Better Kansas - Ideas for Living, Growing and Succeeding

Better Kansas – Dec. 10, 2020

Posted on December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by Mary Lou Peter

In today’s Better Kansas, we shine a light on new virtual sessions aimed at helping those in our pandemic pods make the most of being together, reaching out to elderly friends and relatives, the new Seek research magazine, birdwatching and feeding, the outlook for the spring wildfire season, facial recognition technology for cattle and the 2021 Swine Profitability Conference. This is a small glimpse of what K-State Research and Extension across the state has to offer. Share on social media and subscribe! – Mary Lou Peter mlpeter@ksu.edu

Better Living, Better Communities

WE’RE ALL DOING OUR BEST TO STAY POSITIVE DURING THIS PANDEMIC, RIGHT? Sometimes out of bad things come good things. For some, it’s a lot of together time with family and others in our pods. But even for the closest friends and family, it’s a lot of togetherness. To help make this time … or any time … better, a new program, Living Well Together is launching this week and will continue at least into March. The one-hour online sessions (45 minutes with 15 minutes for Q&A) will cover topics ranging from the benefits of playing board games, the Mediterranean eating style, exercise as medicine, diabetes prevention, checking your credit, family mealtime fun and more. The sessions are free and will be recorded, but do require registration. Check it out.

ON THE OTHER HAND, MANY OF US HAVE ELDERLY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES who we’ve not been able to visit in months because of COVID-19. It’s especially difficult during this holiday season. If I feel that it’s hard to differentiate one day from another because I’m working from home, I can’t imagine what it must be like to be confined to my room or apartment, day in and day out with little social interaction for months on end. For ideas on how to reach out to loved ones during this most challenging of times, take a look or listen in to Apart but connected: Stay in Touch with older adults. My sister has come up with a way for our extended family to add a little cheer to a relative who’s in assisted living. Different parts of our family will soon gather outside her building and though separated as families, will sing Christmas carols to our much-loved relative. We’re hoping to add a little cheer to her neighbors as well.

A NEW EDITION OF THE AWARD-WINNING SEEK RESEARCH MAGAZINE IS OUT with well written features and great photography of K-State’s work in affordable, sustainable housing, industrial hemp, and COVID-19. Another feature takes a look at the university’s notable research milestones over the past 10 years and short entries shine a brief spotlight on other activities. For a glimpse of what your land grant university is doing, take a look.

Better Farming, Ranching and Gardening

I’VE WRITTEN BEFORE ABOUT THE SIMPLE JOY OF BIRDWATCHING, and of course it helps to feed the particular birds you’d like to watch. It’s fun to watch the pecking order of birds landing at the feeder. It’s not just chickens that have a hierarchy! BUT I haven’t filled my birdfeeders in weeks because every time I do, lately, the squirrels seem to invite their siblings, friends and distant relatives to my back yard for dinner. Apparently, they didn’t get the word about social distancing. A friend loaned a (humane) trap so I could catch and relocate but they’ve been too smart to enter, no matter what treats I’ve tempted them with. I may buy squirrel baffles – you know those big plastic domes – but in the meantime, I’m going to try sprinkling a particular spice in with the bird seed. Take a look at Problems at the Bird Feeder, one of several Backyard Birding Guides.

MENTION WILDFIRE SEASON and the average person may think of California and Oregon … maybe Colorado. But Kansas is developing a wildfire reputation of its own. Two of the state’s largest wildfires in recorded history occurred in the past five years. Many of us remember the Anderson Creek fire that burned nearly 400,000 acres in Oklahoma and Kansas, and the Starbuck fire that burned 660,000 acres – both of which cost millions in property damage, the huge loss of livestock and the death of a truck driver. That means many a property owner is keeping an even closer eye on conditions that would be conducive to these destructive fires. Take a look at the 2021 Spring Wildfire Outlook for Kansas to get an idea how things are shaping up for the coming year. Lest we think that no one pays attention to Kansas, I found that The New Yorker Magazine and CNN, plus numerous newspapers, radio and television stations across the state did an incredible job of bringing information to the attention of many of us who don’t live in the affected areas.

ALL CATTLE LOOK THE SAME, RIGHT? NOT EXACTLY. Just ask their mamas! Take a look at a video about new facial recognition technology research for cattle that could aid the industry in various ways. That includes biosecurity such as protection against the spread of a foreign animal disease and could be beneficial to a national animal disease traceability system. For a written article and radio interview on this smartphone app, take a look at K-State team eyes facial recognition technology for cattle.

THE 2021 K-STATE SWINE PROFITABILITY CONFERENCE, which annually showcases the status of the U.S. and global swine industry and updates producers on developments affecting their profitability, has been postponed to Feb. 1, 2022 because of … you know … COVID-19. For a look at the last conference held earlier this year and to get a flavor of the types of presentations attendees hear, take a look at the Swine Profitability Conference page. The last conference drew more than 150 participants.

For more resources and activities, contact the K-State Research and Extension office in your area. Check out our other blogs and subscribe to our weekly emails here: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/blogs/

Better Kansas – Dec. 3, 2020

Posted on December 3, 2020December 1, 2020 by Mary Lou Peter

In today’s Better Kansas, we share another K-State-KU collaboration – this time to prevent Type 2 diabetes, recycling know-how, things to know about common household chemicals, houseplants, herbicide-resistant grain sorghum hybrids and the Dec. 10 Winter Forage Conference. This is a small glimpse of what K-State Research and Extension across the state has to offer. Share on social media and subscribe! – Mary Lou Peter mlpeter@ksu.edu

Better Living, Better Communities

THE WILDCATS AND JAYHAWKS ARE AT IT AGAIN!

K-State Research and Extension and the University of Kansas Medical Center are teaming up to determine the best ways to educate Kansans about how to prevent Type 2 diabetes. The effort is starting with a pilot project in Lyon County and the Central Kansas Extension District (Saline and Ottawa counties). Diabetes can lead to heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage, eye diseases and other physical complications. But people who make certain lifestyle changes can cut their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58% — and by 71% for people over 60, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This pairing, KUMC and K-State, makes so much sense. An amazing medical research and teaching facility and an outstanding university research and outreach organization with local offices in every Kansas county whose mission is to provide research-based information. Seems like a natural to me.

IT’S BEEN AWHILE SINCE I’VE SEEN ANYTHING IN THE NEWS ABOUT RECYCLING, save some pretty compelling CBS news reports. We’ve had some other news dominating the headlines lately, but it’s hard to unthink that image of acres of floating plastic in the ocean. It’s difficult to imagine our lives without plastic. From milk containers to toothbrushes to bubble wrap and plastic peanuts surrounding holiday gifts – even car components and that Christmas wreath on my front door (yes, it’s fake), plastic is everywhere. Don’t know your #3s from your #7s? The short article It’s Easy to be Green sheds light on the differences and although written a few years back, is a good reminder to be conscious of what we’re buying and how we’re disposing of it. Now, if only I could remember to take those reusable cloth bags into the grocery store. But then, with COVID-19, not all grocery stores are allowing that. Such a dilemma!

SOMETIMES WE MAY BE A LITTLE COMPLACENT ABOUT THE CHEMICALS UNDER THE KITCHEN OR BATHROOM SINK, but listening to this short radio snippet Insight With Extension reminded me how dangerous some of those chemicals can be. That’s especially true if they get mixed together. For instance, mixing chlorine bleach and vinegar, two items commonly found in households, should never be done as it creates potentially lethal chlorine gas. And mixing bleach and ammonia? Forget about it! Listen in for more.

Better Farming, Ranching and Gardening

I’VE READ THAT HOUSEPLANTS ARE MAKING A COMEBACK which is great news, from my perspective. My daughter even asked for one for Christmas. Maybe it’s something to do with the pandemic but for whatever reason, it’s nice to have greenery in our homes year ‘round. And there are so many to choose from! Whether you’re a veteran at nurturing houseplants or considering your very first one, check out this video with print transcript on providing TLC to the leafy green companions that share your home. This reminds me of Swedish ivy trailing from macramé hangers but again, I digress. It turns out some plants are a little picky about temperatures and light. Take a look at a recent Horticulture newsletter to learn more about that and other topics.

CRABGRASS, KOCHIA AND SHATTERCANE BEWARE. These and other weeds are threats to grain sorghum (aka milo) yields. But a recent update on herbicide-resistant grain sorghum hybrids sorts through new hybrids sporting the traits iGrowth, Inzen and Double Play and provides information on what companies developed them. The article also addresses the stages of approval and availability. That’s important for Kansas, the No. 1 sorghum growing state. Did you know one bushel of grain sorghum equals 56 pounds? Or that grain sorghum is one of the oldest known grains, originating in Africa and India?

LANDOWNERS AND CATTLE PRODUCERS TAKE NOTE: THE WINTER FORAGE CONFERENCE ON DEC. 10 in Great Bend has both online and in-person options available. An impressive lineup of K-State specialists, USDA, and industry speakers will address the latest research, plus pasture management, weed control, alfalfa information and hay prices and statistics. The conference is offered by K-State and the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council. Registration is free to KSFGC members whose membership extends into 2021 and includes a noon meal. For details, take a look.

Better Kansas – Nov. 19, 2020

Posted on November 19, 2020November 18, 2020 by Mary Lou Peter

In today’s Better Kansas, we touch on holiday food preparation, Kansas PRIDE happenings, produce contributions feeding the hungry, dry to drought conditions across the state, sorghum product advances (more about feeding the hungry) and a change in pest management schools. This is a small glimpse of what K-State Research and Extension across the state has to offer.

I am taking a break next week to try out some of these holiday tips I’ve been sharing and to give thanks – for my family, friends, colleagues, readers and while we’re at it, food, shelter, health, a nice fall day …. I could go on and on! HAPPY THANKSGIVING and as always, feel free to share on social media and subscribe! – Mary Lou Peter mlpeter@ksu.edu

Better Living, Better Communities

TURKEYS, STUFFING AND TURDUCKENS, OH MY! In looking for info for the other part of my job (writing and editing news articles), I happened upon a full page dedicated to preparing holiday foods. Us being a university and all, it’s mostly links to good information about research-based food safety, but there are also a few basic recipes. Many of the resources are available in both English and Spanish. And YES, under “Seasonal Food Safety” there really is a fact sheet about how to safely prepare turducken. I didn’t realize until now that we have Louisianans to thank for those layered turkey-duck-chicken creations. Also, don’t miss the USDA Hotline Answers. Isn’t accidentally cooking the bag of giblets in the turkey a rite of passage for novice cooks?!

AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KANSAS PRIDE PROGRAM as it celebrates its 50th anniversary of helping make communities across the state better. In the November PRIDE newsletter we can read about (or listen to) a Kansas Profile column on the restoration of the high school in Lecompton, Kansas (pictured), which now serves as the community center, library, physical activity and meeting venue. Plus, learn about ways volunteers in Potwin, Riverton, Galena, Wichita, Ellis and Conway Springs are working to make their communities better. Don’t miss “If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me.” And for those of you on social media, Kansas PRIDE is also on Facebook.

Better Farming, Ranching and Gardening

K-STATE’S OLATHE HORTICULTURE CENTER is at it again – teaming up with non-profit After the Harvest to help feed hungry families in the Kansas City metro area. And this time, we’re on television! After the Harvest has volunteer “gleaners” who travel to the university’s horticulture center and other farms in the area to harvest fresh produce that was missed or – in the university’s case – not needed for research. That fresh, nutritious food – thousands of pounds of it – is then distributed to families in need through Harvester’s, a regional food bank serving 26 counties in northeastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri. Read about this effort plus current research in fruits and vegetables, turfgrass, work with Growing Growers and more in the Olathe Horticulture Center Fall 2020 Newsletter. And watch upcoming issues of this blog for updates on Kansas Extension Master Gardeners’ (aka EMGs) generous efforts across the state.

SPEAKING OF HUNGRY PEOPLE, researchers here in Kansas are working to better utilize Kansas crops – corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum – to feed hungry populations around the world AND give Kansas agriculture an economic boost. Take a look at Sorghum grain provides answers for food shortages to learn how fortified food products can alleviate hunger and add high caloric value to support early development in young children. Given that Kansas grows by far more sorghum than any other state, this effort and work like this is beneficial for the world’s growing population and for the agricultural economy right here at home.

KANSAS, LIKE MANY STATES, IS DRY, with 12% in severe or worse drought as of Nov. 10. The rest of the state, save some southern counties, was in the abnormally dry to moderate drought category, according to a K-State e-Update article and the U.S. Drought Monitor. For an update on how dry conditions and fall temperatures have affected our important winter wheat crop, take a look at Factors to Consider in Winter Survival of Wheat. For the record, USDA/NASS reported that the state’s newly planted winter wheat was rated 32% good to excellent, 45% fair, and 23% poor to very poor as of Nov. 15. A total of 88% of the new crop had emerged. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 23% very short, 41% short, 35% adequate and 1% surplus, while subsoil moisture – you know, down where those plant roots are looking for it – was rated 22% very short, 43% short, 34% adequate and 1% surplus.

CHANGE IN PLANS! LAST WEEK I BROUGHT YOU INFORMATION ABOUT PEST MANAGEMENT SCHOOLS PLANNED FOR DECEMBER. They will still be held but because of the surge in coronavirus cases in Kansas and elsewhere, they will be in a virtual format rather than in-person as previously planned. Take a look to sign up for this valuable training.

Better Kansas – Nov. 12, 2020

Posted on November 12, 2020November 11, 2020 by Mary Lou Peter

In today’s Better Kansas, we shed a little light on a new U.S. Mint Tallgrass Prairie coin and agritourism, protecting finances, safe food handling, that last fall drink for your lawn, an important survey for southwest Kansas and other farmers and December crop pest management schools. They’re a small glimpse of what K-State Research and Extension across the state has to offer. Share on social media and subscribe! – Mary Lou Peter mlpeter@ksu.edu

Better Living, Better Communities

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, THE FLINT HILLS REGION IS ONE OF KANSAS’ BEST KEPT SECRETS but shouldn’t be. Every time I see people flocking to Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks (and spending their out-of-state money), I can’t help but feel like more people should be aware of our own state’s awesome beauty, including our lovely Flint Hills. That visibility may get a little boost now that the U.S. Mint has released a new quarter honoring Kansas’ Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve as part of its “America the Beautiful Quarters Program.” Many thanks to a friend for tipping me off about this. And those of you interested in growing what some call “agritourism” around such sites as the Tallgrass Prairie, the overall Flint Hills and other interesting parts of Kansas, might want to listen in to a K-State First Friday e-Call on Growing Agritourism presented by Sue Stringer, manager of agritourism with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Many other First Friday e-Call presentations in support of community vitality statewide are also available online.

ALL THIS TALK ABOUT WHERE WE CAN SAFELY SPEND THANKSGIVING is making me hungry for turkey, dressing, potatoes, cranberries …. the list goes on! Because of COVID-19, many of us will stay home rather than make the trip to Mom and Dad’s or cousin Bill’s (or in my case, my niece Jill’s) like we normally would. And you know what that means? We are going to be cooking the whole meal rather than taking a dish or two to contribute to the cause! Before we get deeper into the holiday shopping, cooking and baking rush, now’s a good time to review At-Home Safe Food Handling: It’s in Your Hands. And if the kids are going to “help” this time, it would be good to go over these basics with them, too. I’ve learned a lot as I’ve written about fact sheets like these over the years – things like write dates on packages of leftovers – that way when you find it hidden behind the sour cream and milk in the back of the fridge, you’ll know just how long it’s been back there. And it looks like we should eat or freeze that leftover turkey within three to four days. No problem there!

IT’S DESPICABLE, BUT SOME PEOPLE ARE FRAUDULENTLY TRYING TO FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, using our identities. In our state alone, the Kansas Department of Labor stopped a whopping 45,000 identity-theft related claims from being paid out as of Oct. 6 this year. That seems like a staggering number to me. Check this news article for more information including tips for monitoring your own financial health and what you can do if you suspect there’s a problem. That starts with opening all your mail and watching your bank and credit accounts like a hawk.

Better Farming, Ranching and Gardening

BEFORE YOU PUT THOSE HOSES AWAY FOR THE WINTER, it’s a good idea to give your lawn and landscaping a good drink. That good drink translates to moist soil at least 12 inches deep, according to the Nov. 10 Horticulture Newsletter. I admit, if I hadn’t read this, I probably would have been impatient and thought a couple of inches would suffice. But moisture down to at least a 12-inch depth where the roots can really take it up will put plants in good stead for quite a while. Other topics in that edition include natural needle drop on some trees, Kansas Turfgrass Conference, winterizing roses, amaryllis culture, plus soil challenges and what to do about them. There’s also a section on the effect of temperature on trees and link to a video on protecting roses for the winter. Take a look.

SHHHH … DON’T TELL BILL SELF OR BRUCE WEBER, BUT JAYHAWKS, WILDCATS AND OTHERS ARE COLLABORATING on a cleverly named survey with an important intent. The FEWtures (Food-Energy-Water) survey, launched by the FEW Research Project, is seeking input from farmers and ranchers in southwest Kansas, southeast Colorado, northeast New Mexico, northwest Oklahoma and north Texas. The project is focused on evaluating ways to help producers maintain their farms and communities in the face of resource uncertainty with a goal to develop water and energy solutions. Those solutions include the potential for expanding the use of wind and solar energy and evaluating technologies to use renewable energy for local scale treatment of poor-quality water and to produce ammonia to be used for fertilizer or to store energy for future use. Take a look for more information on this effort by Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and other collaborators.

FARMERS KNOW ALL TOO WELL HOW MUCH PESTS EAT INTO THEIR CROPS AND PROFITS. To help shed light on the topic, Crop Pest Management Schools are planned in Russell, Phillipsburg and Oakley during December. These are full-day schools with lunch and plenty of good information provided about the latest pest challenges, including insects, diseases and weeds, and ways to combat them. A segment about current Kansas regulations by a representative of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is included in the lineup. Check here for more information about the presentations and speakers at each location. Doesn’t it seem like just yesterday that we first heard about sugar cane aphids taking a little too much liking to our Kansas sorghum fields?

K-State Research and Extension