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Making Pumpkins Last   

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Making Pumpkins Last

By Nancy Honig

Cooler Fall temperatures seem to bring out the pumpkin decorations for front porch displays. Unfortunately, they can begin to rot and turn that cute fall display into more of a Halloween nightmare. Here are some simple ways to keep your pumpkins longer.

Carved or whole, however, any jack-o-lantern will quickly lose quality if the pumpkin isn’t fully ripe. Before buying, try sticking your thumbnail through the rind.  If you can, shop further.  If you can’t, the pumpkin has set, so it isn’t likely to dry out so fast. Make sure there is no surface damage, bruises or signs of rotting. Select one that seems almost too heavy for its size.  A stem on top is important/

It can also be helpful to remove bacteria and molds before carving or painting a jack-o-lantern.  Simply wipe the surfaces with a household disinfectant or a solution that combines one part bleach with 10 parts water.

Things to avoid that contribute to deteriorating include setting your pumpkins where they can get damp at the base; multiple items sitting together; being outside in elements; staging them with other organic matter like hay or resting between two items. A well-drained area will prolong the life of the pumpkin, whether it’s carved or whole. Pumpkins last a fairly long time off the vine, but the post-harvest life depends on where you get them, how long they’ve been sitting and how they are displayed.

If you choose to cut up your pumpkin to display it know that it will deteriorate fairly quickly. A few ways to slow the process is to spread petroleum jelly on all the cut surfaces. This seal will keep the pumpkins moist and create a barrier to bacteria. Coat any exposed surfaces including the inside and the cut-out sections.

A great alternative to cutting pumpkins is to paint them. This will ensure your pumpkins last longer and still provide kids with a fun and safe activity. Sealing your pumpkin before you paint it is optional, but it helps to give you a good surface to paint on. Choose an aerosol or brush sealant and cover your pumpkin. It won’t necessarily preserve the pumpkin itself, but it can help with paint application. Use an acrylic paint to paint the pumpkin. You can spray it again with the sealant when you are done.

ZOOM – Which side of the fence are you on?

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

ZOOM – Which side of the fence are you on?

By Kylee Harrison

We are fast approaching the two-year mark of “the change.” The change happened when this thing called Covid screamed into our lives.  On top of the new health jargon we were learning, we were also experiencing a whole other gamut of newness.  Terms like zoom, virtual, hybrid-format and online were becoming a mainstay in our lives.

Here we are two years later and Covid aside, we are still talking about the whole virtual thing.  I don’t just mean with schools, but work, churches, civic organizations, and other extra-curricular activities.   So, what side of the fence do you fall on?  It seems that people have a hard opinion on whether this is a positive trend that we have entered into, or if they are ready to get back to the “old” way of doing things.  Here are some interesting facts to consider:

Geographical Distance – Living in Southwest Kansas, it is no secret that we are a few miles from the big city.  More often than not, work meetings, conferences and other activities happen in these larger cities.  In order to attend an in-person event, extensive travel is necessary.  This is not always feasible in every situation.  Online formats make for greater access to those of us living a distance from cities.

 

Time Commitment – Virtual meetings typically last an average of 1-2 hours.  If this was an in-person meeting and travel was an additional 2-3 hours, that could potentially be the majority of your day that is taken up with one task.  Online offers a worker the ability to be more productive with their work hours.

Like I mentioned above, there is definitely another side to this debate.  One could argue that online formats of events have done nothing but hinder societies meaningful, productive connections.  Drawbacks of virtual events include; technology hardware, reliable internet and knowledge of participants.  Simply put, will the participants enjoy the experience?

One compromise is becoming known as a hybrid format.  This is a case where some participants are in person while others are virtual.  Another option is a fusion.  This happens when all participants are together, but some sessions are online and others are in person.  This typically happens when the event is over a period of time.

In my opinion, it doesn’t seem that virtual gatherings will be going away any time soon.  K-State is actually having some very interesting discussions involving community training for attending/hosting hybrid formats as well as possible trainings for those interested in working remotely.  If you are interested in any of these topics, or have an opinion to share, please feel free to email kharrison@ksu.edu or call 620-624-5604.

National 4-H Week

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

National 4-H Week

By Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

What is National 4-H Week? It is always the first full week of October with October being the start of the new 4-H year. It’s the week that 4-H is promoted in many different ways across the nation. Here is our local communities you will see many different things. From donuts provided to a school from a 4-H Club, proclamations by commissioners, project fairs and many other things. Also during this week you will hear some of the 4-H’ers on the radio. Also on October 5th is 4-H Spirit day so will see a lot of people wearing 4-H shirts.

If you would like to learn more about 4-H check out one of the meetings being hosted at the extension offices across our districts. October 4th in Hugoton, October 5th in Liberal or October 7th in Sublette. All these meetings start at 7pm. If you are unable to attend and would like some more information, contact Devin at deramsey@ksu.edu.

It’s Back to School Time!

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

It’s Back to School Time!

By Nancy Honig

The beginning of a new school year brings both excitement and dread from parents and students alike. Getting back into the swing of school can be challenging, but the more structure and routine that is established early can often lead to an easier transition and start the school year on a positive note.

Begin by preparing for new school routines. Consider creating a weekly calendar on a whiteboard to serve as a visual reminder of the day’s activities for the entire family. For older students help them prepare an academic planner with daily routines. There are even apps students can put on their phones to help them keep track of their homework.

Being organized and establishing routines also helps reduce stress for everyone in the household. Routines, from breakfast to bedtime, help everyone know what is expected and planning becomes second nature.

For example, packing a lunch together the night before saves time in the morning and involves children in the process of choosing, preparing and packing. Research supports claims that a nutritious breakfast means children feel better, learn better and behave better during the hours prior to lunch.

Establish early that you will be monitoring your child’s use of social media. It is important to know who your children are connecting with and to intervene when necessary. Consider putting time limits on your child’s use of social media as well to ensure it is not interfering with sleep, homework, exercise, friendships, etc.

Be present and mindful. When you see your child off to school or welcome them home, give them your full attention, be 100 percent present. Managing your own stress and regulating your responses to difficult situations will help your child learn to do the same. Role-model coping strategies such as deep breathing, taking a break or talking about worries.

Remember, parents play a major role in providing the foundation for their children’s success at school. Parents who are organized, establish child-friendly routines, and present a positive attitude let children know they can always be depended on for support. Hoping each family in our surrounding communities has a wonderful 2021-2022 school year!

Group Dynamics

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Group Dynamics

By Kylee Harrison, Community Development Agent

In Kindergarten, we learn how to share.  It is a fundamental steppingstone of school.  With each passing year, we build those skills with things like group discussions, projects and grading.  Just when you think you have mastered group projects in school, one step into the real world it quickly becomes apparent that team work is all around us as adults also.  Whether it be co-workers, bosses, volunteer boards or elsewhere, working together with a group is inevitable.  However, there are some pieces that can make the functionality of the group more positive.  Here are a few simple steps to help your group understand different dynamics, and ultimately, make you more productive.

  1. Learning preferred communication styles – With today’s ever-changing technology, there are hundreds of ways to communicate. Anything from smoke signals to apps can get the job done.  Knowing what the preferred method is can be the key to getting your group together.  Many times, we have preferences based on your age, but this is not always the case.  No matter what your group chooses, make sure that everyone understands the technology and you commit to it!  If you say that email is the best way to communicate then darn it, CHECK YOUR EMAIL!
  2. Work style – Different ways of working and assumptions about work in general can create tension in the workplace. Understand the style with which you perform best, and share that with your team members. 

 

    3. Understand conflict – Conflict may arise as a result of a variety of        sources.  Sources on conflict include; information and/or sources, relationships, interests, values, structure and change.

Get Grilling!

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Get Grilling

By Nancy Honig

It is the time of year when grilling outdoors is in full swing. And while it is a great way to keep from heating up the kitchen, food safety is just as important when cooking outdoors.

 

Proper food handling and food safety are other important aspects of grilling and keep cookouts safe. Begin with a clean grilling workspace and safe food preparation. Be sure to wash hands before and after touching raw meat, poultry, or seafood. If cooking away from home pack clean, soapy sponges, cloths and wet towelettes for cleaning surfaces and hands.  Be sure there are plenty of clean utensils and platters for separately handling the raw foods and the cooked foods. Never use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry. Any bacteria present in raw meat or juices can contaminate the safely cooked meat.

 

Use long-handled tongs when placing or turning meat on the grill to avoid the loss of juices that keep meat moist and tender. Piercing meat with a fork or knife can also affect food safety. Bacteria are normally found only on the external surface, so roasts and steaks cooked to an internal temperature of 145 °F will be safe because the outside will reach a temperature high enough to kill the surface bacteria. However, if a steak is poked or stabbed, these bacteria can be pushed inside, and then the meat must be cooked to 155 °F. Wash tongs that have been used on raw meat or use a separate set of tongs for removing cooked meat, poultry, and seafood from the grill.

 

When carrying food to a picnic site, keep it cold to minimize bacterial growth. Place raw meat packages in plastic bags and pack separately from canned drinks and ready-to-eat foods that might otherwise become contaminated. Use an insulated cooler with sufficient ice or ice packs to keep the food below 40 °F or colder. Pack food right from the refrigerator into the cooler immediately before leaving home. Pack beverages in one cooler and perishables in another cooler.

 

Food safety when grilling means cooking food to a safe internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria. Meat and poultry cooked on a grill often browns very fast on the outside. Cook all poultry to 165 degrees, fully cooked meats like hot dogs to 165 degrees and hamburgers to 160 degrees.  Beef, pork, lamb, veal steaks, chops and roasts should be cooked to at least 145 degrees. For safety and quality, however, allow these foods to ‘rest’ for three minutes after removing them from the grill before serving. Use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature.  Foods on a grill can brown quickly and look as though they are sufficiently cooked when they are not, so a food thermometer is the only way to ensure foods have been cooked to a safe internal temperature. NEVER partially grill meat or poultry and finish cooking later.

 

After cooking, be sure to keep the food hot until it is served – at least 140 degrees — otherwise, eat or refrigerate it right away. Keep food covered and never let it sit out for more than two hours, and if the weather is 90 degrees or hotter, eat or store it within one hour.

 

So, fire up the grill but be sure to keep it safe!

Record Books

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Record Books

By Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent

There is a lot of 4-H’ers that wait until the last minute to start their record books but now is a great time to start if you haven’t already. Most are done with school and have a little more free time on their hands. Even just working for 15 minutes a day is super helpful. This year the only record book that will be accepted is the online ZSuite project records. I know for many of you change is hard but this new online form is very easy and there is tons of helpful tips.

Such as on the Wild West District Webpage here https://wildwest.k-state.edu/4-h/recbook.html. Also in each of the newsletters there has been a new tip and challenge to help you with your record books. You can also check out the Kansas 4-H Website here https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/4-h-library/awards-and-recognition/ProjectRecognition.html. I am also doing some Record Book Zooms or you are always welcome to email or stop by the office and would be more than happy to help.

Start by challenging your 4-H’er to work on their record book for 10 minutes each day. It will make the deadline approaching a lot less stressful.

Danger Children!

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Danger Children!

By Nancy Honig

Now if you only look at the headline you may be thinking children are dangerous. What I want to focus on is the dangers of leaving children alone in or around cars.  As we approach warmer weather children will be spending more time outdoors and the danger of children being left alone in and around cars increases.

 

Thousands of children are seriously injured or killed every year because a driver backing up was not able to see them behind their vehicle.  Backovers take place mainly in driveways and parking lots.  In over 70% of these incidents, a parent or close relative is the driver behind the wheel.  Over 60% of backovers involve a larger vehicle such as a truck, van, or  SUV    Here are some safety tips to use to avoid these tragedies.

 

Backing Safety

* Always walk around and behind a vehicle prior to moving it.

* Know where your children are. Make sure they move away from your vehicle to a place where they are in full view before moving the car.

* If your car doesn’t have a rearview camera, back up sensors and/or additional mirrors on your vehicles consider installing them

* Teach children that “parked” vehicles might move and make sure they understand that the driver might not be able to see them, even if they can see the driver.

* Teach your children to never play in, around or behind a vehicle. The driveway is not a safe place to play.

* Keep toys, bikes, and other sports equipment out of the driveway.

* Trim landscaping around the driveway to ensure drivers can see the sidewalk, street, and pedestrians clearly when backing out of their driveway.

* Roll down the driver’s side window when backing so you can hear if someone is warning you to stop.

Leaving Children in a Car

Children are more at risk for heatstroke because a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s and heatstroke can occur at body temperatures above 104 degrees. Even mild outside temperatures can pose a threat, and temperatures in parked vehicles rise very quickly. In just 10 minutes, the temperature inside of a vehicle can increase by almost 20 degrees.

* Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.

* Create a memory signal you use each time your child is in the back seat of the car. For example, a diaper bag in the front seat or their backpack. Something that will remind you a child is still there.

* Make a habit of looking in the vehicle — front and back — before locking the door and walking away.

* Do not let children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.

* Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of children’s reach.

* If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk or storage area.

 

Butterfly Gardens

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Butterfly Gardens

By Kylee Harrison

If you have ever experienced the late summer migration of the Monarch Butterfly, it is quite a sight to behold.  Thousands of Monarch’s make their way south to overwinter.  If you love this, but would like to enjoy butterflies all summer long, planting a butterfly garden might be for you.

Check out this video from Kansas Healthy Yards for tips on what to plant and how to maintain a butterfly garden.

https://kansashealthyyards.org/all-videos/video/butterfly-gardens

Cloverbuds

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Cloverbuds

By Devin Ramsey

Do you have a child that is interested in 4-H but not quite old enough? Then Cloverbuds is for you! Cloverbuds is for those 5-6 year olds that are looking to learn more about 4-H before officially becoming a 4-H’er. In the Wild West District we offer two Cloverbud meetings each month. One in Sublette on the second Wednesday of each month at 4pm and on the third Thursday in Liberal at 5pm.

At Cloverbud meetings we have snacks, learn the 4-H pledge and learn about a different 4-H project each month by doing crafts and activities. Cloverbud meetings are free and last about an hour. Your child gets to take home whatever crafts we do. We have done things from making straw rockets and marbling paper using shaving cream. If this is something you may be interested in having your child doing contact us at the Wild West District Extension Offices.

Why Walk?

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Why Walk?

By Nancy Honig

Walking is something we do on a regular basis as we get up and move daily. But why should you add walking to part of your exercise routine?

Science proves that walking 150-300 minutes/week can transform your physical and mental health. Here are some ways that walking can improve your health.

Brain- Improves memory and cognition; reduces your risk of strok 30%; helps relieve anxiety and depression.

Chronic – Aids in weight management and delayed onset or prevention of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, some types of cancer, arthritis and back pain.

Pain management – Helps to relieve back pain; keeps knee joints healthy.

Mood – Improves your outlook on life; boost creativity and problem solving. These benefits are immediate!

Healthy aging- Improves balance and mobility; strengths bones and muscles; reduce falls; improve sleep; extends years of active life.

So, if seeing this inspires you to get out and walk, we have the perfect incentive! Join this year’s Walk Kansas!

Walk Kansas is an energizing 8-week, team-based health initiative. Groups of six form a team, with one serving as the captain. Team members do not have to live in the same town, county, state or country.

During Walk Kansas, teams log and report minutes of physical activity, cups of fruits and vegetables consumed, and glasses of water. Tracking can be one of the most important tools for making lifestyle changes. Recording progress keeps you focused and helps your team meet and exceed their goals! Go to walkkansasonline.org to register. If you need more information, contact us at any of the Extension offices and we will get you started!

Private Pesticide License

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

 

 

Private Pesticide Applicator Certification

By Ron Honig

Now with what we surely hope is the worst of the winter behind us, producers can look forward to the spring cropping season and the top-dressing of the wheat crop.

Producers either supervising applicators or applying restricted-use pesticides themselves, must obtain a Private Pesticide Applicator license from the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) or from the department of ag in the state where the application is being made.

A private pesticide applicator certification may only be used to apply or supervise the application of a restricted use pesticide product according to label directions for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by the private certified applicator or such person’s employer.

However, if applied without compensation other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities, a pesticide can be applied on property owned or rented by another producer of an agricultural commodity.

Farm employees applying either dicamba or Gramoxone (paraquat) products must have their own private applicator license as well as have completed specific dicamba and paraquat training.  Farm employees cannot apply these products using the farm owners (employer’s) license.

Private certification may be obtained by passing an open book examination at a County Extension office.  Please contact the Extension office in advance to arrange a time to take the exam.  On average, it takes two hours to complete the exam’s 75 questions.  A passing score is 75 percent or more questions answered correctly.

Once obtained, the private applicator certification expires on the individual’s birthday in the 5th calendar year after it is issued.  Renewal testing may be taken online at home. First-time initial testing however, must be done at an Extension office.  During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, first-time certification exams were available in online form, however the online format has now been limited to a few select cases.

At the time the exam is taken the Extension office will collect a $25 fee, preferably in the form of a check made out to “Kansas Department of Ag”.

The manual used for the open-book exam can be obtained in three ways:  A copy may be borrowed from the Extension office while completing the test, a copy may be purchased from the Extension office for a $10 fee, or the manual can be downloaded at no cost from the KDA website. By purchasing a private applicator manual, the producer will have the reference needed when it is time take their renewal exam.

For more information, producers should feel free to contact one of the Wild West Extension District offices.

 

Kansas Saves

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Kansas Saves – February 22-26, 2021

By Kristin Penner

We are joining communities across Kansas to launch the Kansas Saves program. Kansas Saves is a partner with America Saves – a nationwide campaign to encourage building wealth not debt. Enrolling as a Kansas Saver, allows you to establish personal savings goals, receive savings messages and a Build Wealth Not Debt brochure. Visit the Kansas Saves website, which explains how to save and how to use Savers services including enrollment as a Kansas Saver http://www.kansassaves.org/.

During America Saves week there are 5 savings topics that are focused on.  Save Automatically, Save for the Unexpected, Save to Retire, Save by Reducing Debt, and Save as a Family.

Save Automatically- #AmericaSavesWeek Tip: Split to Save! Direct a part of your paycheck to go directly into a savings account to #SaveAutomatically. You can do this through your HR dept at work or by setting up an auto-transfer at your bank or credit union. #ASW2021, #SplitToSave  @AmericaSaves

Save for the Unexpected- As our country continues to recover from the health & financial crisis, there are many other reasons to ensure that you #Save4TheUnexpected, both big & small. Here are 38 Reasons You Need At Least $500 In Savings http://bit.ly/2nAlBVl

Save to Retire- Today’s #AmericaSavesWeek tip focuses on how to save for retirement. Remember to Start Small, Think Big! Increasing your retirement contributions by one percent each year can go a long way.

Save by Reducing Debt- It’s #AmericaSavesWeek and we need you to know ONE THING: Paying down debt IS Saving! If your goal is to #ReduceDebt, take the @AmericaSaves Pledge to get tips, tools, & resources to help you along the way! http://bit.ly/pledgeas

 

Save as a Family- What better way to strengthen your family’s bond than to #SaveAsAFamily? Let’s make saving a family tradition by setting a yearly goal and making a plan to reach it. It all starts with a conversation!  #SaveAsAFamily, #ASW2021 #AmericaSavesWeek

 

 

There is no better time than now to start saving.  As this week progresses think about the small steps that you can make to meet your goals.  Become a partner with Kansas Saves and make a plan to start saving today.

What is frostbite?

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

What is Frostbite?

By Nancy Honig

The weather has been brutal this week, and though we hope to be through the worst of it we still have a lot of winter left. These cold temperatures increase the dangers of frostbite.

What is frostbite? Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation (removing the affected body part).

You may have a greater chance of developing frostbite if you

  • have poor blood circulation
  • are not properly dressed for extremely cold temperature
  • Although children, older people, and those with circulatory problems are at greater risk for frostbite, most cases occur in adults between 30 and 49. If you develop frostbite, you may not realize at first that anything is wrong, because the affected area may be numb.
  • What are the signs and symptoms of frostbite?

If you notice redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may point to frostbite:

  • A white or grayish-yellow skin area
  • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
  • Numbness

A person who has frostbite may not know they have it until someone else points it out because the frozen parts of their body are numb.

Don’t wait—take action! If you notice signs of frostbite on yourself or someone else, seek medical care. If a person shows signs of frostbite and immediate medical care is not available, do the following:

  • Get the person into a warm room as soon as possible.
  • Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on feet or toes that show signs of frostbite—this increases the damage.
  • Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
  • Put the areas affected by frostbite in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
  • If warm water is not available, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, you can use the heat of an armpit to warm frostbitten fingers.
  • Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can easily burn.

Don’t substitute these steps for proper medical care. Frostbite should be checked by a health care provider.

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

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!

 

 

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

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.

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” →

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” →

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