In today’s Better Kansas, we touch on some pretty disparate topics — food preservation for those with dietary restrictions, coping with depression, Kansas weather extremes, beef production tips and the passing of Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, a one-of-a-kind if ever there was one. 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
THERE’S BEEN A RESURGENCE IN INTEREST IN HOME FOOD PRESERVATION since the pandemic started, but those who have special dietary needs for health reasons can’t use just any recipe. In such cases, it’s helpful to know that there are several guides for preserving foods at home without sugar or salt. We bring them to you compliments of the University of Georgia and Colorado State University – two other land grant universities that have extension services and like K-State Research and Extension, happily share the knowledge with our states’ residents. More information about home food preservation is available at your county or district extension office.
SWITCHING GEARS HERE but I wanted to take a moment to broach a very tough subject. It happened again last week … a close family friend died by suicide. Many of us, within family, social or professional circles have been affected by depression or worse. This horrible coronavirus pandemic, plus economic, political and social turmoil have exacerbated the problem. And it’s a problem on America’s farms and in rural communities, as well as in suburbs and cities. Early this year – before we were feeling the full effects of COVID-19, an NPR/KMUW article told how suicide rates were rising in rural America. A resource, Understanding Suicide and Depression, is aimed at those in rural communities, but the messages are helpful to anyone who’s dealing with depression, no matter where you live. Additionally, a CDC report issued in August this year addresses mental health since the pandemic began. Please take note: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255.
Better Farming, Ranching and Gardening
YOU KNOW THE SAYING, “IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE WEATHER IN KANSAS, WAIT A MINUTE” which describes how changeable our weather can be? I’ve come across a summary of Kansas weather records set over 120 years, from 1895 to 2015. It’s full of interesting facts. Did you know that the temperature in July 1936 in Fredonia and Alton, Kansas hit 121 degrees F? Or that the frequency of extreme precipitation events in the state has increased from 1891 to 2015? Or that the temperature in Lebanon, Kansas fell to -40 F in February 1905?! This will speak to weather watchers everywhere. Count me among them! In researching this I learned that Samuel Clemens a.k.a. Mark Twain was credited with the saying, “If you don’t like the weather …” and it turns out he was talking about New England. Apparently, what he actually said was, “I reverently believe that the Maker who made us all makes everything in New England but the weather.” Hey, I went to Mark Twain Elementary School so I’m pretty sure he’d approve of my adapting the saying a bit!
THE LATEST EDITION OF BEEF TIPS INCLUDES AN UPDATE ON THE CORONAVIRUS FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2 (CFAP2) with a link to a webinar about the program available to assist agricultural producers who face challenges linked to COVID-19. The newsletter also provides an update on current Kansas forage conditions, tips for figuring out why cow pregnancy rates may be lower than expected, and the most recent Focus on Feedlots, updating average numbers of days on feed for cattle in Kansas, final weights and more. Take a look.
THIS WEEK WE MOURN THE UNEXPECTED PASSING OF DR. BARRY FLINCHBAUGH. Known for his charismatic, entertaining and sometimes-tough-to-hear presentations to politicians, farmers and college students alike,
on agricultural economics and specifically, farm policy, Barry was an adviser to senators and congressmen in both parties, plus secretaries of agriculture, governors and other officials. But no matter who you were, he had that rare ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He was there to console if you were having a tough time, he delighted in sparring (with humor and respect :), especially about politics, and seemed to always have a perspective that others hadn’t thought of. He had an impact on pretty much everyone he encountered. Such a loss. We will miss him way more than words can express. Read more and listen to an Agriculture Today radio tribute.
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