, and credit card account can bring many benefits, such as home ownership, a college education, or landing the job of your dreams. Poor management of credit can result in higher costs, lost opportunities, and added stress.

If you listen to radio talk shows like Dave Ramsey, you have probably memorized his words of advice to live within your means. If you don’t have the money to make a large purchase, then take baby steps to save up the money before signing on the dotted line. Getting spending under control is a matter of understanding the difference between needs and wants, setting financial goals, and following a spending plan or budget.

Since it is early in the year, I consider it the perfect time to get a handle on your finances. I have an excellent set of materials to help you get started with setting up a budget for your household. One of my favorite handouts is titled, “Does Your Money Have Wings?” The handout encourages participants to mark the items they use on a regular basis and add up the cost for a year. Things like purchasing expensive snacks/drinks often, tobacco use, cell phone or TV/internet plans can be costlier than you realize. If you find out your daily soda adds up to over $500 in a year’s time, you might want to think about what else your family needs that could have been purchased.

Let me hear from you if you are ready to take a closer look at your spending. I’ll be happy to share the “Does Your Money Have Wings” handout with you!

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.

<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>I remember as a kid growing up in a conservative Kansas farm family we always paid for our purchases with cash or a check. My first experience with establishing credit was at age 15 when I made three equal payments to the company I bought my new Singer sewing machine from. No interest was added; it was just a way to show my responsibility to pay a bill in full. I still like to wait until I have the money in hand before making a sizable purchase. It just feels right.For many families, credit is a tool used to accomplish their short- and long-term goals. When managed successfully, a home mortgage, car or student loan, and credit card account can bring many benefits, such as home ownership, a college education, or landing the job of your dreams. Poor management of credit can result in higher costs, lost opportunities, and added stress.If you listen to radio talk shows like Dave Ramsey, you have probably memorized his words of advice to live within your means. If you don’t have the money to make a large purchase, then take baby steps to save up the money before signing on the dotted line. Getting spending under control is a matter of understanding the difference between needs and wants, setting financial goals, and following a spending plan or budget.Since it is early in the year, I consider it the perfect time to get a handle on your finances. I have an excellent set of materials to help you get started with setting up a budget for your household. One of my favorite handouts is titled, “Does Your Money Have Wings?” The handout encourages participants to mark the items they use on a regular basis and add up the cost for a year. Things like purchasing expensive snacks/drinks often, tobacco use, cell phone or TV/internet plans can be costlier than you realize. If you find out your daily soda adds up to over $500 in a year’s time, you might want to think about what else your family needs that could have been purchased.Let me hear from you if you are ready to take a closer look at your spending. I’ll be happy to share the “Does Your Money Have Wings” handout with you!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.

KRUG: Does your money have wings?

I have shared before that resilience is the ability to cope with and recover from life’s difficulties. It is not something that naturally occurs but it is a skill that can be learned. As a parent, it is something that we should work on with our children at a very nearly age.

Children learn from watching adults, and watching parents cope with everyday stress in a calm and flexible manner will help them learn to respond in a positive way. Remember that children are also closely watching the negative way adults handle life’s challenges.

The following information on building resilience in children is from Michigan State University Extension. “The most important thing to build resiliency in a child’s life is a strong, secure attachment with a caring adult. It can be a parent, grandparent or other caregiver, as long as that relationship is reliable, loving and trustworthy. A child will thrive in many areas of development when they feel loved, understood and accepted, and building strong resiliency skills is no different. It is through these secure relationships that they can learn to regulate their feelings and thoughts”

MSU offers the following suggestions for building caring relationships.

· Play. This is a great way to connect with kids of all ages

· Comfort. This helps children feel they are not alone with their big feelings.

· Listen. This simple technique shows children that what they’re saying about their feelings is important.

· Show Empathy. This is seeing an issue or problem from another’s point of view. You, as the listener, do not have to agree. Just let the child know you understand how they feel. This makes it easier for them to try to understand others.

· Identify feelings. “You look frustrated/angry/mad/happy/sad.” This will help them socially identify how they are feeling and be able to use their words versus body parts to settle disputes, but also helps them realize other people have feelings too. · Reduce TV time. Children under 2 years old should not be allowed any screen time. Children 2-4 years should watch less than 1 hour per day. Instead, read or go to the park.

· Read or tell stories. Books are a great way to read about characters that show compassion, kindness and understanding for others.

· Don’t rush to their rescue. Let them attempt to solve problems on their own when the outcome isn’t big and life-altering. When they are younger, let them have opportunities to problem-solve and make good choices, such as negotiating a turn on the swing or falling off their bike. As they get older, the decisions they make will involve driving and relationships that could result in more harsh consequences than when they were younger.

We know that all children will face challenges and it is important that we help them develop skills so they can handle those obstacles in life.

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I have shared before that resilience is the ability to cope with and recover from life’s difficulties. It is not something that naturally occurs but it is a skill that can be learned. As a parent, it is something that we should work on with our children at a very nearly age.Children learn from watching adults, and watching parents cope with everyday stress in a calm and flexible manner will help them learn to respond in a positive way. Remember that children are also closely watching the negative way adults handle life’s challenges.The following information on building resilience in children is from Michigan State University Extension. “The most important thing to build resiliency in a child’s life is a strong, secure attachment with a caring adult. It can be a parent, grandparent or other caregiver, as long as that relationship is reliable, loving and trustworthy. A child will thrive in many areas of development when they feel loved, understood and accepted, and building strong resiliency skills is no different. It is through these secure relationships that they can learn to regulate their feelings and thoughts”MSU offers the following suggestions for building caring relationships.· Play. This is a great way to connect with kids of all ages· Comfort. This helps children feel they are not alone with their big feelings.· Listen. This simple technique shows children that what they’re saying about their feelings is important.· Show Empathy. This is seeing an issue or problem from another’s point of view. You, as the listener, do not have to agree. Just let the child know you understand how they feel. This makes it easier for them to try to understand others.· Identify feelings. “You look frustrated/angry/mad/happy/sad.” This will help them socially identify how they are feeling and be able to use their words versus body parts to settle disputes, but also helps them realize other people have feelings too. · Reduce TV time. Children under 2 years old should not be allowed any screen time. Children 2-4 years should watch less than 1 hour per day. Instead, read or go to the park.· Read or tell stories. Books are a great way to read about characters that show compassion, kindness and understanding for others.· Don’t rush to their rescue. Let them attempt to solve problems on their own when the outcome isn’t big and life-altering. When they are younger, let them have opportunities to problem-solve and make good choices, such as negotiating a turn on the swing or falling off their bike. As they get older, the decisions they make will involve driving and relationships that could result in more harsh consequences than when they were younger.We know that all children will face challenges and it is important that we help them develop skills so they can handle those obstacles in life.Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

UNRUH: Resiliency in children

Jenny Ifft says successful cow-calf producers are “risk experts.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“They face multiple sources of risk every day,” said Ifft, an agricultural policy specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “Forage production can vary dramatically based on when or how much it rains. If the market tanks the month before they sell their herd, a producer’s profit could be wiped out.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ifft is the featured speaker for a Feb. 23 session slated in conjunction with the four-part workshop,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/events/risk-management-skills-kansas-women-agriculture" target="_blank">Risk Management Skills for Kansas Women in Agriculture</a>, which began in mid-January.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Her talk is an optional fifth session added to the series, and she will focus on risk management for cow-calf producers. The session will be presented at 28 locations in Kansas, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Registration costs $15 and&nbsp;<a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3E6VDnWdzHkE9p4" target="_blank">is available online</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;https://www.agmanager.info/events/risk-management-skills-kansas-women-agriculture&nbsp;&nbsp;or by calling the Great Bend office at&nbsp;&nbsp;620-793-1910, or the Hays office at 785-628-9430.&nbsp;

LaVell Winsor, a farm analyst with K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics, said some of the topics covered on Feb. 23 include enterprise budgeting, cattle marketing and cow-calf insurance options.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is important for ranchers to understand their cost structure because there is a wide range of costs of production,” Winsor said. “Marketing is always critical, but with high feed costs (currently), it is especially important for cattle producers to be watching for opportunities to lock in profits.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ifft said cow-calf producers can also be strategic when considering insurance options. She notes that half of Kansas currently is facing moderate drought and feed prices are volatile.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Insurance products are available to help producers manage forage risk and price risk by making payouts when a producer’s local area is abnormally dry, and when cattle prices are lower than expected,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Though the series title highlights a need for women to attend, the session is open to all participants, regardless of gender.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sessions are scheduled for Atwood,&nbsp;Beloit, Clay Center, Colby, Dodge City, El Dorado, Emporia, Fort Scott, Grainfield, Great Bend, Hays, Independence, Iola, Jennings, Kiowa, Leavenworth, Leoti, Manhattan, McPherson, Paola, Sabetha, Salina, Smith Center, St. John, Stockton, Syracuse, Ulysses, and Wilson.&nbsp;&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>Jenny Ifft says successful cow-calf producers are “risk experts.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“They face multiple sources of risk every day,” said Ifft, an agricultural policy specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “Forage production can vary dramatically based on when or how much it rains. If the market tanks the month before they sell their herd, a producer’s profit could be wiped out.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ifft is the featured speaker for a Feb. 23 session slated in conjunction with the four-part workshop,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/events/risk-management-skills-kansas-women-agriculture" target="_blank">Risk Management Skills for Kansas Women in Agriculture</a>, which began in mid-January.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her talk is an optional fifth session added to the series, and she will focus on risk management for cow-calf producers. The session will be presented at 28 locations in Kansas, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Registration costs $15 and&nbsp;<a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3E6VDnWdzHkE9p4" target="_blank">is available online</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;https://www.agmanager.info/events/risk-management-skills-kansas-women-agriculture&nbsp;&nbsp;or by calling the Great Bend office at&nbsp;&nbsp;620-793-1910, or the Hays office at 785-628-9430.&nbsp;LaVell Winsor, a farm analyst with K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics, said some of the topics covered on Feb. 23 include enterprise budgeting, cattle marketing and cow-calf insurance options.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is important for ranchers to understand their cost structure because there is a wide range of costs of production,” Winsor said. “Marketing is always critical, but with high feed costs (currently), it is especially important for cattle producers to be watching for opportunities to lock in profits.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ifft said cow-calf producers can also be strategic when considering insurance options. She notes that half of Kansas currently is facing moderate drought and feed prices are volatile.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Insurance products are available to help producers manage forage risk and price risk by making payouts when a producer’s local area is abnormally dry, and when cattle prices are lower than expected,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Though the series title highlights a need for women to attend, the session is open to all participants, regardless of gender.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sessions are scheduled for Atwood,&nbsp;Beloit, Clay Center, Colby, Dodge City, El Dorado, Emporia, Fort Scott, Grainfield, Great Bend, Hays, Independence, Iola, Jennings, Kiowa, Leavenworth, Leoti, Manhattan, McPherson, Paola, Sabetha, Salina, Smith Center, St. John, Stockton, Syracuse, Ulysses, and Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

BOOR: Risk management for cow-calf producers

Maybe someone in the family received a cast iron skillet for Christmas? Cast iron skillets are the kitchen’s most universal tool and are known for their versatility and durability, You can use your cast iron like any other pan you might have but with certain restrictions. Cast iron is multipurpose in that you can use it on the stove top as well as the oven. It can be used for frying, stews and soup, stir fry, and baking. While cast iron is multipurpose, it cannot be used efficiently on glass top stoves due to the inability to transfer heat. And it should never be used in a microwave oven.

The benefit of using a cast iron pan is that it gets very hot and stays hot. Unlike thinner pans, the heat level doesn’t fluctuate in a cast iron. This makes it an ideal choice for foods that need high heat. Meats that need a hard sear but shouldn’t be scorched, like steak, or roasts that should be browned before braising, perform beautifully in a cast iron.

The trouble with cast iron, though, is it takes a little effort to maintain. But the effort is well worth it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

· Seasoning: This term simply means there is a layer of lubricated residue on the surface of the skillet that flavors food while resisting adhesion thus creating a non-stick, but flavorful, surface. It sounds gross, but it’s actually awesome.

· Do You Have to Season? : Some pans come pre-seasoned, and it should say this on the label if purchasing new. If purchasing a pan at a garage sale or thrift store, it’s best to assume you’ll need to season it yourself especially if the surface is rusty and bumpy.

· How to Season: There are many ways to season; here is one way. First, give it a good scouring by scrubbing it with kosher salt and a damp sponge then thoroughly rinse the pan. Next, completely dry the pan in a hot oven. After it’s dried and cooled, poor a tablespoon of unsaturated oil (canola) in the skillet and rub it all over with paper towels. With fresh paper towels, remove any excess. Then, place the oiled pan upside down in a 450F oven and bake for an hour. Remove from the oven (making sure to use potholders!) and allow to cool. Repeat the process up to 5 times until you achieve that shiny, classic, cast iron finish. Repeat this lengthy process whenever your skillet needs to be re-seasoned, which isn’t that often if you clean it properly.

· How to Clean: If seasoned well, all you’ll need to do is give your skillet a good rinse then completely dry the skillet in the oven. Do NOT let your skillet soak. And, please, do NOT put it in the dishwasher. If there are stubborn bits stuck to the skillet, heat it with kosher salt and oil, and scrub at the bits with paper towels clutched inside tongs.

Thank you to Johnson County Extension for the information about cast iron cooking.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Maybe someone in the family received a cast iron skillet for Christmas? Cast iron skillets are the kitchen’s most universal tool and are known for their versatility and durability, You can use your cast iron like any other pan you might have but with certain restrictions. Cast iron is multipurpose in that you can use it on the stove top as well as the oven. It can be used for frying, stews and soup, stir fry, and baking. While cast iron is multipurpose, it cannot be used efficiently on glass top stoves due to the inability to transfer heat. And it should never be used in a microwave oven.The benefit of using a cast iron pan is that it gets very hot and stays hot. Unlike thinner pans, the heat level doesn’t fluctuate in a cast iron. This makes it an ideal choice for foods that need high heat. Meats that need a hard sear but shouldn’t be scorched, like steak, or roasts that should be browned before braising, perform beautifully in a cast iron.The trouble with cast iron, though, is it takes a little effort to maintain. But the effort is well worth it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:· Seasoning: This term simply means there is a layer of lubricated residue on the surface of the skillet that flavors food while resisting adhesion thus creating a non-stick, but flavorful, surface. It sounds gross, but it’s actually awesome.· Do You Have to Season? : Some pans come pre-seasoned, and it should say this on the label if purchasing new. If purchasing a pan at a garage sale or thrift store, it’s best to assume you’ll need to season it yourself especially if the surface is rusty and bumpy.· How to Season: There are many ways to season; here is one way. First, give it a good scouring by scrubbing it with kosher salt and a damp sponge then thoroughly rinse the pan. Next, completely dry the pan in a hot oven. After it’s dried and cooled, poor a tablespoon of unsaturated oil (canola) in the skillet and rub it all over with paper towels. With fresh paper towels, remove any excess. Then, place the oiled pan upside down in a 450F oven and bake for an hour. Remove from the oven (making sure to use potholders!) and allow to cool. Repeat the process up to 5 times until you achieve that shiny, classic, cast iron finish. Repeat this lengthy process whenever your skillet needs to be re-seasoned, which isn’t that often if you clean it properly.· How to Clean: If seasoned well, all you’ll need to do is give your skillet a good rinse then completely dry the skillet in the oven. Do NOT let your skillet soak. And, please, do NOT put it in the dishwasher. If there are stubborn bits stuck to the skillet, heat it with kosher salt and oil, and scrub at the bits with paper towels clutched inside tongs.Thank you to Johnson County Extension for the information about cast iron cooking.Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

UNRUH: What is great about cast iron cooking?

Join us for an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk”, slated to begin Monday, January 31 through Monday, March 7, 2022. This educational series is hosted by NC and NW Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension and will highlight several topics important to crop producers. These will be on Mondays and each session will be held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST.

In the NC and NW agronomy focused areas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by K-State Research and Extension specialists, to enhance management strategies utilized by crop producers.

Our KSU extension team has vast experience in crop production including fertility along with weed and insect management and we’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information.

Planned topics of discussion include Fertility management with high input costs, weed management, Cover Crop management, Manure and your Fertility program along with aClimate update and the KS Mesonet with a time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists. Register ONLINE at https://KSUnwcroptalk22 or call your local Extension office. The Cottonwood District office in Hays can be reached at 785-628-9430 or Great Bend 620-793-1910. Once you register, a link to the ONLINE sessions will be emailed to you. There will be 1 CCA credit for each session.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643312773402.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Join us for an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk”, slated to begin Monday, January 31 through Monday, March 7, 2022. This educational series is hosted by NC and NW Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension and will highlight several topics important to crop producers. These will be on Mondays and each session will be held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST.In the NC and NW agronomy focused areas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by K-State Research and Extension specialists, to enhance management strategies utilized by crop producers.Our KSU extension team has vast experience in crop production including fertility along with weed and insect management and we’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information.Planned topics of discussion include Fertility management with high input costs, weed management, Cover Crop management, Manure and your Fertility program along with aClimate update and the KS Mesonet with a time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists. Register ONLINE at https://KSUnwcroptalk22 or call your local Extension office. The Cottonwood District office in Hays can be reached at 785-628-9430 or Great Bend 620-793-1910. Once you register, a link to the ONLINE sessions will be emailed to you. There will be 1 CCA credit for each session.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: KSU 'virtual' agronomy series returns in 2022

The natural aging process offers challenges to many people. While we know from listening to the news and our personal experiences, staying active is a key component in maintaining or regaining health. But if you have noticed that your strength, flexibility or balance isn’t what it used to be you may want to consider signing up for a strength training program offered in the Cottonwood Extension District soon.

“Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” is designed to increase an aging adult’s access to a safe, structured, and effective strength training program. Over 8 weeks, participants learn exercises to improve their strength, flexibility, and balance. During each session, a prescribed set of 8 upper and lower body strengthening exercises are done along with warm-ups and cool-down stretches. Participants are made to feel comfortable regardless of their current fitness level so they can safely participate and gradually build the strength beneficial to health.

The 8-week program is set to begin soon in Great Bend. I will be leading Stay Strong Stay Healthy beginning Tuesday, February 15th and ending April 7th. We meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 – 11 am at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. The registration fee for this workshop is $20 and

may be paid at the Great Bend office, 3007 10th Street, by Wednesday, February 9th. Each participant will need to complete a pre-assessment prior to the first class. Call me with any questions about the “Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” workshop and to set up your pre-assessment.

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 &amp; 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>The natural aging process offers challenges to many people. While we know from listening to the news and our personal experiences, staying active is a key component in maintaining or regaining health. But if you have noticed that your strength, flexibility or balance isn’t what it used to be you may want to consider signing up for a strength training program offered in the Cottonwood Extension District soon.“Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” is designed to increase an aging adult’s access to a safe, structured, and effective strength training program. Over 8 weeks, participants learn exercises to improve their strength, flexibility, and balance. During each session, a prescribed set of 8 upper and lower body strengthening exercises are done along with warm-ups and cool-down stretches. Participants are made to feel comfortable regardless of their current fitness level so they can safely participate and gradually build the strength beneficial to health.The 8-week program is set to begin soon in Great Bend. I will be leading Stay Strong Stay Healthy beginning Tuesday, February 15th and ending April 7th. We meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 – 11 am at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. The registration fee for this workshop is $20 andmay be paid at the Great Bend office, 3007 10th Street, by Wednesday, February 9th. Each participant will need to complete a pre-assessment prior to the first class. Call me with any questions about the “Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” workshop and to set up your pre-assessment.I look forward to seeing you soon!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 &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: 'Stay Strong, Stay Healthy' workshop offered in Great Bend

The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will offer virtual workshops Jan. 31 to Feb. 4 to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers.&nbsp;

The workshop series includes four online Lunch and Learn sessions, followed by a half-day virtual workshop. Some K-State Research and Extension offices including the Great Bend office of the Cottonwood district will be offering in-person watch parties for the Feb. 4 half-day workshop.&nbsp;

“Over the past two years, we’ve seen an increase in people’s enthusiasm for locally sourced food, and these workshops will address common questions and concerns for farmers and small businesses who are embracing these opportunities to reach local consumers,” said Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell either directly to the consumer or at a farmers’ market.”&nbsp;

In 2021, 89 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.&nbsp;

Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session include:&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>The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will offer virtual workshops Jan. 31 to Feb. 4 to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers.&nbsp;The workshop series includes four online Lunch and Learn sessions, followed by a half-day virtual workshop. Some K-State Research and Extension offices including the Great Bend office of the Cottonwood district will be offering in-person watch parties for the Feb. 4 half-day workshop.&nbsp;“Over the past two years, we’ve seen an increase in people’s enthusiasm for locally sourced food, and these workshops will address common questions and concerns for farmers and small businesses who are embracing these opportunities to reach local consumers,” said Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell either directly to the consumer or at a farmers’ market.”&nbsp;In 2021, 89 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.&nbsp;Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Monday, Jan. 31, noon to 1 p.m.&nbsp;-- Food Safety for Value-Added Food Products.&nbsp;</li><li>Tuesday, Feb. 1, noon to 1 p.m.&nbsp;-- Sales Tax, Food Packaging, and How to Care for your Certified Scales.&nbsp;</li><li>Wednesday, Feb. 2, noon to 1 p.m.&nbsp;-- Meat and Poultry, Kansas Value Added Meats Lab.&nbsp;</li><li>Thursday, Feb. 3, noon to 1 p.m.&nbsp;-- Accepting EBT/SNAP &amp; Double Up Food Bucks.&nbsp; In addition, a half-day virtual workshop on Feb. 4 (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) will cover topics such as How to Market your Market and Booth, How to Identify Common Legal Risks, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, Vegetable Production,&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;program, and resources available from K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp; Keynote speaker Brian Coppom, Colorado Department of Agriculture, will discuss Best Practices for Business Success when it comes to farmers’ markets.&nbsp; KDA’s weights and measures program will offer free scale certification with a paid registration to an online workshop.&nbsp; Registration for the virtual workshops is now open. The cost is $5 per participant. Register at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fromthelandofkansas.com/FMWorkshop" target="_blank">www.fromthelandofkansas.com/FMWorkshop</a>. To register for the watch party on February 4th, contact Alicia Boor, at 620-793-1910 or aboor@ksu.edu.&nbsp; For more information, contact Janelle Dobbins, the marketing manager for KDA’s&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;program, at 785-564-6759 or&nbsp;fromthelandofkansas@ks.gov. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp; Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

BOOR: Farmers market workshop

Donations to the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) have exceeded over $1.5 million. For relief efforts to farmers and ranchers impacted by the December 15th wildfire and severe storms across the state.

According to the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) weekly newsletter approximately 1,231 individuals and companies have contributed to the KLF relief fund. Matt Teagarden, Chief Executive Officer with KLA says that the “KLF has a proven process to equitably distribute funds collected, with every dollar donated going to those Kansas producers impacted by the recent weather event”. Applicants do not have to be KLA members.

Those interested in applying to receive funds can access the fillable form on-line at https://www.kla.org/resources/wildfire-relief-resources or copy the form and mail it to Kansas Livestock Foundation, 6031 S.W. 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66614

KLF was established in 1983 to operate solely and exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes that advance the interests of the Kansas livestock industry.

Applications must be submitted in full by January 31, 2022. This application also can be found on www.kla.org. Landowners incurring fence replacement costs are encouraged to file separately from tenants. For questions, call the KLA Office (785) 273-5115.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642804111629.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Donations to the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) have exceeded over $1.5 million. For relief efforts to farmers and ranchers impacted by the December 15th wildfire and severe storms across the state.According to the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) weekly newsletter approximately 1,231 individuals and companies have contributed to the KLF relief fund. Matt Teagarden, Chief Executive Officer with KLA says that the “KLF has a proven process to equitably distribute funds collected, with every dollar donated going to those Kansas producers impacted by the recent weather event”. Applicants do not have to be KLA members.Those interested in applying to receive funds can access the fillable form on-line at https://www.kla.org/resources/wildfire-relief-resources or copy the form and mail it to Kansas Livestock Foundation, 6031 S.W. 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66614KLF was established in 1983 to operate solely and exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes that advance the interests of the Kansas livestock industry.Applications must be submitted in full by January 31, 2022. This application also can be found on www.kla.org. Landowners incurring fence replacement costs are encouraged to file separately from tenants. For questions, call the KLA Office (785) 273-5115.

CAMPBELL: Wildfire/storm relief applications due Jan. 31

A new year is a time that many of us make resolutions about health – how to be more active, eat better, and give ourselves some time to heal and grow.

The 4—H pledges notes our Head – making good decisions, our Heart – showing loyalty and compassion, our Hands – with a focus on service to others, and our Health for our clubs, community, country, and world.

4-H has several great resources for youth to think about their health! One of these is the Health and Wellness Project that 4-H members can enroll in to explore health, exercise, and recreation as vital parts of daily life. (Check out this project page at https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/4H1108.pdf).

Within the Health and Wellness project, 4-H members can explore bicycling, first aid, and keeping fit! A great resource to go with this is the “Take A Hike” Challenge in the Kansas Clover Classroom. This is a fun resource that can be downloaded for free at https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/leader-resources/cloverclassroom/index.html. Other resources in this section encourage youth and their families to get outside and explore such as sportfishing, geology collecting, and tracking wildlife!

Youth can learn about healthy eating in the Foods and Nutrition project. You will usually see pies, cakes, and cookies on display at the fair because a salad or casserole can’t be displayed! 4-H members are learning how to measure, read ingredients, and understand the role of food in many aspects of our lives.

Horticulture provides a project for youth and their families to explore growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers and includes lots of physical activity. All of the 4-H animal projects from Pets to Poultry teach caring for and training an animal which is good for mental and emotional health as well.

Health is an important part of our Head, Heart, Hands, and Health so check out some resources or give me a call to discuss how 4-H can help your youth improve their health and well-being!

<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>A new year is a time that many of us make resolutions about health – how to be more active, eat better, and give ourselves some time to heal and grow.The 4—H pledges notes our Head – making good decisions, our Heart – showing loyalty and compassion, our Hands – with a focus on service to others, and our Health for our clubs, community, country, and world.4-H has several great resources for youth to think about their health! One of these is the Health and Wellness Project that 4-H members can enroll in to explore health, exercise, and recreation as vital parts of daily life. (Check out this project page at https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/4H1108.pdf).Within the Health and Wellness project, 4-H members can explore bicycling, first aid, and keeping fit! A great resource to go with this is the “Take A Hike” Challenge in the Kansas Clover Classroom. This is a fun resource that can be downloaded for free at https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/leader-resources/cloverclassroom/index.html. Other resources in this section encourage youth and their families to get outside and explore such as sportfishing, geology collecting, and tracking wildlife!Youth can learn about healthy eating in the Foods and Nutrition project. You will usually see pies, cakes, and cookies on display at the fair because a salad or casserole can’t be displayed! 4-H members are learning how to measure, read ingredients, and understand the role of food in many aspects of our lives.Horticulture provides a project for youth and their families to explore growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers and includes lots of physical activity. All of the 4-H animal projects from Pets to Poultry teach caring for and training an animal which is good for mental and emotional health as well.Health is an important part of our Head, Heart, Hands, and Health so check out some resources or give me a call to discuss how 4-H can help your youth improve their health and well-being!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: Healthy living

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Since 2018, Barton County has gone to an access control entrance system for most
facilities. The security measure requires new or advanced hardware to the main
entrances of buildings. 

The Cottonwood Extension District recently moved out of
the Baker Avenue building, shared with the county’s juvenile services program.
Taking over the building space, the county will install five more
access-control doors. 

Barton County Information Technology Director Dereck
Hollingshead was approved for access-control hardware along with more interior
security cameras with a new server. 
"Phil (Hathcock) has access to the landfill cameras," said Hollingshead. "Road and Bridge monitors some cameras. There are courthouse cameras. Levi (Morris) has various cameras in his offices. We grant access based off need." 
Nex-Tech Security submitted the only bid for the wireless door and alarm system
of $9,004. The server and cameras cost $13,705 and will also be provided by
Nex-Tech Security.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642700144961.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostSince 2018, Barton County has gone to an access control entrance system for most
facilities. The security measure requires new or advanced hardware to the main
entrances of buildings. The Cottonwood Extension District recently moved out of
the Baker Avenue building, shared with the county’s juvenile services program.
Taking over the building space, the county will install five more
access-control doors. Barton County Information Technology Director Dereck
Hollingshead was approved for access-control hardware along with more interior
security cameras with a new server. 
"Phil (Hathcock) has access to the landfill cameras," said Hollingshead. "Road and Bridge monitors some cameras. There are courthouse cameras. Levi (Morris) has various cameras in his offices. We grant access based off need." 
Nex-Tech Security submitted the only bid for the wireless door and alarm system
of $9,004. The server and cameras cost $13,705 and will also be provided by
Nex-Tech Security.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

More security upgrades for Barton County

More and more, we hear about the need for advance planning for our medical care. If you were in a situation where you were unable to express your wishes, what kind of care would you want at the end of your life? Advance directives are legal documents that give family, friends, and health care providers information about your end of life wishes. Having advance directives in place can help avoid confusion and stress in an emergency.

· durable power of attorney for health care, · living will, and · pre-hospital Do Not Resuscitate.

In Kansas, an attorney is not needed to complete these documents but you must have witnesses sign them. Advance directives can be a difficult topic to both contemplate and discuss. Here are some steps to help.

· Gain more understanding of each option from your physician, health care providers, financial providers or your attorney.

· Discuss your personal preferences with family, friends or a religious advisor. At any point, you can change your preferences, and revise your documents.

· If this is difficult for you to bring up with your loved ones here are a few ideas to try.

o You can write a letter expressing your desire to discuss this topic. o Show them copies of the forms, emphasizing the importance of the subject to you. o If you are really uncomfortable, you can hire an attorney to facilitate the discussion. o Or ask a trusted friend to assist with the discussion.

· Once the forms are completed, make copies, hand them out to family, trusted friends, hospital, and physician. Finally store extra copies in your important files, purse, and glove box of your car.

For more details on completing these legal documents, refer to a new K-State Research and Extension publication Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas. http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3280.pdf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>More and more, we hear about the need for advance planning for our medical care. If you were in a situation where you were unable to express your wishes, what kind of care would you want at the end of your life? Advance directives are legal documents that give family, friends, and health care providers information about your end of life wishes. Having advance directives in place can help avoid confusion and stress in an emergency.The most common advance directives are:· durable power of attorney for health care, · living will, and · pre-hospital Do Not Resuscitate.In Kansas, an attorney is not needed to complete these documents but you must have witnesses sign them. Advance directives can be a difficult topic to both contemplate and discuss. Here are some steps to help.· Gain more understanding of each option from your physician, health care providers, financial providers or your attorney.· Discuss your personal preferences with family, friends or a religious advisor. At any point, you can change your preferences, and revise your documents.· If this is difficult for you to bring up with your loved ones here are a few ideas to try.o You can write a letter expressing your desire to discuss this topic. o Show them copies of the forms, emphasizing the importance of the subject to you. o If you are really uncomfortable, you can hire an attorney to facilitate the discussion. o Or ask a trusted friend to assist with the discussion.· Once the forms are completed, make copies, hand them out to family, trusted friends, hospital, and physician. Finally store extra copies in your important files, purse, and glove box of your car.For more details on completing these legal documents, refer to a new K-State Research and Extension publication Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas. http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3280.pdf.Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

UNRUH: Advance directives

The connection between the mind and body is strong, so an overall positive attitude – including an upbeat outlook on life – can affect overall happiness, health, and well-being. Similar to good health practices such as eating well and getting plenty of exercise, a positive attitude should be a habit that starts early in life.

A positive attitude can impact mental health and physical functioning, including the ability to fight disease and infection. Attitude can also affect relationships, social networks, and help make success in life more likely. The bottom line: being more positive across the lifespan causes less stress and enables people to live healthier, happy lives.

Being able to accept and adapt to change plays an important role in having a positive attitude, especially as life is filled with ups and downs. This point hit home with my husband John, and me, a couple of years ago when John hit a patch of black ice on his bicycle, falling and fracturing his hip. Confined to a lift chair for six weeks while being non weight bearing, could have been difficult to overcome. I’m convinced that his motivation to follow the doctor’s orders, and the great support of neighbors and family, made a huge difference in his healing. Almost four months to the day of his accident, he was back riding a bike which put a smile on his face.

Our Adult Development and Aging Specialist introduced the “Keys to Embracing Aging” materials to Extension educators across Kansas in 2016. The fact sheet titled; “Positive Attitude” encourages people to do something they love every day. It could be something like playing the piano or going for a walk. Embracing a hobby or activity provides a sense of purpose in life because it is something that you can create and nurture.

Everyone has a bad day once in a while, but in general, a positive attitude and happy outlook can help pull you through life’s challenges. Having an upbeat and proactive outlook on life over time can also contribute to better health and optimal aging, including longevity.

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 &amp; 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>The connection between the mind and body is strong, so an overall positive attitude – including an upbeat outlook on life – can affect overall happiness, health, and well-being. Similar to good health practices such as eating well and getting plenty of exercise, a positive attitude should be a habit that starts early in life.A positive attitude can impact mental health and physical functioning, including the ability to fight disease and infection. Attitude can also affect relationships, social networks, and help make success in life more likely. The bottom line: being more positive across the lifespan causes less stress and enables people to live healthier, happy lives.Being able to accept and adapt to change plays an important role in having a positive attitude, especially as life is filled with ups and downs. This point hit home with my husband John, and me, a couple of years ago when John hit a patch of black ice on his bicycle, falling and fracturing his hip. Confined to a lift chair for six weeks while being non weight bearing, could have been difficult to overcome. I’m convinced that his motivation to follow the doctor’s orders, and the great support of neighbors and family, made a huge difference in his healing. Almost four months to the day of his accident, he was back riding a bike which put a smile on his face.Our Adult Development and Aging Specialist introduced the “Keys to Embracing Aging” materials to Extension educators across Kansas in 2016. The fact sheet titled; “Positive Attitude” encourages people to do something they love every day. It could be something like playing the piano or going for a walk. Embracing a hobby or activity provides a sense of purpose in life because it is something that you can create and nurture.Everyone has a bad day once in a while, but in general, a positive attitude and happy outlook can help pull you through life’s challenges. Having an upbeat and proactive outlook on life over time can also contribute to better health and optimal aging, including longevity.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 &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Adopting a positive attitude

Water is an essential nutrient for people and animals alike. And while water consumption often increases on hot days, it is also an important nutrient in the winter, said the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2022/01/14/prep-for-calving-season-water-in-the-winter-colostrum-management-supplementing-with-fat/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://ksubci.org/2022/01/14/prep-for-calving-season-water-in-the-winter-colostrum-management-supplementing-with-fat/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“A cow typically drinks a gallon and a half of water per 100 pounds in the summer, but in the winter that will drop to a half gallon to three-quarters of a gallon per 100 pounds,” veterinarian Brad White said. “Still, she is drinking water and producers need to manage the water supply in the winter.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Veterinarian Bob Larson added that easy access to water is crucial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The ground around water sources can get muddy with the changing weather making it difficult for the cattle to come up and get access to the water,” he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Veterinarian Brian Lubbers added: “In the winter, producers need to make sure the water sources aren’t frozen.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Larson agreed and said cattle cannot be without water very long without having health challenges. “Water is the most important nutrient so in a winter event such as a snow and ice storm producers need to have a plan on how they are going to get water to the cattle,” he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Producers who use electricity to keep the cattle waterers open need to have a backup generator for the water pumps in a power outage.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said producers need to routinely check for electrical shorts in the tanks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Sometimes there will be a short that will give the cattle a bit of a shock when they drink and they will stop drinking,” he said. “If the cattle aren’t drinking, they will often stop eating or reduce the amount of feed they consume, so that is something to watch for.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

For producers who routinely take water to the cattle out on pasture, the experts stressed the importance of making sure the transport tanks -- as well as the pumps and hoses – were not used for ag chemicals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Avoid hauling water in a tank that had herbicides or insecticides in it as well as making sure the pumps and hoses weren’t used for the delivery of any chemicals,” Larson said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

White added: “Depending on what chemicals were used, a small amount can cause severe side effects.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;“When cows have toxicology problems,” Larson said, “they aren’t just sick; a lot of times they are dead.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

And just a reminder,&nbsp;On February 8th, starting with registration at 5, there will be a Winter Ranch Management program at the K-State Agriculture Research Center, located at 1232 240th&nbsp;Ave. in Hays. RSVP’s are due by Feb. 1 to Alicia Boor by calling 620-793-1910 or emailing&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu" target="_blank">aboor@ksu.edu</a>. This program is hosted by the Midway, Cottonwood, Central Kansas, and Post Rock districts.&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>Water is an essential nutrient for people and animals alike. And while water consumption often increases on hot days, it is also an important nutrient in the winter, said the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2022/01/14/prep-for-calving-season-water-in-the-winter-colostrum-management-supplementing-with-fat/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://ksubci.org/2022/01/14/prep-for-calving-season-water-in-the-winter-colostrum-management-supplementing-with-fat/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast. &nbsp;&nbsp;“A cow typically drinks a gallon and a half of water per 100 pounds in the summer, but in the winter that will drop to a half gallon to three-quarters of a gallon per 100 pounds,” veterinarian Brad White said. “Still, she is drinking water and producers need to manage the water supply in the winter.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Veterinarian Bob Larson added that easy access to water is crucial.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The ground around water sources can get muddy with the changing weather making it difficult for the cattle to come up and get access to the water,” he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;Veterinarian Brian Lubbers added: “In the winter, producers need to make sure the water sources aren’t frozen.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Larson agreed and said cattle cannot be without water very long without having health challenges. “Water is the most important nutrient so in a winter event such as a snow and ice storm producers need to have a plan on how they are going to get water to the cattle,” he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Producers who use electricity to keep the cattle waterers open need to have a backup generator for the water pumps in a power outage.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said producers need to routinely check for electrical shorts in the tanks.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Sometimes there will be a short that will give the cattle a bit of a shock when they drink and they will stop drinking,” he said. “If the cattle aren’t drinking, they will often stop eating or reduce the amount of feed they consume, so that is something to watch for.” &nbsp;&nbsp;For producers who routinely take water to the cattle out on pasture, the experts stressed the importance of making sure the transport tanks -- as well as the pumps and hoses – were not used for ag chemicals.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Avoid hauling water in a tank that had herbicides or insecticides in it as well as making sure the pumps and hoses weren’t used for the delivery of any chemicals,” Larson said.&nbsp;&nbsp;White added: “Depending on what chemicals were used, a small amount can cause severe side effects.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“When cows have toxicology problems,” Larson said, “they aren’t just sick; a lot of times they are dead.” &nbsp;&nbsp;And just a reminder,&nbsp;On February 8th, starting with registration at 5, there will be a Winter Ranch Management program at the K-State Agriculture Research Center, located at 1232 240th&nbsp;Ave. in Hays. RSVP’s are due by Feb. 1 to Alicia Boor by calling 620-793-1910 or emailing&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu" target="_blank">aboor@ksu.edu</a>. This program is hosted by the Midway, Cottonwood, Central Kansas, and Post Rock districts.&nbsp;

BOOR: Water for cattle

A series of six K-State Soybean Production Schools will be offered in late January and early February to provide in-depth training targeted for soybean producers and key-stakeholders. The schools will be sponsored by the Kansas Soybean Commission, and conducted by K-State Research &amp; Extension.

The schools will cover a number of issues facing soybean growers including weed control, crop production practices, nutrient management and soil fertility, insects, risk management, and disease management.

The dates are set and specific locations have been chosen with schools located across the state, the locations closest to our area are only listed.

Beloit, KS - January 25 (Tuesday) - 8:00 am to 1:00 pm First Christian Church in Beloit, 321 N. Mill Street Contact: Sandra Wick, swick@ksu.edu

Newton, KS - February 1 (Tuesday) – 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Meridian Conference Center, 1420 E. Broadway Ct Contact: Ryan Flaming, flaming@ksu.edu

Oakley, KS - February 8 (Tuesday) – 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, 3083 US-83 Contact: Kelsi Wertz, kjwertz@ksu.edu

Great Bend, KS - February 8 (Tuesday) – 3:00 to 7:00 pm Knights of Columbus Hall, 723 Main Street Contact: Stacy Campbell, 785-628-9430, scampbel@ksu.edu

Lunch/dinner will be provided courtesy of the Kansas Soybean Commission. There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to pre-register by Wednesday, January 19. Online registration is available at http://bit.ly/KSUSoybean. You can also register by emailing/calling the nearest K-State Research and Extension office for the location you plan to attend (contact emails for each location are listed above).

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/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>A series of six K-State Soybean Production Schools will be offered in late January and early February to provide in-depth training targeted for soybean producers and key-stakeholders. The schools will be sponsored by the Kansas Soybean Commission, and conducted by K-State Research &amp; Extension.The schools will cover a number of issues facing soybean growers including weed control, crop production practices, nutrient management and soil fertility, insects, risk management, and disease management.The dates are set and specific locations have been chosen with schools located across the state, the locations closest to our area are only listed.Beloit, KS - January 25 (Tuesday) - 8:00 am to 1:00 pm First Christian Church in Beloit, 321 N. Mill Street Contact: Sandra Wick, swick@ksu.eduNewton, KS - February 1 (Tuesday) – 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Meridian Conference Center, 1420 E. Broadway Ct Contact: Ryan Flaming, flaming@ksu.eduOakley, KS - February 8 (Tuesday) – 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, 3083 US-83 Contact: Kelsi Wertz, kjwertz@ksu.eduGreat Bend, KS - February 8 (Tuesday) – 3:00 to 7:00 pm Knights of Columbus Hall, 723 Main Street Contact: Stacy Campbell, 785-628-9430, scampbel@ksu.eduLunch/dinner will be provided courtesy of the Kansas Soybean Commission. There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to pre-register by Wednesday, January 19. Online registration is available at http://bit.ly/KSUSoybean. You can also register by emailing/calling the nearest K-State Research and Extension office for the location you plan to attend (contact emails for each location are listed above).Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: K-State Soybean Schools scheduled for January, February

Eating hearty comfort foods is another way to stay warm during these colder months. Foods, like soups, pastas and stews are often hotter and heavier, which naturally warm people. But they’re also often loaded with simple carbohydrates, excess sodium and fatty ingredients.

A one-cup serving of a popular brand of loaded baked potato soup has 250 calories, 15 grams of total fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, and 850 milligrams of sodium. New England clam chowder can contain up to 940 calories, 65 grams of total fat, and 34 grams of saturated fat per one-cup serving. It is better to choose tomato-based or broth-based soups, like vegetable or minestrone. Enjoy soup as an appetizer or with a salad or a whole-wheat roll. Choose low-sodium canned soup, because regular soup usually contains a lot of salt and preservatives. 

The biggest worry of consuming too much salt and sodium is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of early death in women. It’s also a leading cause of early death for men, second only to smoking. Healthy blood pressure numbers are less than 120 for the top number, and less than 80 on the bottom. 

One of the best ways to lower high blood pressure is to reduce the salt (or sodium) that you eat. That means doing more than putting away the salt shaker. About three-fourths of the sodium in the U.S. diet is from processed and restaurant foods.

The only way to know how much sodium is in a packaged food is to read the Nutrition Facts on the back label. Also, become aware of the terms that you may see on the front label. Below is the definition of what each claim means:

· Sodium Free – Less than 5 mg sodium per serving.

· Very low in sodium – No more than 35 mg sodium per serving.

· Low in sodium – No more than 140 mg sodium per serving.

· Unsalted – No salt was added during processing.

· Light in sodium – Half or less of the sodium in the original product.

· Reduced sodium – One-fourth or less of the sodium in the original product.

· Healthy – Less than 480 mg sodium for an individual food, or 600 mg sodium for a meal (such as a frozen dinner).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Berny Unruh - Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Eating hearty comfort foods is another way to stay warm during these colder months. Foods, like soups, pastas and stews are often hotter and heavier, which naturally warm people. But they’re also often loaded with simple carbohydrates, excess sodium and fatty ingredients.A one-cup serving of a popular brand of loaded baked potato soup has 250 calories, 15 grams of total fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, and 850 milligrams of sodium. New England clam chowder can contain up to 940 calories, 65 grams of total fat, and 34 grams of saturated fat per one-cup serving. It is better to choose tomato-based or broth-based soups, like vegetable or minestrone. Enjoy soup as an appetizer or with a salad or a whole-wheat roll. Choose low-sodium canned soup, because regular soup usually contains a lot of salt and preservatives. The biggest worry of consuming too much salt and sodium is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of early death in women. It’s also a leading cause of early death for men, second only to smoking. Healthy blood pressure numbers are less than 120 for the top number, and less than 80 on the bottom. One of the best ways to lower high blood pressure is to reduce the salt (or sodium) that you eat. That means doing more than putting away the salt shaker. About three-fourths of the sodium in the U.S. diet is from processed and restaurant foods.The only way to know how much sodium is in a packaged food is to read the Nutrition Facts on the back label. Also, become aware of the terms that you may see on the front label. Below is the definition of what each claim means:· Sodium Free – Less than 5 mg sodium per serving.· Very low in sodium – No more than 35 mg sodium per serving.· Low in sodium – No more than 140 mg sodium per serving.· Unsalted – No salt was added during processing.· Light in sodium – Half or less of the sodium in the original product.· Reduced sodium – One-fourth or less of the sodium in the original product.· Healthy – Less than 480 mg sodium for an individual food, or 600 mg sodium for a meal (such as a frozen dinner).Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at bunruh@ksu.edu.

UNRUH: Soup made healthy — reduce the sodium

What gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, but is cited as the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? If you guessed radon you are absolutely right. January is noted as Radon Action Awareness Month so it is the perfect time to share up-to-date information on this important topic.

Radon surveys show that 6 percent of homes in the U.S. have average concentrations above the recommended maximum level. However, the Kansas survey demonstrated that one in four homes were high. This information is provided by Bruce Snead, K-State Research and Extension residential energy specialist.

So how does this cancer causing gas enter a house? The most common way is it can seep from the soil beneath the foundation through cracks or joints. Another factor, soil porosity, under and around the basement or foundation, also affects the radon levels in homes and public buildings.

Detection of radon is relatively simple. We recommend purchasing a short term radon detection kit. We have these available at both of our Cottonwood District offices, (Great Bend and Hays). The kits cost $6.50 and we have a good supply available for purchase. Radon tests may also be found at hardware stores and on the Internet, usually for $25 or less.

Testing is important, because it is the only way to tell how much of the gas is present. We advise people to test in the lowest level where they spend time, such as

a bedroom, living or family room. Avoid testing in a kitchen or bathroom, since the higher humidity in those areas can alter the test results. The testing device needs to be at least 20 inches above the floor and be left in place for two to five days. The goal is to measure the potential for elevated concentrations that come from the soil beneath the home’s foundation.

If the initial test result is 4 pico curies per liter of air or higher, a follow-up test is recommended. If you find that you need to contact a contractor to help mitigate radon, give me a call. I have an up to date list of certified mitigation technicians and laboratories providing services in Kansas. Certification through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for radon professionals was required starting in July 2011.

In Kansas, since July 1, 2009, residential real estate contracts must contain a specific paragraph recommending radon testing in real estate transactions and disclosure of test results. There are, however, currently no laws requiring such tests or mitigation of high levels of radon.

Consider testing your home soon. The cost of the test kit is a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing the radon level in your home.

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District – Great Bend Office. You may reach her 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>What gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, but is cited as the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? If you guessed radon you are absolutely right. January is noted as Radon Action Awareness Month so it is the perfect time to share up-to-date information on this important topic.Radon surveys show that 6 percent of homes in the U.S. have average concentrations above the recommended maximum level. However, the Kansas survey demonstrated that one in four homes were high. This information is provided by Bruce Snead, K-State Research and Extension residential energy specialist.So how does this cancer causing gas enter a house? The most common way is it can seep from the soil beneath the foundation through cracks or joints. Another factor, soil porosity, under and around the basement or foundation, also affects the radon levels in homes and public buildings.Detection of radon is relatively simple. We recommend purchasing a short term radon detection kit. We have these available at both of our Cottonwood District offices, (Great Bend and Hays). The kits cost $6.50 and we have a good supply available for purchase. Radon tests may also be found at hardware stores and on the Internet, usually for $25 or less.Testing is important, because it is the only way to tell how much of the gas is present. We advise people to test in the lowest level where they spend time, such asa bedroom, living or family room. Avoid testing in a kitchen or bathroom, since the higher humidity in those areas can alter the test results. The testing device needs to be at least 20 inches above the floor and be left in place for two to five days. The goal is to measure the potential for elevated concentrations that come from the soil beneath the home’s foundation.If the initial test result is 4 pico curies per liter of air or higher, a follow-up test is recommended. If you find that you need to contact a contractor to help mitigate radon, give me a call. I have an up to date list of certified mitigation technicians and laboratories providing services in Kansas. Certification through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for radon professionals was required starting in July 2011.In Kansas, since July 1, 2009, residential real estate contracts must contain a specific paragraph recommending radon testing in real estate transactions and disclosure of test results. There are, however, currently no laws requiring such tests or mitigation of high levels of radon.Consider testing your home soon. The cost of the test kit is a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing the radon level in your home.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension, Cottonwood District – Great Bend Office. You may reach her at:(620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Time to test for radon

Calfhood implants will be just one of the topics for the 2022 Kansas State University Winter Ranch Management Seminar Series. Hosted by four areas across the state of Kansas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by extension educators to enhance management strategies employed by cow-calf producers. &nbsp;

The meetings will also feature a popular “town hall” style question-and-answer session between Kansas cattle producers and extension specialists. “The series has a history of being a successful stretch of meetings, which are hosted throughout the state of Kansas,” says Dale Blasi, K-State extension specialist. &nbsp;

Topics may slightly vary per location, with options including bull management considerations, historical cattle feeding trends and beef cattle implant strategies. The sessions will focus on enhancing profit in beef production. All four sessions will conclude with the town hall session. &nbsp;

State, district, and local extension staff, will take part in the series to help answer producers’ questions. “The Winter Ranch Management series provides another great opportunity for state and local specialists to take our expertise out in the country for a series of impactful meetings,” Blasi adds. “Our extension team has a breadth of experience in beef cattle management, reproduction, genetics, animal health and nutrition. We’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information.”&nbsp;

On Feb. 8, starting with registration at 5, one of the Winter Ranch Management programs will be at the K-State Agriculture Research Center, located at 1232 240th&nbsp;Ave. Hays. RSVP’s are due by February 1 to Alicia Boor by calling 620-793-1910 or emailing&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu" target="_blank">aboor@ksu.edu</a>. This program is hosted by the Midway, Cottonwood, Central Kansas, and Post Rock districts.&nbsp;

Registration fees will vary by location. Participants are asked to RSVP for a selected location by one week prior to the event. Interested participants should contact their local host contact for registration and RSVP details.&nbsp;More information about the K-State Winter Ranch Management Seminar Series is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/ranch-management-seminars.html" target="_blank">KSUBeef.org</a>.&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>Calfhood implants will be just one of the topics for the 2022 Kansas State University Winter Ranch Management Seminar Series. Hosted by four areas across the state of Kansas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by extension educators to enhance management strategies employed by cow-calf producers. &nbsp;The meetings will also feature a popular “town hall” style question-and-answer session between Kansas cattle producers and extension specialists. “The series has a history of being a successful stretch of meetings, which are hosted throughout the state of Kansas,” says Dale Blasi, K-State extension specialist. &nbsp;Topics may slightly vary per location, with options including bull management considerations, historical cattle feeding trends and beef cattle implant strategies. The sessions will focus on enhancing profit in beef production. All four sessions will conclude with the town hall session. &nbsp;State, district, and local extension staff, will take part in the series to help answer producers’ questions. “The Winter Ranch Management series provides another great opportunity for state and local specialists to take our expertise out in the country for a series of impactful meetings,” Blasi adds. “Our extension team has a breadth of experience in beef cattle management, reproduction, genetics, animal health and nutrition. We’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information.”&nbsp;On Feb. 8, starting with registration at 5, one of the Winter Ranch Management programs will be at the K-State Agriculture Research Center, located at 1232 240th&nbsp;Ave. Hays. RSVP’s are due by February 1 to Alicia Boor by calling 620-793-1910 or emailing&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu" target="_blank">aboor@ksu.edu</a>. This program is hosted by the Midway, Cottonwood, Central Kansas, and Post Rock districts.&nbsp;Registration fees will vary by location. Participants are asked to RSVP for a selected location by one week prior to the event. Interested participants should contact their local host contact for registration and RSVP details.&nbsp;More information about the K-State Winter Ranch Management Seminar Series is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/ranch-management-seminars.html" target="_blank">KSUBeef.org</a>.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

BOOR: K-State’s Winter Ranch Management series scheduled for February

K-State Research and Extension will host the 19th annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference for crop producers and consultants on January 18 and 19. The conference will take place in the traditional in-person format in Oberlin, Kansas.

Cover Your Acres is a producer-driven meeting focused on new ideas and research-based updates in crop production in northwest Kansas and the Central High Plains region.

<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>K-State Research and Extension will host the 19th annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference for crop producers and consultants on January 18 and 19. The conference will take place in the traditional in-person format in Oberlin, Kansas.Cover Your Acres is a producer-driven meeting focused on new ideas and research-based updates in crop production in northwest Kansas and the Central High Plains region.The conference, which typically draws more than 400 attendees from Kansas and other states, highlights the latest technology, methods, and conservation practices to improve crop production in the region. This year it will feature university specialists and industry representative discussing the following topics:· Changing Strategies in Insect Management Anthony Zukoff - KSU· Current Financial Status of NW Kansas Farms Jordan Steele and Mark Wood - KFMA· Economics of Soil Fertility and Testing Lucas Haag - KSU· High Plains Weather Jeff Hutton - NWS· Managing Hayed and Grazed Forages for Profit John Holman - KSU· Rolling with the Punches in Weed Management Sarah Lancaster - KSU· Soil Carbon: What You Need to Know Peter Tomlinson - KSU· Soil Health Strategies in Dryland Dale Younker and Matalyn Stark - NRCS· Taking Weed Control to the Next Level Cody Creech – UNL· Which Corners Can I Cut: Maximizing Fertilizer Value Dorivar Ruiz Diaz - KSU· Panel Discussion: Successes and Failures in Herbicide EfficacyThe same programs will be offered both days of the conference (program schedule posted below). Registration will begin at 7:45 a.m. with educational sessions ending at 5:00 p.m. The sessions are followed by a social on Tuesday evening where attendees can visit with industry representatives and conference speakers while enjoying heavy hor d’oeurves.Online registration is due by January 11. The fee is $60 for Tuesday, January 18th, $55 for Wednesday, January 19th, or $80 for both days. The registration fee for walk-ins on each day of the conference is $80. The conference fee includes lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments,and educational materials. The program offers a total of 10 continuing education unit (CEU) credits for Certified Crop Advisors and 3 CEUs for Commercial Applicators.To view the conference details, lodging accommodations, and online registration, visit www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres. For questions, call 785-462-6281.Premier sponsors of this year’s conference include AKRS Equipment Solutions, Hoxie Implement, Lang Diesel, Nutrien Ag Solutions, SureFire Ag Systems and K-State Research and Extension. Visit the AKRS Equipment Solutions website by <a href="https://www.akrs.com/">CLICKING HERE.</a>