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Wild West District Extension Blog

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” →

Eating When You Are Older

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

By: Nancy Honig, Adult Development and Aging Extension Agent

Eating, it seems like such a basic task. We make plans to go out and eat, we look for new recipes to try and share ideas with our friends. We wander into the kitchen and have a little snack. These seem like normal everyday tasks we do automatically, but as we age, and for those who live alone, eating is often not the same.

Eating balanced, nutritious meals can be challenging for older adults, and something they don’t pay much attention to. Here are some reasons they may not be eating well.

Continue reading “Eating When You Are Older” →

4-H Volunteers

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

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

 

4-H may be a youth organization, but it doesn’t function without a lot of help from adult volunteers and 4-H parents. Parents and volunteers play a vital role in a 4-H’ers journey.

Parents are most important in their 4-H’ers life and by making 4-H a family event it can be even more fun. Plus parents will understand more about was expected of their children in 4-H and learn more about what is expected of them. It’s important for parents to take interest in their child’s 4-H projects to be able to assist them as needed. Learn what 4-H is and how it can better their child in the future. Also be encouraging for their child to try new things in such a safe environment. But parents aren’t not always able to do and know everything that is where our amazing volunteers come in.

4-H volunteers are not always 4-H parents. They might of been former 4-H’ers that just have a passion for a specific and have a desire to teach youth. Or even community members will be project leaders. With so many projects available in 4-H there is no way to have all the information so that is why we rely on volunteers.

If you have a passion about 4-H and its projects but just aren’t sure what being a project leader would entail, please contact the extension office to learn more.

Housing Tips for Small Poultry Flocks

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Lacey Noterman, Livestock Extension Agent

Raising chickens in the United States dates back to the 17th century when the English first brought them here.  The chicken was originally domesticated by the English for cock fighting which was considered a spectator sport.  Since then chickens have been grown for showing, meat and egg supply or just the pure pleasure of having birds running around in the yard.  Whatever your reasons for having a flock of birds in your yard, consideration should be given to where and how the birds will be housed.  In evaluating plans, here’s what you need to consider to keep your flock safe, healthy, and productive.

When designing a structure for your flock, it is very important to design something that keeps your birds in as well as keeping predators out.  Neighborhood dogs have probably killed more chickens in the suburban areas than any other predator.  Coyotes, skunks, foxes, raccoons, and hawks may try to steal an easy meal.

Management Guide for the Backyard Flock | The Poultry Site

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Tips for New Board Members

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Welcome A-Board: Board Leadership

Getting involved in your community is something that we all should strive to do.  Towns that have a philanthropic nature tend to thrive more in a host of different areas.  One way to become more involved is to join a local board.  This can be done through churches, non-profit organizations, civic organizations and many more.  Typically, these boards organize to provide a service or accomplish a goal.

Being on a board is important, and sometimes it will require a lot of your time.  If you are asked to be on a board, or if you are seeking appointment, remember that you are a skilled and valuable resource.  However, before joining the organization, you should educate your self of the goals, history, problems and clients.  It is also acceptable, and encouraged, to ask questions such as, what kind of time commitment will this require?  Are there specific tasks I will be required to perform?

As a board member, you need to be prepared to serve the organization in which you have agreed to volunteer for.  Below are 17 tasks for board members which will help you to fulfill your responsibilities.

17 Tasks for Board Members

Now is the Time to Treat Deandelions and Perennial Broadleaf Weeds

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Ron Honig, Crop Production and Horticulture Extension Agent

Late October to Early November is a great time to treat perennial broadleaf weeds such as dandelion and field bindweed.  After a few shots of cold weather these perennial weeds, if not damaged by sustained hard freezes, are moving nutrients to their root systems this time of year.  An application of 2,4-D or a premix containing 2,4-D and dicamba herbicides (such as Trimec or one of the Weed-B-Gone products) is easily absorbed by the weeds and translocated throughout the plant and roots.

Dandelion is a perennial plant and will survive the winter and green up again in the spring.  New dandelion plants often sprout and emerge in late summer and thus are vulnerable to a fall herbicide application.

University tests show a fall herbicide treatment on dandelions often yields over 90 percent control the following spring verses only 50 percent or less control from a single treatment performed in the spring or summer.

Field bindweed is a perennial vine with whiteish-pink flowers and arrowhead-shaped leaves.  Bindweed produces an extensive root system that once established, is difficult to decrease.  Kansas State University research shows fall herbicide applications containing the chemicals dicamba and quinclorac provide the best control of field bindweed and the best chance of weakening and reducing the root system.

Chemical premixes containing dicamba and quinclorac are readily available at your garden supply store.  To find these products you must read the portion of the label indicating the active ingredients in the product and not just the product name.

Henbit is a winter annual and sprouts in the fall up until sustained cold temperatures stop its emergence. When temperatures warm again, henbit then continues to emerge in late winter to mid-spring.  In fertile lawns, henbit can grow a foot high or more with bright purple flowers.  Unlike dandelion and bindweed, henbit will eventually die back when hot weather arrives.

Once henbit begins to grow in the spring and produce flowers, it becomes significantly harder to control with herbicides.  Fall and early spring herbicide treatments will provide the best control.

The recommended use rates provided on the herbicide product label are normally sufficient to provide excellent control when applied in the fall.  For best results, choose a day when the temperature is at least 50 degrees F during the daytime.

The one weed we are seeing so much of this time of year is prostrate spurge.  It is that circular, low growing weed that seems to grow out of every sidewalk crack and when disturbed produces a white, milky sap.  The good news is prostrate spurge is a summer annual and will freeze in the coming weeks and thus, will not require any herbicide treatments.

 

Medicare Basics

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Kristin Penner, Family Resource Management Extension Agent

Turning 65 and need to know the basics of Medicare? Here is what you need to know.

Who is eligible:

  • S. Citizens or Permanent Legal Residents
  • Age 65 or older and eligible to receive Social Security or Rail Road Retirement Benefits (RRB)
  • Under age 65, permanently disabled and have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for at least 2 years.
  • Any age if diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease or Lateral Sclerosis
  • Paid in 40 quarters Medicare Payroll Taxes

Enrollment is not automatic unless you are receiving Social Security or RRB Benefits.  For instance, if you are still working you are not automatically enrolled.  To enroll you will visit your local Social Security Administration, unless you are retired from the railroad you will enroll with the RRB.

Enrollment periods are very important dates and if missed may cause you to pay more in the long run.

Your initial enrollment period is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday.  3 months before to 3 months after your birthday month.  This is when you can enroll in Part A, Part B, Medigap (supplemental), and Part D (prescription). Coverage start dates depend upon which of the 7 months you choose to enroll in.  You will need to be aware of this time line to make sure you do not have a gap in your coverage.

Open enrollment is the annual election period between October 15-December 7th of each year.  You can enroll or change your part D plan during this period.

Special enrollment periods are up to 8 months after employment ends or your insurance coverage ends.  You can enroll in Part A, Part B, then Medigap during this time.  Part D you have up to 2 months after credible coverage ends to enroll.

What is Part A, B and Medigap?  Part A of Medicare is the Hospital coverage, Part B is Outpatient care (doctor’s visits, lab work, ER, plus more), Medigap also known as your supplemental plan helps pay for Part A/B copays. Medigap does just what it says and fills in the gaps.  Part D is your plan for prescription medications.

You might have seen a commercial advertisement for Medicare Advantage Plans.  In rural areas like Southwest Kansas these types of plans do not work for our residents.  Please do your research before committing to a plan like this or give me a call and we can go over why.

There are many parts and pieces to Medicare and it can be very confusing at times to know what is the best choice.  In the state of Kansas, we have trained volunteers call SHICK Counselors who can assist in comparing plans and giving you the resources you will need to make the best choice for your coverage.    I am a one of those trained volunteers that would be happy to visit with you.

For more information on Medicare please visit https://www.medicare.gov/ or call the Haskell County Extension office at 620-675-2261.

 

 

Fall Pumpkins

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Nancy Honig, Adult Development and Aging Extension Agent

Crooner Frank Sinatra once said, “Orange is the happiest color”. I’m not sure colors can be happy, but foods filled with orange color are some of the healthiest. The pigment of yellow, orange and red in many plants are made of carotenoids. These richly colored molecules are the sources of the yellow, orange, and red colors of many plants. Those orange colored plants contain the carotenoids with beta-carotene.

In the body, beta-carotene converts into vitamin A (retinol) which is important to vision and eye health, a strong immune system, and for healthy skin and mucous membranes. Carotenoids are fat soluble nutrients, meaning that they are more easily absorbed by the body in the presence of a fat. Chopping, puréeing, and cooking carotenoid-containing vegetables in oil generally increase the bio-availability of the carotenoids they contain. Stir frying is a great example of this.

Continue reading “Fall Pumpkins” →

What is 4-H?

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

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

4-H is the largest youth organization in the nation. Kansas 4-H is open to all youth ages 7-18 with an opportunity for youth aged 5-6 to be in Cloverbuds. By joining a local community club you can gain the mentor experience. In which you can learn about the many projects that 4-H provides for youth to learn about. These projects range from rocketry, swine, fiber arts and everything in between.

In the Wild West District the is a total of 10 community clubs. Two in Seward County, five in Stevens County and three in Haskell County. Each of these club meet monthly to conduct business, a program and recreation. The meetings are led by 4-H youth with guidance by adult club leaders.

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Community Capitals

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Community Capitals Framework; Measuring Success Now And In The Future

A common chord that communities all over the United States share is they are actively looking to the future.  Whether it is a mid-level urban setting, or the smallest of “Small Town, USA,” leaders are trying to determine what the next steps are for their neighborhoods, counties or districts.  The Community Capitals Series introduces the concept of measuring current successes and resources in communities based on seven dimensions called community capitals.  According to Cheryl Jacobs, Community Leadership Development Extension Associate with South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, capital is defined as a resource that is capable of producing additional resources.  Community capitals are also a useful way of identifying potential improvements.  In this article, we will be focusing on natural capital, which is defined as the environment, natural beauty, lakes, rivers and streams, forests, wildlife, soil and the local landscape.

Natural capital consists of all the natural resources available to a community, which could include water, air, fertile soil, biodiversity and landscape or wildlife habitats.  These are all resources that are not man-made and already exist.  Most all our natural capitals can be affected by things that are out of human control, such as drought.

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Integrated Resource Management (IRM) Redbooks

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has developed integrated Resource Management (IRM) Redbooks for more than 20 years in order to help cattlemen and women keep better production records and enhance the profitability of their operations.

Promotional Items

These Redbooks are small enough to fit in your pocket and are extremely handy to use whenever you need to record important information.  They are an inexpensive way to keep your business on track.

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Meet Devin Ramsey

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

devin ramsey

Introducing – Devin Ramsey – Devin grew up in Carbondale, KS. While she lived there she was as a member of the Carbondale Rustlers 4-H Club in Osage County. Devin graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School. She then went to Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Animal Science. Before coming to southwest Kansas, she was the 4-H Program Assistant in Marais des Cygnes District for 4 years.

Meet Lacey Noterman

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

lacey noterman

Introducing-Lacey Noterman, Livestock Production Agent
Lacey grew up on a farm right outside of Dighton, Kansas. She graduated from Dighton High School. Lacey was a 12-year member of the Eager Beavers 4-H Club in the Walnut Creek District. After high school Lacey attended Fort Hays State University. At FHSU, Lacey was a member of the Livestock Judging team. Lacey received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a certificate in Leadership Studies.

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Meet Nancy

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

nancy honig

Introducing-Nancy Honig, Adult Development and Aging/4-H Youth Development Agent
Nancy grew up in Garden City and was an 11 year member in the Beacon Boosters 4-H Club. She worked in retail growing up as her mother owned both a fabric store and several retail clothing shops. She is married (to my co-worker) and have an adult son (Stetson) who lives in Hugoton. They have two very spoiled and very cute dachshund dogs and we love to travel the world whenever the opportunity arises!

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Meet Kylee Harrison

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

kylee harrison

Introducing-Kylee Harrison, Community Vitality/Horticulture Agent
Kylee grew up in Northeastern Colorado and was very involved in 4-H and FFA. She and her husband, Riley, live in rural Hooker, OK along with their son, Conner. In their spare time, they love to go camping.

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Meet Ron Honig

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

 

ron honig

Introducing-Ron Honig, Crop Production/Horticulture Agent
Ron grew up on a farm in northeast Kansas and was active in 4-H and FFA. He attended K-State where he was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity, participated on judging teams, wrote for the school paper, and graduated in 1987 with a degree in Agricultural Education.
After graduation Ron worked as a newspaper reporter in Wamego, KS for two years and then left to live in Denmark for 6 months as part of the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) program. Continue reading “Meet Ron Honig” →