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Wild West District Extension Blog

Selecting Trees for Southwest Kansas

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Selecting Trees for Southwest Kansas

By Ron Honig

Unfortunately, we have all seen trees that have for one reason or another not fared well in southwest Kansas.  Whether it be heat, wind, drought, pests or unfit soil, certain trees are prone to problems in our environment.

One of the best ways to solve this problem is to plan ahead when selecting new trees and plant species and cultivars that are known to do well in this part of the state.  To aid in proper tree selection, Kansas State University and the Kansas Forest Service have put together a publication titled “Preferred Trees for Southwest Kansas” highlighting a number of trees recommended for use under our unique set of conditions.

The publication, free to the public, provides specific tree and cultivar name recommendations for small, medium and large deciduous trees as well as several recommendations for evergreen trees that can be expected to thrive in southwest Kansas.  Each tree listed in the publication is rated on a number of environmental factors such as tolerance to drought, shade, pests and alkaline soils, but also on landscape attributes such a brilliance of autumn foliage, desirable flowers, showy fruit and ornamental bark, among other categories.  Estimated mature heights and spreads are provided as well.

Examples of small deciduous trees to consider are the Eastern (Cercis canadensis) and Oklahoma (Cercis reniformis ‘Oklahoma’) Redbuds.  The alba variety of Eastern Redbud has white flowers.  The Oklahoma Redbud is praised for having more intense flower color and some natural insect resistance.

For a medium-sized tree check out the Goldenraintree (Koelreutaria paniculata) with brilliant yellow flowers or the Chinese Pistache with beautiful red and orange fall foliage.

If you are looking far a large tree over 40 feet tall, consider a Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioica) but look for a male cultivar to avoid dealing with a crop of large pod-like fruit.

American Linden (Tilia Americana) and Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata) trees do fairly well in our region but will need to be watered well through dry spells.

Ponderosa Pine (pinus ponderosa) are still one of the best evergreen choices for our area due to their drought resistance.  Southwestern White Pine (Pinus strobiformis) grows well in this region but may see problems with scale insects.

Most maple trees do not grow well in our high pH soils and tend to have yellow leaves and stunted growth under the poorest soil conditions.  If you have your heart set on planting a maple tree, check out the varieties known as Caddo sugar maples which were selected and developed in Caddo County, Oklahoma.  The Caddo maples have good drought tolerance and have proved to do better in our high pH soils than traditional maples.

Look for the cultivars named “Autumn Splendor” or “John Pair”.  Although these Caddo maples have a better chance of success in western Kansas, there is still no guarantee of optimum growth.

To see more details on potential tree species and cultivars for southwest Kansas pick up a copy of “Preferred Trees for Southwest Kansas” from the Extension office or download it from the K-State Research and Extension website.

Identity Theft

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Identity Theft

By Kristen Penner, Family Resource Management

Have you been a victim of identity theft?  There have been lots of fraudulent claims for unemployment in the recent months which can cause lots of stress for those affected.  Knowing what to do is very important if you feel your identity has been compromised.

The first step is trying to verify if the fraud is in fact fraud.  Contact the company the fraud has occurred and verify that your information has been used by someone else.  If it indeed that your account has been compromised request that a freeze or hold is placed on your account with the company.  Then, no one can add new charges unless you agree.

Second, place a fraud alert and get a copy of your credit report.  You will need to contact one of the three credit bureau’s Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax to have a hold or freeze placed on your account.  The credit bureau that you contact will notify the other two agencies.  Review your credit report and make sure there aren’t any fraudulent transactions.  If there is make sure you file a claim for those.

Third, contact you banking institutions to make them aware that your identity has been stolen.  They can help monitor your accounts and stop any transactions.

Fourth, report to the federal Trade commission giving as many details as possible.

Unfortunately having your identity stolen can cause lots of stress and financial strain for a person.  Being pro-active and getting things reported in a timely manner can help stop the fraud before it gets totally out of hand.

For more information, visit

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-idenity-theft

Citizenship in Action

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Devin Ramsey, 4-H and Youth Development Agent

Do you have a child that is interested in learning more about government and laws? Have them attend Citizenship In Action. This is a great event sponsored by Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council. The purpose of this two-day event is for Kansas youth to learn how the state legislative process works and how they can make a difference in their communities. Normally this event takes place in person in Topeka so that the youth can see the capitol building but this year it is going to be virtual.

CIA is February 14th-15th youth must be 13-18 years old before January 1, 2021. Youth do not need to be in 4-H to participate. You must register by February 1st there is a small fee to help cover costs of $35 this will include a t-shirt. To find out more and to register check out the Citizenship In Action event page here https://www.kansas4-h.org/events-activities/conferences-events/citizenship-in-action/index.html. Or contact your local extension for any other questions you may have.

Farro

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Farro

By Nancy Honig, FCS Agent

I am a big fan of cooking shows and learning about ingredients I may not be familiar with. I recently watched a show where they cooked farro, and although I had eaten it several time I hadn’t cooked it myself. It peaked my curiosity, making me look for information on farro and purchase some to cook.

Farro is an ancient grain that belongs to the wheat family. Originating in the Middle East it has been found in the tombs of Egyptian kings and is said to have fed the Roman Legions. Italians have dined on farro for centuries. It’s now gaining traction in the U.S. with vegetarians and families who are looking for healthy and filling whole grains. Packed with nutrients, nutty flavor, and a chewy texture, it is used in risotto-style dishes, soups, stews, casseroles, and sautés.

Not all farro is created equally, there are basically three different varieties. There is farro piccolo (einkorn), farro medio (emmer), and farro grande (spelt). Emmer is what you’ll find sold most often in the U.S. It’s a harder grain than einkorn and is often confused with spelt, which is another type of grain altogether. How farro is processed is what actually determines its flavor, and most importantly, cook time.

Whole farro retains all the grain’s nutrients; has the most nutrients per serving and has the strongest flavor. requires soaking the grains overnight and still typically takes at least 30 minutes to cook.

Semi-pearled farro, in which the part of the bran has been removed, still contains some fiber. This version is the best of both worlds with half of the grain intact and a reduced cooking time.

Pearled farro: is what you’ll find in most American grocery stores. It doesn’t have as much flavor as other varieties and has no bran at all. It has the shortest cook time.

Farro is a forgiving grain to cook with. Simply follow the directions on the package. Be especially aware if it is whole farro, that it needs to soak overnight.

Why give farro a try? It is higher in plant-based protein than rice and is quite hearty and full of nutty flavor. It also contains fiber, antioxidants, and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and zinc. Just one cup of whole grain emmer farro can provide a whopping 20% of the daily recommended fiber intake. This is similar to quinoa, but higher than a lot of other popular grains, such as brown rice, pasta and couscous. Whole grains such as farro are associated with improved health because they contain a wide range of antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, phytosterols and selenium. When combined with other plant-based foods, such as legumes, farro offers a complete protein source. This is good news for vegetarians, as well as anyone looking for plant-based, high-protein food sources.

Cooked farro is a great filler to throw into soups, stews, and casseroles since it easily absorbs flavors. It also adds a great nutty taste and a dense chewy texture to pilafs and salads. If you haven’t every tried it I encourage you to look for it the next time you are shopping and give it a try!

What is a Vision Board?

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

What is a vision board?

By Kylee Harrison, Community Vitality Agent

Starting the New Year with setting a resolution is a common occurrence.  It is also a pretty common occurrence to have that resolution fail.  In fact, according to forbes.com, 80% of all New Year resolutions fail.  One theory for the botched goal setting may lie in how we set those goals.  One way to start 2021 with more achievable resolutions is to create a vision board.

What exactly is a vision board?  It is a tangible, visible way to display your goals, which could be formatted in many different ways.  It could be a collage of images, words or other small reminders that are meant to get you motivated.  65% of people are visual learners.  These same people benefit from having a visual motivational tool as well.  In today’s fast-paced society, we have limited flexibility and time in our daily life, and we become almost robotic.  Vision boards are a way to unstick yourself and get the creative juices flowing!

How do I start?

  1. Reflect – Think about what you want in life. New job? Buy a house? Finish a degree?  Launch a business?  If you are having trouble focusing in on where to begin, use these eight categories to help you start.  Health, Wealth, Love, Career, Spirituality, Family, Knowledge, Travel
  2. Set Goals – Make sure that the goals you set are SMART Goals. By using this acronym to create your goals, it will help to make them more achievable, in return giving you a greater sense of accomplishment.
  3. Collect – Gather images, words, phrases, quotes. Anything that will give you encouragement is great to put on your board.
  4. Assemble – Get a solid board of any medium and arrange the cutouts in a way that’s meaningful to you. Add embellishments to make it personalized and unique.  Remember, there isn’t a right or wrong way to make a vision board!
  5. Display – This is the most important step! Place the finished product in a prominent spot where you will see it each day.  Spend a few moments each day reflecting on your vision for the year.  Another idea is to take a picture of it and make it your background on your phone or computer.  If you don’t see you board every day, you are less likely to achieve your goals!

Here are some examples of great boards to get you started!

 

 

Proper Vaccine Storage and Handling

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

As a producer, you should make it a priority to establish a relationship with your veterinarian.  A lot of vaccines and medications require a prescription.  Once you have your animal health products, read the label to find the proper storage temperatures.  Storage is extremely important to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccine.  Make sure you have a process in place to keep the products at the proper temperature from the time of arrival to the actual use of the product.

It is critical, especially for products requiring refrigeration that the medication is kept at the appropriate temperatures.  When storing your products in the refrigerator it is recommended to have a thermometer in the refrigerator to monitor the temperature.  The University of Nevada conducted research on 20 ranches and 4 feed stores.  Through that research, 25% of the refrigerators failed to maintain vaccines in the safe zone (35 degrees – 45 degrees F).  Be sure to make it a priority to double check the temperature of your refrigerator periodically.

Processing and treatment records should be kept with each product.  These records should include: date given, animal or group, products utilized, dose and withdrawal time.  Everything should be recorded every time you administer an animal health product.  It’s also a good idea to record the lot number on the vaccine.   If there happens to be an issue with injection sites, blemishes, or reactions it’s important for you to reference to those records as well as your veterinarian.

When handling vaccines at the chute, make sure you protect the vaccines from sunlight.  Coolers with ice packs are a good way to help protect them from the sunlight and still keep them cool.  Make sure you have a barrier between the vaccine and the ice pack so the vaccine doesn’t accidentally freeze or get too cold.  It’s important if you’re working in the winter months that you don’t let your vaccine freeze.

Do not mix different vaccines together.  Only mix vaccines that are required to be, such as modified live products.  Be sure to only mix enough vaccine that you can use up in one hour.  If it’s mixed for over an hour, the live virus will start to break down and the vaccine will not work properly.  Be sure to keep your vaccine thoroughly mixed.  Make sure the vaccine stays mixed and is not separated when drawing up for use. If using modified live vaccines, make sure to use a transfer needle and to enter the diluent first.  After re-hydrating, gently roll.  Do not shake the bottle.

Mark syringes for different vaccines to prevent a mix up.  A piece of tape around the syringe with the drug name is one way or colored tape abound the bottle matching the colored tape around the syringe.  Be sure to always use products from the original container and never re-enter a bottle with a used needle.  Make sure to keep equipment clean.  DO NOT use disinfectant with modified live or killed vaccines as it can cause damage to the vaccine.

 

Late Winter Pruning of Deciduous Trees

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Late Winter Pruning of Deciduous Trees

By Ron Honig

Deciduous trees are those trees that produce leaves annually and drop those leaves during the winter months.  Performing some annual pruning on shade trees, especially when they are young, helps the tree stay healthy and shapes the tree according to the homeowner’s wishes.

First, pruning live branches from trees can be done any time of the year, however, it is best performed in late winter to early spring.  During cool temperatures, less threats such as insects and diseases will be present to attack the trees at the open wounds created by the pruning process.  By pruning in late winter or spring, the trees will be starting to break dormancy, thus pruning wounds will have a chance to callus over or heal before the trees begin moving sap upward to the branches.

Also, having the leaves removed during the dormant season allows us to see the branch structure and pick out problems that need to be corrected with pruning.  This is the time of year when we can be looking over our trees and making mental or physical notes as to what needs to be pruned later in the winter.

Also, we can be preparing our equipment. Good pruning starts with good, sharp pruning equipment that will make clean cuts.  Disinfecting pruning equipment with a bleach or alcohol solution in between trees is always a good idea.

When cutting large, heavy branches, use the three-cut method to avoid stripping the tree’s bark when a heavy branch lets loose and drops before being cut completely through.  The three-cut method involves cutting up from the bottom of the heavy branch about 8 inches to a foot from the tree trunk and then making a downward cut three to six inches further out on the branch.  If the branch snaps under its own weight, the bark stripping will only go as far as the upward cut.

Then, the third cut is made to remove the remaining stub at the trunk by cutting just outside the branch collar with a single cut.  The branch collar is that wrinkle of bark surrounding a branch attachment to the trunk.  Keeping cuts outside the collar will minimize the size of the wound and speed the healing process.

Remove all dead branches from the tree.  Dead wood can be removed any time of the year as the attachment point is usually already sealed off and will not expose live tissue to diseases and insects.  Only remove approximately 10 percent of a tree’s live tissue in any one year.  Any dead wood that is removed does not count toward your 10 percent.

A tree should have one true leader at the top.  If your young tree has a fork at the top, pick what appears to be the healthiest, strongest branch to keep and prune out the other.  Also, look for branches that are rubbing on each other and prune out one of the branches.  Branches that are broken, have old wounds or visible disease problems such as soft, watery areas known as cankers, should be removed.

Also, look for branches with weak or narrow attachment points.  Branches with an angle to the main trunk of less than 40 degrees are good candidates for pruning as those branches will always have a weak attachment point and be the most likely to snap under ice and snow loads or in strong winds.

Your thumb and pinky finger make good examples for determining good and poor branch angles.   A branch with an angle similar to your thumb’s angle off of your hand would be a branch with a good, strong attachment.  A branch with an angle similar to your pinky would be considered to have a narrow, weak attachment and could snap easily.

Avoid “topping” trees by simply trimming all the upper branches off from the ends.  Topping decreases the aesthetics of the tree and stimulates growth of a number of weakly attached branches.

Remember, only cut out about 10 percent of the live tissue in any one year.  Some neglected trees may require two or three years of pruning to make the necessary changes.

Finally, we should know our limits and leave difficult or potentially dangerous pruning projects to professionals.

For more pruning information go online to https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/c550.pdf  and read K-State’s publication All About Pruning.

Check Your Credit

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Check Your Credit

By: Kristin Penner, Director

Have you checked your credit lately?  False claims of unemployment have caused a lot of concern over the past few months in Kansas so now is your chance.  One in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports according to a study conducted by the federal trade commission.  Why not check your credit for free?

Credit reports affect many different aspects of your life, including ability to get a loan, rates for loans and insurance, and more.  The Family Resource Management Program Focus Team is encouraging you to sign up for K-State Research and Extension’s Check your Credit email program.

The program is designed to remind you to check your credit report three times during the year on February 2, June 6, and October 10.  You will also receive periodic emails with information about how to understand your credit report, how to correct errors, and use your credit report to you advantage.

There is no cost to participate and registration is easy!  Sign up today at

http://www.bit.ly/ksrecheckyourcredit

Wild West District 4-H Club Day

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Wild West District 4-H Club Day

By Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

What is 4-H Club Day? It is an event where 4-H compete in different events showing off their speeches, musical talent, dance and more. 4-H’ers can compete as an individual, team or in a group with their 4-H Club.

4-H’ers gain a lot of skills by participating in events like these. For example, if they are wanting to do a demonstration. First, they will have to decide on a topic, make sure to pick something you like. It should be something you can show how to do or make. Once you have decided on your topic you will have map out your talk having an introduction of yourself and what you will be talking about. The middle which you would go over the steps and process of what you are talking about. Then the conclusion where you so a quick summary and make sure at the very end you ask if anyone in the audience has any questions. Most of the time the judge will have a question to ask you.

This would take a lot of work to prepare everything you would need. Since you would be doing a demonstration you would have posters showing the different steps as you go along as well as the different items you will need to do you demonstration. The topic you pick will determine how much or how little you will need.  Once you have gotten all that ready to go you will want to make sure you practice. Your practice will need to include doing it just like you would in front of the judge. Giving the entire talk, going through the different steps, moving the posters, and practice for the different things that could go wrong. Poster falling, forgetting a line, or even forgetting something at home.

Check out the other areas 4-H’ers can compete in on our website https://wildwest.k-state.edu/4-h/Club%20Days.html. You can find the link where to register, guidelines and scoresheets for the different events. Also new this year is now Cloverbuds can participate. Cloverbuds are youth ages 5-6 so not quite official 4-H’ers but are still included in a lot that we do. They can only participate in Show and Share.

 

If you have any questions about Club Day please contact Devin at deramsey@ksu.edu.

Start the New Year Right with Healthy Eating

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Start the New Year Right with Healthy Eating

By Nancy Honig, FCS Agent

January has become the time of year many make plans or resolutions to change their eating habits and start eating healthier. Just in time for the New Year the USDA has completed its update to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

 

My Plate is still around and very little has changed as far as recommendations. We still encourage you to focus on whole fruits, vary your veggies, and to move to low-fat or fat-free dairy milk or yogurt (or lactose-free dairy or fortified soy versions). We also want you to make half your grains whole grains, vary your protein routine, and choose foods and beverages with less added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.

 

A simple thought is to make every bite count. A healthy eating routine can help boost your health now and, in the years, to come. Think about how your food choices come together over the course of your day or week to help you create a healthy eating routine. Take a look at your current eating routine. Pick one or two ways that you can switch to choices today that move you in a healthier direction. It may be to increase your water consumption, or eat one more serving of fruits and vegetables then you currently consume.

 

One tool available that can assist with that is the new My Plate Phone App. With the app you can

pick your goals, see real-time progress, and earn badges that celebrate your success. There are lots of subscriptions out there for apps to help you keep track of your eating but this one is free and helps you learn and reminds you to make healthier food choices each day.

 

You can set goals within food groups (Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein Foods, Dairy) by choosing from variety of goals or tap “Pick for me!” to have goals selected for you. There is also a MyPlate Quiz where you can use the results code to set your personal goals. Your goals can sync up to your smartwatch, or you can do it all on your mobile device.

 

Sometimes we just need a reminder to eat better. Sometimes we need something to keep us accountable. And sometimes we just need a new gadget to make it more fun! If eating healthier is part of your goal for the New Year I encourage you to check out the app at: https://www.myplate.gov/resources/tools/startsimple-myplate-app

Or, you can just go to www.myplate.gov and check out all of the great information in the updated Dietary Guidelines

Holiday Plants

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Holiday Plants

By Kylee Harrison

Did you receive a plant for the holidays, and now you are wondering how to care for it?  Here are some popular holiday plants and basic care information.

 

The cyclamen is an attractive plant with heart shaped leaves often with white markings. The abundant flowers look like shooting stars and range from white to pink to red. Not only does the plant come loaded with bloom, but there are many buds capable of producing extended color for three to four months. When you get the plant give it a spot with indirect light and a cool location, 50-60 degrees.  This is key to extending the flowering period as warmer temperatures result in buds failing to open.

 

A Christmas Cactus is adds a bright pop of color to your room.  They are easy to care for and can be grown indoors throughout the year.  The flowers range in color from yellow, salmon, pink, fuchsia and white or combinations of those colors. The Christmas cactus can be enjoyed not only during the holidays but will remain attractive far into the New Year.

 

An Amaryllis is another popular holiday plant.  Botanically called Hippeastrum, meaning “horse star,” an amaryllis is easy to grow. Its bulbs are nearly the size of grapefruit and the larger the bulbs, the larger the flowers. Bulbs are sold pre-planted in starter kits. They come in a loose planting mix in pots only slightly larger than the bulb itself. The bulb is positioned halfway out of the soil.  To start, water thoroughly, allow to drain and don’t water again until growth begins. The first sign of growth will be the flower bud itself as the foliage won’t develop until the flowers are opening.  Once bud growth is visible, put plants on a routine. Keep soil moist, provide at least half day of bright light, and fertilize once a month. Stems grow rapidly to 12-24 inches and will produce a sequence of blooms that last about a month.

 

The most famous Christmas plant to gift is a Poinsettia.  They do well in the home and keep their color until mid-March. The plant you choose should have dark green foliage. Light green leaves or damaged leaves indicate poor handling or fertilization, lack of water or a root disease problem. The colorful flower bracts of red, pink, white or bicolor pink and white should be in proportion to the plant and pot size.

 

Often holiday plants that you purchase from a store have the decorative foil around the pot.  If the plant comes with a decorative foil wrapper, punch holes in the bottom of the foil to allow water to drain when you water. Never allow the plant to wilt. Keep the soil uniformly moist.

So You Want to be a Goat Rancher?

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Lacey Noterman, Livestock Extension Agent

The meat goat industry is an expanding U.S. business.  Estimates indicate approximately 50 million pounds of goat meat are consumed each year.  Imports from other countries total 23.7 million pounds.

The increasing popularity of goats is due to serval reasons.  The biggest reason is the increased demand.  A large number of ethnic groups whose members prefer goat meat have settled in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., goat meat is the meat protein highest in demand.  Another reason is the attraction of goat production as a sustainable enterprise for producers.  Goats can be a very profitable enterprise for producers with limited resources, time, and capital.

One type of enterprise to raise goats is for brush control: to clean up woody areas.  Producers who use goats for brush control generally are not concerned about overall goat production.  They only are interested in the effectiveness of goats in controlling or removing brushy plant material.

Another type is multi-species grazing operation.  This producer would start a goat operation to compliment other animal enterprises, normally cattle.  When goats are grazed simultaneously with cattle, a higher percentage of the pasture production is utilized.  Goats typically eat weeds and forbs that cows will not eat, which leaves the grass for the cows.

A third type would be raising purebred meat goats and or show goats, such as the Boer goat.  Although this type of operation seems to be the most profitable due to the higher prices received for such animals, it is also the type of operation with the highest start-up costs and the highest percentage of failure. These producers typically are required to purchase higher-priced full-blood does and bucks for this type of operation.

The final type is a commercial meat goat operation.  This type of operation, the goal should be to produce the optimal number of goats to maximize profits.  The optimal number of goats will depend on the resources available.

To determine which operation is the best for an individual producer, the critical factors are the producer’s needs, objectives and resources.  Resources such as available land, capital, management capabilities, fencing, and marketing channels all need to be evaluated.  Once the producer’s resources are determined and matched with the production goals, a long-term business plan can be developed.

For more information about starting your own goat operation, contact Lacey Noterman with the K-State Research and Extension Wild West Extension District.  Feel free to stop at your local Extension Office or email lnote@ksu.edu.

 

Designing Yards for Nature

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Designing Yards for Nature

By Ron Honig, Horticulture and Agronomy Agent

I listened to an interesting presentation last week from Douglas W. Tallamy, professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware.

Professor Tallamy’s mission is to stop the decline of wildlife species through the reintroduction of native plant species on which wildlife thrive.  What is interesting about his approach is that he is not calling for large government programs to provide these native plant species, but rather individual homeowners.  He is calling on amateur gardeners with unused lawn space to look for ways to introduce more native plants back into the microenvironments we call our yards.

The decline of pollinator insects has been well documented.  Tallamy illustrates one study showing four species of bumblebees that have declined 96 percent in the last twenty years.

In his presentation, Tallamy said there are approximately 40 million acres of yards in the United States, an area greater than many of our national parks combined.  His mission and dream are to see a large percentage of that yard acreage be transformed from lawn grass to native trees and flowering plants that support an array of native insects, birds and mammals.  The native plants being returned to our yards will vary, of course, depending on our location in U.S.

Tallamy gave examples of the importance of oak trees for supporting wildlife across the nation.  He talked about a study using cameras to count the number of caterpillars mother chickadees use to feed a nest of chicks to maturity – 6,240 to 9,120 caterpillars, and then what plant species support caterpillars.  His vision is to have ordinary people transform a portion of the roughly 76 percent of privately-owned land in the U.S. back into natural areas supporting wildlife.

The flipside to much of this thinking is understanding that nature is not always pristine in appearance.  In order for birds to feed their young on caterpillars, we must allow the caterpillars to survive in our yards, which means feeding on something for a while before being eaten.  Important to this concept are the reduction of insecticide and fertilizer use in our yards.  Some beauty and control have to be given up for Tallamy’s idea to work.  That becomes an individual decision for each homeowner.

Tallamy’s ideas do not completely eliminate the use of non-native species in our yards, but rather to see the value of adding back some native plants though they may not be as showy and colorful as our other flowers and shrubs.

For the millions of urban/suburban acres in the U.S., Tallamy’s ideas certainly make sense.  For us gardeners in the western, rural areas, we only have to drive to the edge of town to see native plants for as far as the eye can see.  However, there are a number of regionally native plants that can bring new colors, forms and textures to our landscapes without giving up the beauty many homeowners strive for in their yards.  More information on those plant options will come later.

Professor Tallamy has written a bestselling book on this topic entitled Nature’s Best Hope, published by Timber Press.  It is widely available for purchase and I have a copy in the Extension office for anyone to look through as well.

Professor Tallamy’s parting thought is that we should not try to change the whole world but just the little part in which we control.  Certainly, interesting reading and food for thought.

 

4-H Entomology Project

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Entomology Project

By: Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

Last time we talked about one of the most popular projects in 4-H so lets talk about one not so popular but still very important. Entomology! The study of insects. Almost three-fourths of all animals are insects and impact our lives in both good and bad ways. Insects carry diseases and compete with us for food but they are also very important to us as well. Most importantly pollinations our crops but also controlling other insect pests and recycling organic matter.

 

Starting out with this project in 4-H would include learning how insects move and look. Fun activities may include building a compound eye, identify insects and observing their habits. This will help you in preparing your insect collection to be show at the fair. You will make an insect collection kit, and make traps and baits.

 

There is a wide variety of things you can do with this project in 4-H such as attending the Kansas 4-H Insect Spectacular. Project ideas for the fair could be an insect collection box which is the most common but also most difficult. If you are just getting started and don’t feel comfortable making a box quite yet. Start out with making a poster or educational display. Some ideas could be parts of an insect, pest management and the life cycle.

 

Check out more about this project here https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/4H1106.pdf. Reach out to any of the Wild West District Extension Offices for more information about 4-H.

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

By: Nancy Honig, FCS Agent

Have any of you actually roasted chestnuts or seen it done? One reason most people have not may be due to the 1904 chestnut fungus blight. In fewer than 50 years, chestnut blight eliminated 3.5 billion of an estimated four billion trees in the United States over the next 50 years. So when chestnuts were sung about in the 1940’s, chestnuts were on their way out.

Even if you’re not roasting chestnuts, I encourage you to get in the habit of roasting various nuts before using them in your baking!  Roasting nuts deepens their flavor, making them even more nutty and complex. It also gives them a crisper texture, which is one of the reasons we add nuts to our food. Even if your recipe doesn’t call for roasting, it can be a great way to pump up the flavor of your dishes.

You can easily roast nuts in the oven or on your stove top. Roasting nuts can be a little tricky, as they can go from almost done to overdone in less than a minute.

If you are using the oven begin by spreading nuts out in an even layer on a sheet pan, and pop them in a 350° oven. Be sure to check and stir the nuts frequently while they roast. Focus on moving the nuts from the edges, which can brown sooner than the nuts in the middle.

Generally speaking, lighter, more tender nuts such as pecans, pistachios, and walnuts will take 6-8 minutes to get to a good place. Denser nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and macadamias, will take more like 8-10 minutes to finish toasting.  You may be tempted to turn the heat up, but don’t! If you roast them at too high a temperature you’ll have a dark outside and a raw inside, leading to an inconsistent flavor.

To toast nuts on the stove, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Do NOT add any oil or cooking spray; the nuts have enough oils on their own and will not stick to the pan. Once the pan is hot, add a single layer of nuts and cook them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and super aromatic. Make sure to remove the nuts from the pan when they are done so they do not continue cooking from the residual heat in the pan.

Some of the positive reasons for roasting your nuts:

* Almonds: Roasting almonds gives the otherwise bland nuts a bold, rich flavor.

* Pecans: Roasting pecans brings out their nutty aroma.

* Walnuts: Roasting walnuts removes their bitterness.

* Pine nuts: Smaller nuts such as pine nuts are notorious for burning quickly. Check them more frequently, usually every 2 minutes or so.

* Chestnuts: Bitter when raw, roasted chestnuts have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor with a soft texture similar to sweet potato.

So, if you enjoy nuts in your baked goods, salads, desserts, etc. be sure and take the extra step and give them a little roast beforehand.

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Processing Deer at Home

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Lacey Noterman, Livestock Extension Agent

White tailed deer hunting in United States - BookYourHunt.com

Venison can be delicious meat.  A great deal of your family’s acceptance and enjoyment of venison will depend on how it is cut up and cooked.  So while you are out filling your deer tags, it is important to reserve your spot at the locker for processing.  This year you might struggle trying to find lockers that still have open spots.  Click on the link below to see the available deer processors in Kansas.

https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2020-kansas-deer-processors09a1f1002e6262e1aa5bff0000620720.pdf?sfvrsn=d8c393c1_0

COVID-19 has brought lots of challenges for meat processors that are still trying to catch up from a backlog that came when large facilities closed because of virus outbreaks.  Whether you are looking for new options because the local butcher is booked, or you want to try your hands at new skills, processing meat at home could be a new option.

By processing your deer at home, you control the final product.  You can cut, package, and label each steak, sausage, or package of ground venison to your liking.  Before diving into this process you need to have all the right tools.  Below are valuable websites to assist with the proper process, and handling of processed wild game.

https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/animal.html#game

https://nchfp.uga.edu/tips/fall/venison.html

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/food-nutrition/wild-side-of-the-menu-no-2-field-to-freezer

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/food-nutrition/from-field-to-table-a-pocket-guide-for-the-care-and-handling-of-deer-and-elk

Parliamentary Procedure for Community Members

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

By: Kylee Harrison

Want to know a three-word-phrase that instantly gets under my skin?

I MOTION TO…

I guess you could blame it on all my years of 4-H and FFA, but improper parliamentary procedure is a real pet peeve of mine!

If you are wondering what the heck I am even talking about, let’s start from the beginning.  Parliamentary procedure is the proper way to run a business meeting.  In the United States, Robert’s Rules of Order, which was first published in 1876 by U.S. Army Officer Henry Martyn Robert, is the most widely used manual for parliamentary procedure.

When using Robert’s Rules of Order, whether it be at religious group meetings, non-profit group meetings, school boards or government organizations, it gives us a set and common guideline to follow for ways to conduct business of the meeting.

The piece of parliamentary procedure that is most used is making a motion.  A motion means that you think the group should act on an idea, so you are going to present it to them, hence saying, “I move to…”  What is wrong with the phrase above?  Just improper grammar!

If you feel a little lost in your board meetings,  Wild West Extension offers a host of different ways to brush up on your rules so you can become a parliamentarian wiz!  Board Leadership is a great class that could be taught to your group to help with parliamentary procedure.  There are also many handouts that could be utilized to help your board.  Here is a quick and easy cheat sheet that tells most of the different phrases, what they mean, and how to use them.  http://diphi.web.unc.edu/files/2016/10/cheat-sheet.pdf

Need some more help?  Here is a fun parliamentary procedure crossword to test yourself.  Want to see how you did?  Email Kylee at kharrison@ksu.edu for the answers.

Holiday Shopping online?  Tips on how to keep your financial information safe.

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Kristin Penner, Family Resource Management Extension Agent

For many shoppers, Cyber Monday kicks off the online holiday season.  For some online thieves, ‘tis the season to take advantage of so many people shopping online.  This year due to Covid-19 people are taking to the internet to complete their Christmas shopping safely.  But, are you making sure you are also protecting yourself from Identity theft?

Here are a few tips to help you shop safely this holiday season:

  • Set strong passwords for you accounts. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts.  If they hack one account, they can hack all your accounts.
  • Shop on sites where the web address begins with “https;” the “s” is for secure communications over the computer network.
  • Do not shop on unprotected Wi-Fi
  • Shop at familiar online retailers
  • Do not open links or attachments on suspicious emails.
  • Limit the amount of personal information you give out.

Source: Federal Trade Commission  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0020-shopping-online

Finishing Those Last – Minute Garden Chores

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By Ron Honig, Crops and Horticulture Agent

If you are like me, you are being forced to turn the corner and head toward winter, but still have a list of fall projects waiting to be completed. My short list includes tilling some peat moss and manure into the garden and a new flowerbed I’m trying to develop, planting a few bulbs that still need a home in the ground, collecting flower seeds from my dried plants before cutting them down and mulching around a few young trees.

We won’t even talk about the rest of the list like staining a couple new gates, searching for the leak in my sprinkler system or pouring a footer under the fence.  Apparently, some projects are just going to have to be rolled into spring.

So, what can we finish up here at the last minute?

Planting Fall Bulbs

Spring flowering bulbs we plant in the fall will winter better in the soil then trying to hold them another year.  We may not have time to work the bed under the bulbs adding organic matter and fertilizer, but we can at least turn the soil a few times with a shovel and get the bulbs in the soil before winter.  We may be wearing a heavy coat and using a flashlight, but we can probably get this chore done.  The soil is still fairly warm so we may get some root growth on the bulbs before complete winter dormancy.  Be sure to plant at the proper depth.

Cleaning Off Old Crop Residue

Depending on what you grow in your garden, it can be important to rake up the old plant stems, leaves, and discarded fruit, and then dispose of them to reduce disease and insect problems next year.  Old squash and pumpkin residue can harbor squash bugs through the winter.  Tomato plants and fruit can over-winter disease spores for next years crop.  Tilling them into the soil certainly helps but a combination of removing residue and with potential problems and tilling the finer remaining residue under the soil can provide double protection.

Tilling Organic Matter into the Garden

If you are person that likes to till their garden in the fall, there is still time to make that happen.   I piled some “clean” grass clippings mixed with leaves on the edge of my garden to incorporate into the soil.  If you are done mowing for the year, maybe there are still some leaves scattered around that could be raked up and tilled or spaded into the soil.  Adding store-bought organic matter such as peat moss is great also if you have time gather the ingredients.  If not, just work with what is readily available.

Don’t Let Free Seed Go to Waste  

If you have flowers that produced seed, there is still time to gather some of it up for use in the future.  Label some plastic sandwich bags with the flower’s name and store the bags in the refrigerator if you have room or in the garage.  If you punch a few holes in the plastic bags, it helps equalize the moisture so the seeds don’t mold.

Once you have all the seed you need, leave the rest for the birds to clean up.

Fertilizing Cool-Season Lawns

A late-fall application of nitrogen to cool-season grasses, such as fescues, feeds the roots without stimulating new growth.  The grass roots will continue to be active in the relatively warm soil after the top-growth has slowed for the winter season.  An application of 1 to 1 ½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn can help keep your lawn fed during the winter and promote an earlier, more even green-up in the spring.

Since this application is feeding the roots during the winter, there is still time to make this application and hopefully we get some moisture to carry the nitrogen into the soil.  A light watering by hand can help move the fertilizer into the soil as well.

Last weekend we had a light rain shower move into the area.  I pulled out my fertilizer spreader in hopes of getting enough rain to water in my nitrogen without having to start up water.  I spread my fertilizer in the rain on one last zone of my lawn I hadn’t fertilized yet.  But unfortunately, the rain finished about the same time I did so I’m hoping the snow is heavy enough to finish the job.

Either way, that chore got completed and scratched off the list.

Field to Table

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Nancy Honig, Adult Development and Aging Extension Agent

The bright orange colors visible around the area let us know pheasant season is in full swing, and deer season is just around the corner. For those who like to hunt and prepare wild game, here are some tips to make sure you are keeping it safe and delicious throughout the process.

The most important part is to process your game correctly in the field. Below is a link with great information about proper field dressing, as well as additional information on care, cookery (which includes recipes), and food preservation methods for game.

Once you have gotten your meat home you need to decide if you are going to eat it immediately, freeze it for later, or preserve it.

Continue reading “Field to Table” →

4-H Project Foods and Nutrition

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Devin Ramsey, 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent

Since we have talked about what 4-H is and the roles that an adult plays, let’s talk about the different projects the 4-H has to offer.  Let’s start out with one of the most popular projects Foods and Nutrition. Most people when they think of foods and nutrition when it comes to 4-H is baked goods exhibited at the fair but it is so much more than that. You can take much more than baked goods to be exhibited at the fair. You can do canned goods which would include jam, jelly, salsa, etc.. An educational poster about anything food related, or even a food gift package. Plus, so much more.

But that is only talking about the exhibits at the fair, we must talk about what participating in the foods project teaches the 4-H’ers. From starting out learning basic food safety and how to properly measure ingredients. Then advancing throughout the years to learn how to make yeast breads and pies. 4-H’ers even learn how to prepare a meal and how that would fit in MyPlate. So then they can really start helping you in the kitchen at home.

Check out this great resource from Kansas 4-H to learn more https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/4H1112.pdf. If you are interested in joining 4-H please contact any of the Wild West District Extension Offices.

Generational Conflict

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

What do you see in the image above?  Some will see the rabbit, some will see the duck and some will see both.  People who see the duck but not the rabbit are not incorrect and vice-versa.  They simply see and perceive things differently.

Conflict can be much like this image.  It illustrates that sometimes we can learn to see a situation from someone else’s view but even if that doesn’t happen, we can still respect the other person’s view rather than allowing friction to occur.

Continue reading “Generational Conflict” →

Advice for Selecting your Next Show Heifer or Steer

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Lacey Noterman, Livestock Extension Agent

You’ve decided you want to show a steer or heifer, and it is prime time to start the selection and purchase process for your new project.  There are so many resources out there about sales.  There are magazines nearly two inches thick promoting every show steer open house, you start looking at online sales, and then you start hearing about the sales that are taking place in your area.  It is easy to become overwhelmed with so many options.  Before you become overwhelmed go back and think about the basics and following these three main factors when it comes to selection.

Continue reading “Advice for Selecting your Next Show Heifer or Steer” →

Protecting Tree Health Through the Winter

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Ron Honig, Crop Production and Horticulture Extension Agent

As temperatures have cooled, water demand in our lawns and acreages has dropped off significantly. Warm season grasses have gone dormant and our cool-season grasses have slowed their growth to the point of needing only one last mowing.

For our trees and shrubs, however, watering now is important if soils are dry to help alleviate moisture stress. Making sure trees go into the winter with adequate moisture to draw on is important for maintaining tree health. Many of the tree problems I observed in the last few years can be traced back to environmental stress and much of that stress is related to winter neglect or drought conditions.

Continue reading “Protecting Tree Health Through the Winter” →

Black Friday Shopping on a Budget

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Kristin Penner, Family Resource Management Extension Agent

As the Holidays are quickly approaching are you starting to plan for your holiday shopping?  Black Friday shopping is one of the most popular shopping day/days of the year, but it can also lead to financial strain for some.

Due to Covid 19 Black Friday will look a little different as sale prices have already started hitting in-store and online.  The pandemic does not seem to be discouraging Americans from spending this year, this could be due to the popularity of online sales.  According to Small Business Trends 42% of Americans plan to spend $500 on Black Friday Sales.

Continue reading “Black Friday Shopping on a Budget” →