When it comes to feeding forage bales, it is important to remember to test the hay. Testing provides us with the knowledge of the hay’s value, quality and can help formulate rations as needed.
Producers need to remember the following tips when collecting samples.
Typically, around this time of year I will get a few phone calls regarding Elm Trees. Most folks believe their Elm tree is dying. As much as I would actually prefer our Siberian elms to go away, as they do offer plenty of shade, they are not dying! It pretty hard to really kill one of these trees, and you will typically find them growing just about anywhere! But back to why they appear to be dying this time of year. The culprit is the Elm Leaf Beetle.
The mature elm leaf beetle are approximately 1/5-1/4 inches in length and have a yellow to dull green appearance with a black strip on each side of the wing cover and one in the middle that extend the length of the body. In addition, there are two black spots on both sides of the thorax (middle portion), and two distinct short black lines just behind the thorax.
These insects feed on the leaves. Adults feed on the entire leaf, while larva feed on the underside of the leaving causing the leaves to appear brown to our eyes as the eat the green out of the leaf. Upon closer inspection, the leaves have a skeletonized brown appearance. Usually it is the second generation feeding where we can begin to notice the damage, unless the tree is heavily infested in the spring.
In most cases, the elm trees have plenty of time to photosynthesize over the summer and can afford to lose their leaves a little earlier than we would prefer. In the spring, the tree leaf out again and the cycle will continue.
In severe cases, or for those that want green leaves to the end of the growing season, insecticides can be applied. Systemic insecticides can be applied to the soil where they are absorbed by the roots and translocated to the leaves that will be fed upon by elm leaf beetle larvae and adults. Applications should be made in early spring before new growth emerges. Keep soil moist to increase absorption of the systemic insecticide by the root system, and promote translocation throughout the tree. Always read product labels carefully to determine those insecticides that can be used against elm leaf beetles.
by Christine McPheter
Nutritious oatmeal has been known to lower bad cholesterol levels and even help folks lose weight. Research shows it’s definitely worth eating!
Oatmeal’s mega force is its fiber content
Oats contain two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble, and both are great for our health.
Soluble fiber absorbs and dissolves in water, and as it does, it thickens up. Imagine what this does to our stomach. Once it hits that moist environment, it expands and becomes very filling. This is why oatmeal has been reputed to help aid with weight loss. As it thickens up, it also becomes sticky. Think about oatmeal and how naturally gooey and sticky it becomes when you cook it. This stickiness helps latch on to cholesterol that’s floating in our guts and carries it through our digestive system and into the toilet thus aiding in lowering our cholesterol and helping to prevent heart disease. The stickiness of soluble fiber also sticks to our intestinal lining creating a protective layer that helps block or slow the absorption of sugar in our bodies, and this helps to lower our blood sugar.
Oatmeal also has insoluble fiber which does not dissolve in water, but it will absorb it and bulk up and kind of acts like a scrub brush for your gut. This aids in digestion and helps rid the intestines of toxins that can fester in our bodies and deplete our immune system.
Bodies need BOTH types of fiber, and the fact that oatmeal has both is one reason it’s considered a superfood. Also, it’s cheap! One container of oatmeal is only a couple of dollars and can last up to two years in your pantry past its printed “best by” date on the package.
Choose the right oatmeal
But keep in mind, not all oatmeal’s are created equal. The instant varieties may often have added sugars or preservatives that can lower its nutrient content. Instead, choose the rolled or steel-cut oats, and always check the ingredients listing to know what you’re really eating. Another thing to keep in mind is the importance of staying hydrated when digesting fiber. Remember, oatmeal contains both soluble and insoluble fibers, and both fibers absorb water, so you’ll want to keep the water flowing to help your body process this superfood.
Finally, another great thing about oatmeal is that most, depending on where they’re processed, are gluten free. For those who are sensitive to gluten products, like me, finding whole grains can be a challenge, but oats are a great source of grain power.
So… it looks like oatmeal is worth a try after all. If you don’t like oatmeal, let us help you develop a taste for oatmeal.
For the last couple of years, a common phrase of nutritional advice has been, “Don’t eat anything you can’t pronounce in the ingredients label.” This seems logical and easy advice to follow, unless your diet consists primarily of processed meals, which, in addition to the indecipherable words, tend to be loaded with salt and sugar. So, then, are processed foods “bad” because of the high salt and sugar content or because of the chemicals? Well, ask yourself this. Would you eat the following item if it contained this label:
Continue reading “Food Chemicals: Can I Eat It If I Can’t Pronounce It?”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kansas State University’s Extension Master Gardener program is planning to offer a statewide online training option this fall for those wanting to join the popular group. In Meade, the program will be offered at the Extension Office (physical distancing required, mask encouraged) or in a virtual classroom (at home) or if participants would rather watch at home on their own time.
Classes will be broadcast live at the Extension Office during the scheduled times and will also be recorded by presenters for those who are not able to watch during the afternoons at home.
Cheryl Boyer, an associate professor in the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources and interim coordinator of the state’s Master Gardener program, said weekly online sessions begin Sept. 3 and will run through Dec. 17.
Continue reading “Last Call! 2020 Master Gardener Class (Online or In-Person)”
The beginning of a new school year is here, and this is time families may be looking for new opportunities for their child. This time of year can also be a great time to get involved in something you have never experienced, 4-H.
I’m what we call a first generation 4-Her. Meaning, my parents were not involved with 4-H as youth. However, after seeing my cousins in the program, my mom signed my brother and me up as soon as we were old enough. In Kansas, that is age 7 through 18 by January 1. We participated as family and I enjoyed it so much, I made a career of it as your County Extension Agent.
By Christine McPheter
Want to host a football party or other gathering this year that’s super healthy? The following menu tips can help you score big with family or friends.
The main event
Consider making soup, such as chili, when cooking for a crowd. They can be made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker, so that you can enjoy your guests (and the game) without needing to be in the kitchen cooking.
For chili, you might choose extra-lean beef or turkey for some added protein. Or, you could forget about adding any meat and add extra beans instead. (Rinsing canned beans reduces the sodium content by at least one-fourth.) Provide homemade croutons and reduced-fat shredded cheese or fat-free sour cream for a garnish to top it off.
Healthy side-lines
Add to your menu with side dishes that you’ve made healthier:
Continue reading “Football Parties and Tailgating: Healthy game day foods”
By Christine McPheter
Hello fall! Hello fall foods!
I am so excited for fall. I love the weather, the colors, the clothes, the promise of holidays on the horizon and, of course, the food. Not only does fall food bring cozy soups and comfy casseroles, it also brings the unique, pretty, and one of the few native American produce species, winter squash.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kansas State University’s Extension Master Gardener program is planning to offer a statewide online training option this fall for those wanting to join the popular group. In Meade, the program will be offered at the Extension Office (physical distancing required, mask encouraged) or in a virtual classroom (at home) or if participants would rather watch at home.
Cheryl Boyer, an associate professor in the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources and interim coordinator of the state’s Master Gardener program, said weekly online sessions begin Sept. 3 and will run through Dec. 17.
By Christine McPheter
An apple a day… but which variety?
For many, the flavor of fall belongs to the ubiquitous pumpkin. But for me, fall is all about the apple, which is my first favorite fruit.
Most people are coming to realize we have a variety of apples not just red delicious. But there are 100 varieties of apples sold in the US, and they all vary in taste and suggested use; some are good for eating but terrible for cooking and vice versa. It can be overwhelming!
Continue reading “Apple Varieties: A Guide for Taste and Cooking”
I would hope that, by now, everyone has heard of the unsolicited seeds packages in the USPS recently. We don’t know much about the seeds, but do know they could pose a threat to our agricultural production systems locally, in Kansas and across the nation. The threat is real and treat these seeds as an act of bioterrorism.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been notified that several Kansas residents have received unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. Many surrounding states have also notified residents of the same kind of packages. The packages were sent by mail; some have been labeled as jewelry and they may have Chinese writing on them.
If you receive a package of they type, DO NOT OPEN OR PLANT THESE SEEDS. New information came out on August 1, 2020 with two options to handle the seeds.
Continue reading “August 1, New Information On Reporting Mysterious Seed Packages”
The past five months have been filled with meetings and planning that we never anticipated in early 2020. Hosting the annual county fair 4-H youth competitions is always the highlight for youth and their projects. Most consider it the end, however many youth, continue onto State Fair and compete with record books in the fall. This year, many times we questioned what the journey would be for them, and for us too.
By Christine McPheter
Pizza Dough for the Grill
By Frank McClelland Fine Cooking Issue 66
Scott Phillips
Yield: Yields enough for eight small pizzas.
Figure one to two balls of dough per person. Make two separate batches if you need more dough.
Ingredients
Western Bean Cutworm eggs have been found Northwest of Fowler in a corn field. This insect is an occasional problem in Western Kansas. Careful scouting and timing of sprays are necessary to obtain adequate control.
The larvae feed on the reproductive parts of the plant – tassels, pollen, silks, and developing ears in corn and flowers, leaves and developing pods in dry beans. Infestations can cause considerable losses in both quantity and quality of the crop produced. Damage from the larval feeding can also lead to secondary fungal infections in corn ears and can open up pods to pathogens and other insects in dry beans.
By Christine McPheter
Easy Ways to Cut a Mango
A mango has one long, flat seed in the center of the fruit. Once you learn how to work around the seed, the rest is easy.
Always use a clean knife and cutting board to cut a mango. Sanitize your hands, work area, utensils and cutting board before handling or cutting any fruits or vegetables, especially if you’ve handled any type of meat or seafood.
Always wash the mango before cutting.
How do you select a mango? Learn how to choose a mango that will be perfect for your next dish!
This week is going to be a tough one on our furry friends. The forecast high temperatures range from 95-104⁰F for this week. On top of that, firework sales have begun and the 4th of July is Saturday.
Heat
First, let’s start off discussing the heat. Now, if your pet is 100% indoors, you can skip down to the Fireworks section. Even animals that are acclimated to the heat, still need to be closely monitored during excessive heat warnings. The best place is to keep them inside in a cool place. But if animals can’t be brought inside, they need plenty of shade and water. Misting fans, sprayers and just a hose can keep pets cool, but I’d not recommend giving the neighborhood cat a bath!
Continue reading “Pet Safety for Excessive Heat and Fireworks”
2020 Wheat Harvest is over for some, in full force for others, and just getting started some. Now is the time to think and consider options for the 2021 wheat crop. To help guide growers on their decisions on May 27 and 28, K-State offered its first Virtual Wheat Field Day on YouTube. It has been a handful of years since Meade County Extension has hosted a Wheat Plot Tour, but this virtual day gives growers the opportunity to get information on crop advances and challenges while keep producers safe from COVID-19.
Normally plot tours include discussion of the wheat varieties planted at the location, including new and upcoming as well as established ones, as disease pressure from the year. A great reference for wheat producers is the Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Rating 2019. 2020’s version should be published August, after this year’s data is collected.
Because time is precious to all of us – here is a break down along with time stamps if you would rather cut to the chase.
By Christine McPheter
Share your COVID-19 story. Not only does this spread the wisdom you’ve gained over the years, but it empowers and inspires others who learn from your stories. COVID-19 changed so much in our day-to-day life, we’ve made that the focus of our efforts this year. But now it’s a time to reflect on what’s different, what you’re hopeful about, and what you and others will do to help our community come back together. It has been a Culture of Change.
Today as I write this blog it is June 17th, 2020 –Day 56 of Pandemic stay at home orders-remote work-whatever you want to call it. And now back in the office and July 4th we are released. I look back on the parent’s that tried to home school their children, mothers and fathers that now were cooking meals, and parents working around the children at home. We did survive without connection with our friends, because we had phones. COVID 19 is now COVID 15 pounds for some people. People remained social, ZOOM, FaceTime or SKYPE and I’m sure the younger generation had a way I don’t even know. I think a lot of pantries-across the country are stocked with package goods, and freezers are full as well. Motivation is complex and everyone is trying to feel “Normal”. But for me we still have uncertainty-jobs are being put on furloughs, anxiety, and will coronavirus start back up? But it all has become a BIG Challenge.
SW agents are doing an on-line program for Diabetes. As older people this on-line culture is different for many and zooms is a different way to learn, and all of this is becoming a way of life. All new experiences gained because of COVID 19 have made us all realize, people are valued for the differences, and experiences are built upon those learning opportunities. We still have 2 more classes Tuesday, June 23 and June 30th. Call 620-873-8790 if you are interested in joining.
Our summer and fall times are not going to look the same, but we need to stay healthy and that is our challenge now. Cooking outside or inside follow these 4 RULES.
4 steps to food safety
It’s always best to keep a clean cooking space, but it gets a little harder to do outside. Here are 4 easy tips, so no one gets sick.
https://www.ncoa.org/blog/make-your-mark-during-older-americans-month/
By Christine McPheter
People with Medicare often have questions about health insurance, but all too frequently they have limited resources to obtain objective information. Many need information and assistance regarding their decisions in the following areas:
Some people with Medicare have problems such as the following:
K-State Athletics recently announced they will host the first Celebrate Agriculture Day with K-State Football this fall. While the plans have been in the works for quite some time, the past couple of months have highlighted what Kansas State University have always known – the importance of the agriculture industry not only for our state and country, but also the world at large. Our history as Kansas State Agriculture College is something we recognize and celebrate.
The designated Celebrate Agriculture game is November 7 against Texas Tech, and K-State is excited to honor one Willie’s Farm Family from each county!
Continue reading “WANTED: Willie’s Farm Family at K-State Football’s Celebrate Agriculture Day”
Many times I hear from clients “I water my grass, that’s enough for my trees.” Even in a year with sufficient rainfall, watering your grass is not enough water for a tree. Successfully established trees and shrubs have a moisture requirement just like any other plan. And yes, to some extent they can pull water from turf watering, but the overall health of these plants is at a higher risk.
Our past Office Professional, originally from Missouri, always commented on how much we liked our trees in Meade County and the extent a client was willing to take to keep a tree healthy in Southwest Kansas. She was right, it takes time and effort for a large tree, which cannot be replaced quickly.
First we need to consider the plants that serve a legitimate purpose as a landscape element by providing shade, privacy or curb appeal. Then look at outlying plants that probably don’t have as much importance, these may be allowed to stress more, even to the point of going into summer dormancy. But don’t overlook these plants, especially if they are not native.
Continue reading “Watering During a Drought: Trees & Shrubs”
The extended forecast from the National Weather Service of Dodge City is not looking promising for any significant rain fall in the coming weeks. Because of this, I’m going to take the next few weeks to highlight how to keep plants healthy during a drought.
Most everyone can appreciate a lush green lawn. However, not everyone loves the maintenance or the associated costs. By watering our lawns efficiently, water consumption can be reduced by up to 50 percent with only a 10 percent reduction in turf quality. Don’t let that scare you off just yet, stick with me here. To a majority of us, this change is hardly noticeable and leads to positive effects such as less frequent mowing and fewer weeds, diseases and insects. For those that don’t water, supplementing our lawns with water during a drought can help maintain a good stand of turf. Over time, poor turf stands can encourage weed growth.
Many of us have probably seen barn swallows starting to build their nests close to structures, but some of us may not appreciate their presence. Originally swallows were cave breeders, but now most build nest on human-made structures.
Barn swallows typically nest multiple times throughout the summer and have a 14 day gestation period before the eggs hatch. Then 2 to 3 weeks later the birds will fly the nest. The birds feed on flying insects and nest under overhangs. Barn Swallow parents sometimes get help from other birds to feed their young. These “helpers at the nest” are usually older siblings from previous clutches, but unrelated juveniles may help as well.
By Christine McPheter
Forgive Karen Blakeslee if she happens to tell you to mind your peas and carrots these days. She certainly means well.
That’s because the Kansas State University food safety specialist knows it’s nearly that time of year when many of the state’s gardeners are getting ready to bring in their first haul of the popular garden veggies.
Her advice: “Plan ahead!”
“Decide now how you want to preserve your produce and how much storage space is available,” said Blakeslee, who also is coordinator of the university’s Rapid Response Center for food safety.
K-State Research and Extension has several publications available online to help home food preservation enthusiasts safely preserve garden vegetables, including a How-to Guide to Pressure Canning and How-to Guide to Water Bath Canning and Steam Canning.
Continue reading “Whether Canning or Freezing, Think Safety First”
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