By DAVE BERGMEIER <a href="https://www.hpj.com">High Plains Journal</a>

President Donald J. Trump and U.S. 
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced that up to $14 
billion will be available to help producers who face market disruptions 
and associated costs because of COVID-19 and the news was endorsed in 
the industry.

The aid was 
authorized as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security 
Act signed into law in March. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 
has already distributed one round of direct payments to agricultural 
producers whose markets have been disrupted or lost due to the pandemic,
 according to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and 
Forestry. On Aug. 11, U.S. Department of Agriculture announced approximately 60 additional commodities that would be eligible for assistance under CFAP.

U.S.
 Sen. Pat Roberts, R-KS, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, 
thanked Trump and Perdue for their efforts to help farmers and ranchers 
who have continued to feed the world amidst depressed commodity prices 
and disrupted markets.&nbsp;

“I have heard directly from our farmers 
and ranchers about the harsh conditions in farm country. I will continue
 to advocate for certainty and predictability for agricultural 
producers, especially during these challenging and unprecedented times,”
 Roberts said.

Congress 
authorized funding for CFAP in the CARES Act, which was approved by a 
unanimous vote in the U.S. Senate and signed by Trump into law on March 
27. The CARES Act included $9.5 billion in funds to assist agricultural 
producers and resources to partially replenish the Commodity Credit 
Corporation. Additionally, Congress provided flexibility for Perdue to 
purchase commodities for emergency distribution in the Families First 
Coronavirus Response Act.&nbsp;

House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson, D-MN, said the program will help but much work is ahead.

“There
 are some good things in this second CFAP plan, and the secretary should
 be commended for simplifying the application process for specialty crop
 growers and making sure livestock producers, like the turkey growers in
 my district, have what they need. It also expands the program to all 
classes of wheat and makes sure most commodities left out in the first 
round receive some support,” Peterson said. “And while this version of 
CFAP takes those good steps, there is some frustration over the 
participation rate among some sectors, including specialty crop 
producers.

“I still want to see
 help for the ethanol industry that has been hurt by the drop in fuel 
demand, textile mills that are helping create COVID medical supplies, 
pork and poultry producers that had to depopulate as a result of plant 
closures, and contract growers who have faced loss of income.”

House
 Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway, R-TX, said the
 program was needed relief for farmers, ranchers and dairy producers but
 expressed concern the Democratic leadership might block Commodity 
Credit Corporation funding that would halt farm bill funding and further
 COVID-19 relief.

“Sadly, the 
aid could have been much stronger had Congressional Democrats not 
blocked critical funding of the Department of Agriculture through the 
Commodity Credit Corporation during the CARES Act debate,” Conaway said.
 “Now, Democrats are trying once again to block USDA funding in the 
debate over the continuing resolution, which Congress must approve this 
month to keep the government open.”

Roberts
 took to the Senate floor to urge colleagues to replenish the CCC, which
 is used to implement farm bill programs and to provide additional 
assistance to agricultural producers affected by the pandemic. Failure 
to replenish the CCC would jeopardize the continued implementation of 
2018 farm bill programs and hurt already struggling farmers, ranchers 
and growers.

U.S. Rep. Roger 
Marshall, R-KS, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said 
farmers and ranchers never missed a day of work due to COVID but they 
faced serious challenges associated with the ongoing pandemic.

“This
 second round of payments continues this administration’s commitment to 
the agriculture industry and includes all Kansas wheat farmers, many of 
which were left out of the first round of payments,” Marshall said. “It 
is essential we continue to provide our hard working farmers, ranchers 
and farm families with the resources and assistance necessary to 
continue providing Americans and the world the safest, highest quality 
and most affordable food supply in the world.”

Grower groups and others organizations were supportive of the actions of the $14 billion program.

“It’s
 been a tough year for agriculture and there’s still a lot of 
uncertainty across the Corn Belt as we head into harvest,” said National
 Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross. “We’re doing all we can 
to get back on solid ground but we can’t do it alone, which is why 
today’s announcement is a positive and welcome step forward.”

NCGA
 analysis projects a $59 per acre average revenue decline for the 2019 
corn crop and an $89 per acre average revenue decline for 2020, compared
 to pre-COVID-19 projections. If realized, the 2020 crop year revenue 
would be the lowest corn revenues since 2006. Residual impacts from 
COVID-19 on corn prices are very likely to persist into 2021 and 
possibly beyond.

The Iowa Corn Growers Association said an Aug. 10 derecho damaged millions of acres of corn on top of the coronavirus’ impact.

“The
 Iowa Corn Growers Association has continually contacted&nbsp;Secretary 
Perdue by personally handing him a letter and speaking directly to him 
at the beginning of the month urging him and the administration to 
provide additional relief for our farmers including&nbsp;CFAP payments,” said
 ICGA President Carl Jardon.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the program should help the state’s producers.

“The
 COVID-19 pandemic continues to create significant market and trade 
disruptions, and this poses very real challenges for Iowa farmers. The 
agriculture economy will rebound but it will take time,” Naig said, 
adding the program helps turkey producers because they have also been 
impacted by the coronavirus. “I’m very pleased to see Iowa’s turkey 
producers were included in this round of CFAP funding, as they too have 
been hit hard by the decreased demand at delis and quick-service 
restaurants.”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said monies will help cattle producers.

“We
 are pleased to see that USDA is using unspent funds in the Coronavirus 
Food Assistance Program to provide further relief to cattle producers 
who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said NCBA Vice 
President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “The initial CFAP
 payments served as an important stopgap in the immediate wake of the 
coronavirus. Unfortunately, many in our industry are still reeling from 
abnormal marketing decisions they were forced to make in the spring, 
unprecedented supply chain disruptions, and an overall tumultuous farm 
economy.&nbsp;

He said the organization is calling on Congress to eliminate the program’s remaining disparities.

Two farmer and rancher organizations also echoed the need for relief.

The
 second round of aid may provide added relief, according to the American
 Farm Bureau Federation. Almost $10 billion from the first CFAP provided
 much-needed support to livestock, dairy, non-specialty and specialty 
crop producers throughout the country. Many farmers were initially left 
out of CFAP, and although the program was expanded to include more 
commodities, aid was only made available for losses suffered before 
April 15, 2020, the AFBF noted. The deadline for most producers to apply
 for the first round of CFAP assistance expired on Sept. 11.

“Farmers
 and ranchers saw demand for their markets disappear during the initial 
shockwave of the pandemic. Even though concerns over food supplies have 
now subsided, the economic hardships are still taking their toll on farm
 families across the country,” said American Farm Bureau Federation 
President Zippy Duvall. “We don’t know when this pandemic will end and 
we are still feeling the effects of trade imbalances and severe weather.
 This lifeline will keep farmers and ranchers afloat as they continue to
 keep America’s pantries stocked.”

In
 a statement, National Farmers Union President Rob Larew conveyed 
appreciation for the financial support and urged that it be distributed 
to those who need it most. Citing economy-wide impacts and high 
unemployment rates, he also called on Congress to provide the relief 
hungry Americans and rural communities need to withstand this crisis.

“Even
 as restrictions ease, it is evident that farmers will be feeling the 
effects of the pandemic for quite some time. Markets have been slow to 
recover, prices remain low and processing facilities are still backed 
up. While these challenges persist, farmers will certainly need 
assistance to stay solvent—and we are grateful that USDA is providing it
 through another round of CFAP.

“This
 support is absolutely crucial—but it is just as crucial that it is 
distributed fairly and equitably. The first round of funding, though 
greatly appreciated, was not without its flaws; not only did it favor 
large farms over smaller ones, it also sent millions of dollars to 
foreign-owned operations and excluded some farmers entirely. With 
congressional oversight, we ask that USDA rectify these issues and 
ensure that payments are commensurate with demonstrated need.

“It’s
 important to note that farmers are by far not the only Americans in 
need of relief right now; millions are out of work and experiencing food
 insecurity, family-owned businesses are struggling to stay afloat, 
already strained rural hospitals are hemorrhaging money, and students 
without broadband access are falling behind in school. It’s unacceptable
 that it has been months since these groups have received any help at 
all; Congress must act quickly to provide the support that all Americans
 need to withstand this crisis.”

Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or <a href="mailto:dbergmeier@hpj.com">dbergmeier@hpj.com</a>. Republished with permission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601059498543.png" alt="By Larry Carver, Hutchinson, Kansas." />
 <figcaption>By Larry Carver, Hutchinson, Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE BERGMEIER <a href="https://www.hpj.com">High Plains Journal</a>President Donald J. Trump and U.S. 
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced that up to $14 
billion will be available to help producers who face market disruptions 
and associated costs because of COVID-19 and the news was endorsed in 
the industry.The aid was 
authorized as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security 
Act signed into law in March. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 
has already distributed one round of direct payments to agricultural 
producers whose markets have been disrupted or lost due to the pandemic,
 according to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and 
Forestry. On Aug. 11, U.S. Department of Agriculture announced approximately 60 additional commodities that would be eligible for assistance under CFAP.U.S.
 Sen. Pat Roberts, R-KS, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, 
thanked Trump and Perdue for their efforts to help farmers and ranchers 
who have continued to feed the world amidst depressed commodity prices 
and disrupted markets.&nbsp;“I have heard directly from our farmers 
and ranchers about the harsh conditions in farm country. I will continue
 to advocate for certainty and predictability for agricultural 
producers, especially during these challenging and unprecedented times,”
 Roberts said.Congress 
authorized funding for CFAP in the CARES Act, which was approved by a 
unanimous vote in the U.S. Senate and signed by Trump into law on March 
27. The CARES Act included $9.5 billion in funds to assist agricultural 
producers and resources to partially replenish the Commodity Credit 
Corporation. Additionally, Congress provided flexibility for Perdue to 
purchase commodities for emergency distribution in the Families First 
Coronavirus Response Act.&nbsp;House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson, D-MN, said the program will help but much work is ahead.“There
 are some good things in this second CFAP plan, and the secretary should
 be commended for simplifying the application process for specialty crop
 growers and making sure livestock producers, like the turkey growers in
 my district, have what they need. It also expands the program to all 
classes of wheat and makes sure most commodities left out in the first 
round receive some support,” Peterson said. “And while this version of 
CFAP takes those good steps, there is some frustration over the 
participation rate among some sectors, including specialty crop 
producers.“I still want to see
 help for the ethanol industry that has been hurt by the drop in fuel 
demand, textile mills that are helping create COVID medical supplies, 
pork and poultry producers that had to depopulate as a result of plant 
closures, and contract growers who have faced loss of income.”House
 Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway, R-TX, said the
 program was needed relief for farmers, ranchers and dairy producers but
 expressed concern the Democratic leadership might block Commodity 
Credit Corporation funding that would halt farm bill funding and further
 COVID-19 relief.“Sadly, the 
aid could have been much stronger had Congressional Democrats not 
blocked critical funding of the Department of Agriculture through the 
Commodity Credit Corporation during the CARES Act debate,” Conaway said.
 “Now, Democrats are trying once again to block USDA funding in the 
debate over the continuing resolution, which Congress must approve this 
month to keep the government open.”Roberts
 took to the Senate floor to urge colleagues to replenish the CCC, which
 is used to implement farm bill programs and to provide additional 
assistance to agricultural producers affected by the pandemic. Failure 
to replenish the CCC would jeopardize the continued implementation of 
2018 farm bill programs and hurt already struggling farmers, ranchers 
and growers.U.S. Rep. Roger 
Marshall, R-KS, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said 
farmers and ranchers never missed a day of work due to COVID but they 
faced serious challenges associated with the ongoing pandemic.“This
 second round of payments continues this administration’s commitment to 
the agriculture industry and includes all Kansas wheat farmers, many of 
which were left out of the first round of payments,” Marshall said. “It 
is essential we continue to provide our hard working farmers, ranchers 
and farm families with the resources and assistance necessary to 
continue providing Americans and the world the safest, highest quality 
and most affordable food supply in the world.”<h2>Additional comments</h2>Grower groups and others organizations were supportive of the actions of the $14 billion program.“It’s
 been a tough year for agriculture and there’s still a lot of 
uncertainty across the Corn Belt as we head into harvest,” said National
 Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross. “We’re doing all we can 
to get back on solid ground but we can’t do it alone, which is why 
today’s announcement is a positive and welcome step forward.”NCGA
 analysis projects a $59 per acre average revenue decline for the 2019 
corn crop and an $89 per acre average revenue decline for 2020, compared
 to pre-COVID-19 projections. If realized, the 2020 crop year revenue 
would be the lowest corn revenues since 2006. Residual impacts from 
COVID-19 on corn prices are very likely to persist into 2021 and 
possibly beyond.The Iowa Corn Growers Association said an Aug. 10 derecho damaged millions of acres of corn on top of the coronavirus’ impact.“The
 Iowa Corn Growers Association has continually contacted&nbsp;Secretary 
Perdue by personally handing him a letter and speaking directly to him 
at the beginning of the month urging him and the administration to 
provide additional relief for our farmers including&nbsp;CFAP payments,” said
 ICGA President Carl Jardon.Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the program should help the state’s producers.“The
 COVID-19 pandemic continues to create significant market and trade 
disruptions, and this poses very real challenges for Iowa farmers. The 
agriculture economy will rebound but it will take time,” Naig said, 
adding the program helps turkey producers because they have also been 
impacted by the coronavirus. “I’m very pleased to see Iowa’s turkey 
producers were included in this round of CFAP funding, as they too have 
been hit hard by the decreased demand at delis and quick-service 
restaurants.”The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said monies will help cattle producers.“We
 are pleased to see that USDA is using unspent funds in the Coronavirus 
Food Assistance Program to provide further relief to cattle producers 
who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said NCBA Vice 
President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “The initial CFAP
 payments served as an important stopgap in the immediate wake of the 
coronavirus. Unfortunately, many in our industry are still reeling from 
abnormal marketing decisions they were forced to make in the spring, 
unprecedented supply chain disruptions, and an overall tumultuous farm 
economy.&nbsp;He said the organization is calling on Congress to eliminate the program’s remaining disparities.Two farmer and rancher organizations also echoed the need for relief.The
 second round of aid may provide added relief, according to the American
 Farm Bureau Federation. Almost $10 billion from the first CFAP provided
 much-needed support to livestock, dairy, non-specialty and specialty 
crop producers throughout the country. Many farmers were initially left 
out of CFAP, and although the program was expanded to include more 
commodities, aid was only made available for losses suffered before 
April 15, 2020, the AFBF noted. The deadline for most producers to apply
 for the first round of CFAP assistance expired on Sept. 11.“Farmers
 and ranchers saw demand for their markets disappear during the initial 
shockwave of the pandemic. Even though concerns over food supplies have 
now subsided, the economic hardships are still taking their toll on farm
 families across the country,” said American Farm Bureau Federation 
President Zippy Duvall. “We don’t know when this pandemic will end and 
we are still feeling the effects of trade imbalances and severe weather.
 This lifeline will keep farmers and ranchers afloat as they continue to
 keep America’s pantries stocked.”In
 a statement, National Farmers Union President Rob Larew conveyed 
appreciation for the financial support and urged that it be distributed 
to those who need it most. Citing economy-wide impacts and high 
unemployment rates, he also called on Congress to provide the relief 
hungry Americans and rural communities need to withstand this crisis.“Even
 as restrictions ease, it is evident that farmers will be feeling the 
effects of the pandemic for quite some time. Markets have been slow to 
recover, prices remain low and processing facilities are still backed 
up. While these challenges persist, farmers will certainly need 
assistance to stay solvent—and we are grateful that USDA is providing it
 through another round of CFAP.“This
 support is absolutely crucial—but it is just as crucial that it is 
distributed fairly and equitably. The first round of funding, though 
greatly appreciated, was not without its flaws; not only did it favor 
large farms over smaller ones, it also sent millions of dollars to 
foreign-owned operations and excluded some farmers entirely. With 
congressional oversight, we ask that USDA rectify these issues and 
ensure that payments are commensurate with demonstrated need.“It’s
 important to note that farmers are by far not the only Americans in 
need of relief right now; millions are out of work and experiencing food
 insecurity, family-owned businesses are struggling to stay afloat, 
already strained rural hospitals are hemorrhaging money, and students 
without broadband access are falling behind in school. It’s unacceptable
 that it has been months since these groups have received any help at 
all; Congress must act quickly to provide the support that all Americans
 need to withstand this crisis.”Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or <a href="mailto:dbergmeier@hpj.com">dbergmeier@hpj.com</a>. Republished with permission.

Coronavirus relief package welcome news in hurting ag economy

WICHITA –&nbsp;The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas, Inc. received a $100,000 grant from the Logan-based Dane G. Hansen Foundation in support of the organization’s new endowment campaign.

This campaign will support CPRF’s Wheelchair &amp; Posture Seating Clinic and Equipment Fund programs, which provide customized seating systems and funding for assistive technology/medical equipment for people with all types of disabilities in Ellis, Russell, Cloud, and Saline Counties. For decades, CPRF has served adults and children in this area who otherwise may not receive the services or equipment they need. As one of only three Medicaid-approved seating clinics in Kansas, the services provided by CPRF are critical for those with disabilities.&nbsp;

Though Kansas Rehabilitation Services and United Way of Ellis County are long-time supporters of CPRF, the organization faces a sizeable funding shortfall each year to administer these programs in the four-county area.

“CPRF is truly blessed to have the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to assist in establishing this endowed fund,” said Patrick T. Jonas, CPRF President &amp; CEO. “Those we serve in northwest and northcentral Kansas will undoubtedly benefit from this initiative, and we hope to soon reach our fundraising goal to allow for the ongoing support of these vital services for generations to come.”

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s contribution initiates the CPRF Community Mobility Fund at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. This endowed, designated fund will support only those who reside in the four-county area. The CPRF Board of Directors pledged a 20 percent match for all funds raised toward this $725,000 endowment fund goal.

To find out more about this campaign and how you can help, contact Jennifer Knight, CPRF Vice President of Development at (316) 652-1552 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jenniferk@cprf.org">jenniferk@cprf.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575649739391.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CPRFWICHITA –&nbsp;The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas, Inc. received a $100,000 grant from the Logan-based Dane G. Hansen Foundation in support of the organization’s new endowment campaign.This campaign will support CPRF’s Wheelchair &amp; Posture Seating Clinic and Equipment Fund programs, which provide customized seating systems and funding for assistive technology/medical equipment for people with all types of disabilities in Ellis, Russell, Cloud, and Saline Counties. For decades, CPRF has served adults and children in this area who otherwise may not receive the services or equipment they need. As one of only three Medicaid-approved seating clinics in Kansas, the services provided by CPRF are critical for those with disabilities.&nbsp;Though Kansas Rehabilitation Services and United Way of Ellis County are long-time supporters of CPRF, the organization faces a sizeable funding shortfall each year to administer these programs in the four-county area.“CPRF is truly blessed to have the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation to assist in establishing this endowed fund,” said Patrick T. Jonas, CPRF President &amp; CEO. “Those we serve in northwest and northcentral Kansas will undoubtedly benefit from this initiative, and we hope to soon reach our fundraising goal to allow for the ongoing support of these vital services for generations to come.”The Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s contribution initiates the CPRF Community Mobility Fund at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. This endowed, designated fund will support only those who reside in the four-county area. The CPRF Board of Directors pledged a 20 percent match for all funds raised toward this $725,000 endowment fund goal.To find out more about this campaign and how you can help, contact Jennifer Knight, CPRF Vice President of Development at (316) 652-1552 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jenniferk@cprf.org">jenniferk@cprf.org</a>.&nbsp;

Hansen Foundation awards grant for disability service initiative

Three-day weather outlook

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

It all happened in a week. In early 2020, wheat flour sales were continuing a long term slump. Then COVID-19 hit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Suddenly, stay-at-home orders began to be issued across the nation. People started hoarding toilet paper, and there was a run on flour in the stores.&nbsp;

One Kansas flour miller adjusted rapidly, doubling its flour production capacity. This achievement was so remarkable that this company was recognized as an Ag Hero by the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the 2020 Ag Growth Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bob Morando is the CEO of this remarkable company known as Farmer Direct Foods.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bob grew up in Abilene and studied milling science at K-State. His career took him all over the country, working for businesses such as General Mills, Kraft, and Con-Agra.&nbsp;

In 2016, he came back to Abilene to care for his elderly mother. A college roommate encouraged him to apply for the CEO position that was open at Farmer Direct Foods, and Bob got the job.&nbsp;

Farmer Direct Foods had begun back in 1988 as a cooperative of white wheat growers, organized to help producers earn a premium for better quality wheat. In 2003, they built a flour mill in New Cambria, near Salina.&nbsp;

“White wheat is a milder, sweeter flavored wheat,” Bob said. “All our wheat is stone-ground here at the mill.”&nbsp;

Identity assurance is a key concept at Farmer Direct Foods. “We work with some 50 growers across the state,” Bob said. “Some are fourth or fifth generation farmers. We work with them so that we can know what farm the wheat came off of. People want to know where their food came from.”&nbsp;

Farmer Direct Foods sells to large bakers such as the King Arthur company as well as Tortilla King in Moundridge, Kansas; home bakers, local bake shops like Radinas Coffeehouse in Manhattan, and the Friendship House in Wamego, and even pizzerias in Chicago. However, flour sales nationally were in a five-year slump as of early 2020.&nbsp;

Then everything changed. As the pandemic spread and stay-at-home orders were issued, Bob suddenly started getting calls. “We’re running out of flour,” he was told. The supply chain got a jolt from the sudden surge in home baking. “It felt like things changed overnight,” Bob said.&nbsp;

Farmer Direct Foods moved quickly to respond to the market. “Fortunately, we had just placed a big order for flour bags, so we had supplies to meet the demand,” Bob said.&nbsp;

K-State cancelled in-person classes due to the pandemic, so Bob called his old friends in the milling science department. “If all the kids are freed up, could a couple of them come work for me?” he asked. Bob also located a couple of recently-retired flour millers who were willing to come back onto a payroll.&nbsp;

“Five days later, we had doubled our production capacity,” Bob said.&nbsp;

The mill was now running two shifts, six days a week. Since then, the company has been going full speed to respond to the demand. “We have not let off the gas pedal since March,” Bob said.&nbsp;

“We went from 18 trucks a month to 45 trucks a month. Normally we make 12 million pounds of flour a year. This year, we’re on pace to make 20 million.”&nbsp;

The working relationship with K-State milling science students went so well that Bob has decided to make the internships with the department an ongoing program.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have set up two internships there now,” he said.&nbsp;

White wheat is still the staple product that goes into every bag of flour at Farmer Direct Foods. “People tell me, `Your flour is the best product,’” Bob said.&nbsp;

That’s good to hear for a business located in the rural community of New Cambria, population 126 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farmerdirectfoods.com/">www.farmerdirectfoods.com</a>.&nbsp;

It happened in a week. The surge in flour demand due to the pandemic caused Bob Morando and Farmer Direct Foods to make a difference with rapid changes in response to the marketplace. That was a strong week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600866568978.png" alt="Bob Morando" />
 <figcaption>Bob Morando</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentIt all happened in a week. In early 2020, wheat flour sales were continuing a long term slump. Then COVID-19 hit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Suddenly, stay-at-home orders began to be issued across the nation. People started hoarding toilet paper, and there was a run on flour in the stores.&nbsp;How did the industry respond?&nbsp;One Kansas flour miller adjusted rapidly, doubling its flour production capacity. This achievement was so remarkable that this company was recognized as an Ag Hero by the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the 2020 Ag Growth Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bob Morando is the CEO of this remarkable company known as Farmer Direct Foods.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bob grew up in Abilene and studied milling science at K-State. His career took him all over the country, working for businesses such as General Mills, Kraft, and Con-Agra.&nbsp;In 2016, he came back to Abilene to care for his elderly mother. A college roommate encouraged him to apply for the CEO position that was open at Farmer Direct Foods, and Bob got the job.&nbsp;Farmer Direct Foods had begun back in 1988 as a cooperative of white wheat growers, organized to help producers earn a premium for better quality wheat. In 2003, they built a flour mill in New Cambria, near Salina.&nbsp;“White wheat is a milder, sweeter flavored wheat,” Bob said. “All our wheat is stone-ground here at the mill.”&nbsp;Identity assurance is a key concept at Farmer Direct Foods. “We work with some 50 growers across the state,” Bob said. “Some are fourth or fifth generation farmers. We work with them so that we can know what farm the wheat came off of. People want to know where their food came from.”&nbsp;Farmer Direct Foods sells to large bakers such as the King Arthur company as well as Tortilla King in Moundridge, Kansas; home bakers, local bake shops like Radinas Coffeehouse in Manhattan, and the Friendship House in Wamego, and even pizzerias in Chicago. However, flour sales nationally were in a five-year slump as of early 2020.&nbsp;Then everything changed. As the pandemic spread and stay-at-home orders were issued, Bob suddenly started getting calls. “We’re running out of flour,” he was told. The supply chain got a jolt from the sudden surge in home baking. “It felt like things changed overnight,” Bob said.&nbsp;Farmer Direct Foods moved quickly to respond to the market. “Fortunately, we had just placed a big order for flour bags, so we had supplies to meet the demand,” Bob said.&nbsp;K-State cancelled in-person classes due to the pandemic, so Bob called his old friends in the milling science department. “If all the kids are freed up, could a couple of them come work for me?” he asked. Bob also located a couple of recently-retired flour millers who were willing to come back onto a payroll.&nbsp;“Five days later, we had doubled our production capacity,” Bob said.&nbsp;The mill was now running two shifts, six days a week. Since then, the company has been going full speed to respond to the demand. “We have not let off the gas pedal since March,” Bob said.&nbsp;“We went from 18 trucks a month to 45 trucks a month. Normally we make 12 million pounds of flour a year. This year, we’re on pace to make 20 million.”&nbsp;The working relationship with K-State milling science students went so well that Bob has decided to make the internships with the department an ongoing program.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have set up two internships there now,” he said.&nbsp;White wheat is still the staple product that goes into every bag of flour at Farmer Direct Foods. “People tell me, `Your flour is the best product,’” Bob said.&nbsp;That’s good to hear for a business located in the rural community of New Cambria, population 126 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.farmerdirectfoods.com/">www.farmerdirectfoods.com</a>.&nbsp;It happened in a week. The surge in flour demand due to the pandemic caused Bob Morando and Farmer Direct Foods to make a difference with rapid changes in response to the marketplace. That was a strong week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural:  Bob Morando, Farmer Direct Foods

North Central Kansas Technical College was ranked second nationally among two-year colleges with the highest three-year graduation rates, by The Chronicle of Higher Education.&nbsp; 

With a 73.9 percent completion rate and a score of 136 out of completers within 150 percent of expected time, NCK Tech joins three other schools located in Kansas. NCK Tech has a strong reputation for helping students succeed and reach their goals. This is the fourth time in the last five years the college has been ranked in the top seven nationally in graduation rates. Previous to this year's second-place ranking, NCK Tech has been ranked seventh (2016), third (2017), and fifth (2018) for graduation rates among two-year colleges in the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NCK Tech not only graduates students, but the college also ensures students are ready for work. Furthermore, NCK Tech is nationally ranked for job placement, ranking as high as 1st in the nation in 2018.&nbsp; 

"This recognition is a wonderful tribute to the hard work our students invest and the high quality of employees we have at NCK Tech," said President Eric Burks. "It's the combination of their efforts and dedication that help NCK Tech to consistently achieve this national recognition, and most importantly it is what helps our students graduate and land great jobs."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Located in Beloit and Hays, Kan., North Central Kansas Technical College is dedicated to being a leader in workforce development by maximizing value for students, employers and communities through educational excellence. Our mission is to deliver applied, innovative and personalized education to empower learners, enrich lives, develop skilled professionals and strengthen economic systems. Achieving excellence with integrity through dedication, innovation, collaboration and communication is what we attain through our core values.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584371385296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NCK TechNorth Central Kansas Technical College was ranked second nationally among two-year colleges with the highest three-year graduation rates, by The Chronicle of Higher Education.&nbsp; With a 73.9 percent completion rate and a score of 136 out of completers within 150 percent of expected time, NCK Tech joins three other schools located in Kansas. NCK Tech has a strong reputation for helping students succeed and reach their goals. This is the fourth time in the last five years the college has been ranked in the top seven nationally in graduation rates. Previous to this year's second-place ranking, NCK Tech has been ranked seventh (2016), third (2017), and fifth (2018) for graduation rates among two-year colleges in the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;NCK Tech not only graduates students, but the college also ensures students are ready for work. Furthermore, NCK Tech is nationally ranked for job placement, ranking as high as 1st in the nation in 2018.&nbsp; "This recognition is a wonderful tribute to the hard work our students invest and the high quality of employees we have at NCK Tech," said President Eric Burks. "It's the combination of their efforts and dedication that help NCK Tech to consistently achieve this national recognition, and most importantly it is what helps our students graduate and land great jobs."&nbsp;&nbsp;Located in Beloit and Hays, Kan., North Central Kansas Technical College is dedicated to being a leader in workforce development by maximizing value for students, employers and communities through educational excellence. Our mission is to deliver applied, innovative and personalized education to empower learners, enrich lives, develop skilled professionals and strengthen economic systems. Achieving excellence with integrity through dedication, innovation, collaboration and communication is what we attain through our core values.

NCK Tech earns national honors for graduation rates

Leslie Haas is passionate about lifelong learning, and her career has focused on making learning easier for others.

Haas is bringing that philosophy to Fort Hays State University as the new Dean of Library Services. She will take over her new position at Forsyth Library in November.

Haas’ specialty has been building Learning Commons, a place she calls a “sandbox,” a place where students can try new equipment and experiment – and build community.

“I believe my job in my field is to help the students, the faculty, the entire campus community, learn and get excited about what it is that they are doing,” Haas said. “A library should be a place where students can go and explore and try out new ideas.”

After traveling the country – and the globe – both professionally and personally, Haas found familiarity in her new home in the center of the United States.

Haas comes to FHSU from Statesboro, Ga., where she has served as head of the Research Services Department for Georgia Southern University Libraries since 2017. Prior to that, she built Learning Commons areas in libraries at both Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates and Loyola University in Chicago. She grew up in Idaho and is currently working on her doctorate online from the University of Liverpool, England.

But she has a connection to Hays from years past. Her dad’s family is from Ness City, just 60 miles southwest of Hays, and while visiting her grandparents in Ness City as a youngster, she accompanied her family to Hays to shop.

“I have great memories of western Kansas from my childhood,” Haas said.

While browsing the Internet one day this summer, Haas became intrigued when she came across the Fort Hays State opening. She has a passion for libraries and remembers visiting her grandparents in Ness City every summer and making occasional trips to Hays.

“My parents are definitely excited about my new job,” Haas said. “My mom is coming to Georgia to help me pack up and move.”

Haas first got interested in libraries as a child when she discovered “the research process fascinated me.”

Following high school, she stayed in-state to work on her bachelor’s degree at Boise State University, then earned a master’s in library science from the University of Arizona and a master’s in education from Loyola University in Chicago.

“I feel fortunate my parents never put limits on where I could live, and learn,” she said.

Her experiences range from business reference librarian to numerous leadership roles

in Texas, Ohio, Utah and the Middle East.

“She brings with her vast experiences from around the world, as well as superb skills as a supervisor, administrator and leader in higher education,” said Dr. Jill Arensdorf, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “I look forward to working closely with Ms. Haas to expand library services and advance the Forsyth Library.”

Haas calls the advent of the Internet a game changer for libraries, where the staff’s responsibility to their clients changed from actually giving them the information at hand to helping them navigate through all the different avenues to find their information.

“Librarians have had to learn how to balance providing the information both locally and virtually because the Internet has impacted every part of our library,” she said. “That’s what makes librarianship in higher education so interesting – coming up with ways to meet the needs of all our clients, because there are a lot of different learners.”

Meeting students’ needs is a priority for Haas.

“What’s rewarding for me is that ‘ah-ha’ moment, when it clicks,” she said, “when someone sees the fruits of their research.”

Forsyth is scheduled for a complete renovation in a few years.

“The staff is excited about how the renovations will enhance the space and services were are providing, and I love that enthusiasm,” Haas said. “Fort Hays State is head and shoulders above so many other universities. There is a synergy there that is really exciting.”

However, she is already impressed with what the staff has accomplished and is looking forward to begin the next step of her journey with them.

“I want to work with the Forsyth staff and remove any barriers the students might have,” she said. “The students may not remember my name. But I would like for them to love how they felt when they were at the library.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600868770126.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsLeslie Haas is passionate about lifelong learning, and her career has focused on making learning easier for others.Haas is bringing that philosophy to Fort Hays State University as the new Dean of Library Services. She will take over her new position at Forsyth Library in November.Haas’ specialty has been building Learning Commons, a place she calls a “sandbox,” a place where students can try new equipment and experiment – and build community.“I believe my job in my field is to help the students, the faculty, the entire campus community, learn and get excited about what it is that they are doing,” Haas said. “A library should be a place where students can go and explore and try out new ideas.”After traveling the country – and the globe – both professionally and personally, Haas found familiarity in her new home in the center of the United States.Haas comes to FHSU from Statesboro, Ga., where she has served as head of the Research Services Department for Georgia Southern University Libraries since 2017. Prior to that, she built Learning Commons areas in libraries at both Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates and Loyola University in Chicago. She grew up in Idaho and is currently working on her doctorate online from the University of Liverpool, England.But she has a connection to Hays from years past. Her dad’s family is from Ness City, just 60 miles southwest of Hays, and while visiting her grandparents in Ness City as a youngster, she accompanied her family to Hays to shop.“I have great memories of western Kansas from my childhood,” Haas said.While browsing the Internet one day this summer, Haas became intrigued when she came across the Fort Hays State opening. She has a passion for libraries and remembers visiting her grandparents in Ness City every summer and making occasional trips to Hays.“My parents are definitely excited about my new job,” Haas said. “My mom is coming to Georgia to help me pack up and move.”Haas first got interested in libraries as a child when she discovered “the research process fascinated me.”Following high school, she stayed in-state to work on her bachelor’s degree at Boise State University, then earned a master’s in library science from the University of Arizona and a master’s in education from Loyola University in Chicago.“I feel fortunate my parents never put limits on where I could live, and learn,” she said.Her experiences range from business reference librarian to numerous leadership rolesin Texas, Ohio, Utah and the Middle East.“She brings with her vast experiences from around the world, as well as superb skills as a supervisor, administrator and leader in higher education,” said Dr. Jill Arensdorf, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “I look forward to working closely with Ms. Haas to expand library services and advance the Forsyth Library.”Haas calls the advent of the Internet a game changer for libraries, where the staff’s responsibility to their clients changed from actually giving them the information at hand to helping them navigate through all the different avenues to find their information.“Librarians have had to learn how to balance providing the information both locally and virtually because the Internet has impacted every part of our library,” she said. “That’s what makes librarianship in higher education so interesting – coming up with ways to meet the needs of all our clients, because there are a lot of different learners.”Meeting students’ needs is a priority for Haas.“What’s rewarding for me is that ‘ah-ha’ moment, when it clicks,” she said, “when someone sees the fruits of their research.”Forsyth is scheduled for a complete renovation in a few years.“The staff is excited about how the renovations will enhance the space and services were are providing, and I love that enthusiasm,” Haas said. “Fort Hays State is head and shoulders above so many other universities. There is a synergy there that is really exciting.”However, she is already impressed with what the staff has accomplished and is looking forward to begin the next step of her journey with them.“I want to work with the Forsyth staff and remove any barriers the students might have,” she said. “The students may not remember my name. But I would like for them to love how they felt when they were at the library.”

Learning is ‘common’ knowledge for new Forsyth Library dean at FHSU

EVANSTON, Ill. — Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Among these semifinalists was Andrew Duke, Hays High School senior. He is the grandson of Josephine Squires.

Duke scored a 76 on reading, writing and the math portions of the test.

Duke also earned a 36, the top score on the ACT.

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. 

Over 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

NMSC, a nonprofit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by about 400 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC's goals of honoring the nation's scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state's percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

To become a finalist, the semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist's academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official and write an essay.

From the approximately 16,000 semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance&nbsp; to the finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation.

All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference. 


Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2021. Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis.

About 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by about 220 corporations and business organizations for finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor's employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located.

In addition, about 180 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 4,100 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2021 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 353,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.

Fewer than half of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score.

In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2019, only 4,879 out of almost 1.8 million students who took the ACT earned a top composite score of 36.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1-36.

A student's composite score is the average of the four test scores. The score for ACT's optional writing test is reported separately and is not included within the ACT composite score.

In a letter to the student recognizing this exceptional achievement, ACT CEO Marten Roorda stated, "Your achievement on the ACT is significant and rare. Your exceptional scores will provide any college or university with ample evidence of your readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead."

The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam that measures what students have learned in school.

Students who earn a 36 composite score have likely mastered all of the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in first-year college courses in the core subject areas.

ACT scores are accepted by all major four-year colleges and universities across the United States.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601062061914.jpeg" alt="Andrew Duke" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Duke</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedEVANSTON, Ill. — Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.Among these semifinalists was Andrew Duke, Hays High School senior. He is the grandson of Josephine Squires.Duke scored a 76 on reading, writing and the math portions of the test.Duke also earned a 36, the top score on the ACT.These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring.To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. Over 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.NMSC, a nonprofit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by about 400 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC's goals of honoring the nation's scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.<h2>Steps in the 2021 competition</h2>Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants.The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state's percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.To become a finalist, the semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist's academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official and write an essay.From the approximately 16,000 semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance&nbsp; to the finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation.All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference. <h2>National Merit Scholarships </h2>
Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2021. Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis.About 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by about 220 corporations and business organizations for finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor's employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located.In addition, about 180 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 4,100 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.National Merit Scholarship winners of 2021 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 353,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.<h2>ACT</h2>Fewer than half of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score.In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2019, only 4,879 out of almost 1.8 million students who took the ACT earned a top composite score of 36.The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1-36.A student's composite score is the average of the four test scores. The score for ACT's optional writing test is reported separately and is not included within the ACT composite score.In a letter to the student recognizing this exceptional achievement, ACT CEO Marten Roorda stated, "Your achievement on the ACT is significant and rare. Your exceptional scores will provide any college or university with ample evidence of your readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead."The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam that measures what students have learned in school.Students who earn a 36 composite score have likely mastered all of the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in first-year college courses in the core subject areas.ACT scores are accepted by all major four-year colleges and universities across the United States.

HHS senior named National Merit semifinalist, earns top ACT score

The Heartland Community Foundation (HCF), which serves Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, is accepting applications for fall grants.

Online applications opened September 15 and are due Sunday, November 15, 2020.

Last fall, the foundation awarded Redbud Village nursing care, Plainville, funding to update their dining facilities. This provided a comfortable atmosphere for residents, staff and guests.

“Our residents look forward to inviting their family to see the new furniture and enjoy a meal. Without the help of the foundation, our residents would still be using the old restaurant style tables, that were loose, chipped and unsightly,” said grantee Megan Zahn.

This year, over $190,000 is available to charitable projects in Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties, with more than $50,000 available per county. This cycle will fund local community projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Projects focused on improving quality of life

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Projects that support the public health of Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Projects supporting education, health care, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification.

Funding for the fall grant cycle is provided by the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, the Heartland Healthy Living Fund and the Kansas Health Foundation, the Heartland Area Action Fund, the Ellis County Legacy Fund, the Rooks County Legacy Fund, and the Trego County Legacy Fund.

Grants are limited to projects in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties and will be awarded through a competitive application process.

Nonprofit organizations, including government and public entities, educational institutions and churches, are encouraged to apply.

Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on November 15.

Complete funding criteria and the grant application are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/search-apply-for-a-grant/">http://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/search-apply-for-a-grant/</a>.

For more information, contact Sandy Jacobs, executive director, at 785-621-4090.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600726153080.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HCFThe Heartland Community Foundation (HCF), which serves Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, is accepting applications for fall grants.Online applications opened September 15 and are due Sunday, November 15, 2020.Last fall, the foundation awarded Redbud Village nursing care, Plainville, funding to update their dining facilities. This provided a comfortable atmosphere for residents, staff and guests.“Our residents look forward to inviting their family to see the new furniture and enjoy a meal. Without the help of the foundation, our residents would still be using the old restaurant style tables, that were loose, chipped and unsightly,” said grantee Megan Zahn.This year, over $190,000 is available to charitable projects in Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties, with more than $50,000 available per county. This cycle will fund local community projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Projects focused on improving quality of life·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Projects that support the public health of Ellis, Rooks and Trego Counties·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Projects supporting education, health care, community social services and security, conservation and environment, arts and culture, and community beautification.Funding for the fall grant cycle is provided by the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, the Heartland Healthy Living Fund and the Kansas Health Foundation, the Heartland Area Action Fund, the Ellis County Legacy Fund, the Rooks County Legacy Fund, and the Trego County Legacy Fund.Grants are limited to projects in Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties and will be awarded through a competitive application process.Nonprofit organizations, including government and public entities, educational institutions and churches, are encouraged to apply.Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on November 15.Complete funding criteria and the grant application are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/search-apply-for-a-grant/">http://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/search-apply-for-a-grant/</a>.For more information, contact Sandy Jacobs, executive director, at 785-621-4090.

Grant applications open at Heartland Community Foundation

The 21st KSU Beef Stocker Field Day will be hosted virtually on Thursday, Oct. 1. The day will start at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome and conclude by noon. The tentative schedule is as follows:

&nbsp;9:30 am Welcome and Overview of the KSU Beef Stocker Unit – Mike Day, ASI Department Head, and Dale Blasi, KSU Extension Beef Specialist

&nbsp;Moderator – Wes Ishmael, Cattle Current

&nbsp;9:45 am Beef Cattle Market Outlook - Glynn Tonsor, KSU Agricultural Economist

10:15 am Making Alternative Ration Ingredient Changes Work – Justin Waggoner, KSU Extension Beef Specialist

&nbsp;10:45 am Nutrition and Management - Limit Feeding – Dale Blasi, KSU Extension Beef Specialist

&nbsp;11:15 am Economic Aspects - Limit Feeding – Glynn Tonsor, KSU Agricultural Economist

&nbsp;11:45 am Closing Remarks and Questions

Click <a href="https://ASI.KSU.EDU/StockerFieldDay">HERE</a> to learn more about the schedule and program. To register, click <a href="http://bit.ly/2020StockerFieldDay">HERE</a>. For more information, contact Dale Blasi at dblasi@ksu.edu or 785-532-5427.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592579538317.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The 21st KSU Beef Stocker Field Day will be hosted virtually on Thursday, Oct. 1. The day will start at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome and conclude by noon. The tentative schedule is as follows:&nbsp;9:30 am Welcome and Overview of the KSU Beef Stocker Unit – Mike Day, ASI Department Head, and Dale Blasi, KSU Extension Beef Specialist&nbsp;Moderator – Wes Ishmael, Cattle Current&nbsp;9:45 am Beef Cattle Market Outlook - Glynn Tonsor, KSU Agricultural Economist10:15 am Making Alternative Ration Ingredient Changes Work – Justin Waggoner, KSU Extension Beef Specialist&nbsp;10:45 am Nutrition and Management - Limit Feeding – Dale Blasi, KSU Extension Beef Specialist&nbsp;11:15 am Economic Aspects - Limit Feeding – Glynn Tonsor, KSU Agricultural Economist&nbsp;11:45 am Closing Remarks and QuestionsClick <a href="https://ASI.KSU.EDU/StockerFieldDay">HERE</a> to learn more about the schedule and program. To register, click <a href="http://bit.ly/2020StockerFieldDay">HERE</a>. For more information, contact Dale Blasi at dblasi@ksu.edu or 785-532-5427.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: 21st KSU Beef Stocker Field Day

Forty-six years ago, at the 1974 Kansas state fair U.S. Senate debate, Bob Dole altered the path of politics for both state and nation.

Down in the polls to Democratic Representative Bill Roy, Dole had struggled through the debate, nominally focused on agriculture.&nbsp; He faced the real possibility of losing his seat.

Flailing, Dole concluded by attacking Roy, a gynecologist, with this question: “I want to know how many abortions you’ve done, and where you stand on abortion?” Bill Roy subsequently recounted, “Ninety percent of that arena booed, whistled… [and] thought it was a terribly mean, ugly and wrong thing… But he’s playing to a very small audience…who would vote on the abortion issue only.”

In the wake of the historic 1973&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;Supreme Court decision, Bob Dole became, in a desperate moment, the first national politician to open the Pandora’s box of abortion politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The consensus explanation of Dole’s 1974 victory emphasizes (1) his campaign shake-up in September that led to a set of effective, hard-hitting television advertisements and (2) the senator’s strong performance in several heavily Catholic, traditionally Democratic communities.

Dole prevailed by 13,000 votes, by far the slimmest margin of his career and the closest Senate race since the 1930s.&nbsp;&nbsp; He never seriously revisited abortion as a core policy concern.&nbsp; Rather, as a fierce competitor, Dole reached out for an issue to use for his immediate advantage. He was ultimately rewarded with 22 more years in the Senate, 15 years in top leadership roles, and a run at the presidency in 1996.

Abortion issues became central to American politics in the 1980s and 1990s, but Dole largely ignored the issue; it had served its purpose.&nbsp;

Fast forward to Kansas, 2020, with abortion surfacing as a highly visible issue in the Senate race between two physicians, one an obstetrician/gynecologist.&nbsp; That candidate, First District Representative Roger Marshall, has adopted a radical anti-abortion position that permits no exceptions.&nbsp;

His opponent, state senator Dr. Barbara Bollier, an anesthesiologist, has compiled a steady pro-choice record over her medical and political career.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Unlike 1974, when abortion represented a new, uncertain subject, it has become a well-developed issue, to the point of calcification.&nbsp; Overall, most Kansans (and Americans) want abortion to remain legal, albeit with various restrictions.&nbsp; There are virtually no undecideds, and nationally just nine percent favor a “no exceptions” policy.

Remarkably, Marshall has painted Bollier on this and other issues as an “extremist,” wrongly accusing her, for example, of endorsing late-term abortions and supporting the Green New Deal.

In truth, Roger Marshall is the extremist. His hardline, no-exceptions anti-abortion policy locates him far outside the mainstream.&nbsp; Likewise, his opposition to Medicaid expansion, his cavalier attitude toward wearing masks, and his total support for Donald Trump’s anti-scientific pandemic pronouncements place him well beyond the s views of most Kansans.&nbsp;

Marshall even followed Trump’s lead in taking&nbsp;hydroxychloroquine to ward off the coronavirus, a risky, unscientific, and highly problematic act that Bollier immediately opposed.

In 1974, Bob Dole desperately grabbed the abortion issue; it was the cynical, but understandable, act of a career politician who saw his career in danger.&nbsp;

Conversely, as an ideologue, Roger Marshall has adopted far-right positions on abortion, health care, and other issues.&nbsp; In short, these politically questionable positions make him the radical in the 2020 U.S. Senate race.

Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574348610067.jpeg" alt="Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Forty-six years ago, at the 1974 Kansas state fair U.S. Senate debate, Bob Dole altered the path of politics for both state and nation.Down in the polls to Democratic Representative Bill Roy, Dole had struggled through the debate, nominally focused on agriculture.&nbsp; He faced the real possibility of losing his seat.Flailing, Dole concluded by attacking Roy, a gynecologist, with this question: “I want to know how many abortions you’ve done, and where you stand on abortion?” Bill Roy subsequently recounted, “Ninety percent of that arena booed, whistled… [and] thought it was a terribly mean, ugly and wrong thing… But he’s playing to a very small audience…who would vote on the abortion issue only.”In the wake of the historic 1973&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;Supreme Court decision, Bob Dole became, in a desperate moment, the first national politician to open the Pandora’s box of abortion politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;The consensus explanation of Dole’s 1974 victory emphasizes (1) his campaign shake-up in September that led to a set of effective, hard-hitting television advertisements and (2) the senator’s strong performance in several heavily Catholic, traditionally Democratic communities.Dole prevailed by 13,000 votes, by far the slimmest margin of his career and the closest Senate race since the 1930s.&nbsp;&nbsp; He never seriously revisited abortion as a core policy concern.&nbsp; Rather, as a fierce competitor, Dole reached out for an issue to use for his immediate advantage. He was ultimately rewarded with 22 more years in the Senate, 15 years in top leadership roles, and a run at the presidency in 1996.Abortion issues became central to American politics in the 1980s and 1990s, but Dole largely ignored the issue; it had served its purpose.&nbsp;Fast forward to Kansas, 2020, with abortion surfacing as a highly visible issue in the Senate race between two physicians, one an obstetrician/gynecologist.&nbsp; That candidate, First District Representative Roger Marshall, has adopted a radical anti-abortion position that permits no exceptions.&nbsp;His opponent, state senator Dr. Barbara Bollier, an anesthesiologist, has compiled a steady pro-choice record over her medical and political career.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike 1974, when abortion represented a new, uncertain subject, it has become a well-developed issue, to the point of calcification.&nbsp; Overall, most Kansans (and Americans) want abortion to remain legal, albeit with various restrictions.&nbsp; There are virtually no undecideds, and nationally just nine percent favor a “no exceptions” policy.Remarkably, Marshall has painted Bollier on this and other issues as an “extremist,” wrongly accusing her, for example, of endorsing late-term abortions and supporting the Green New Deal.In truth, Roger Marshall is the extremist. His hardline, no-exceptions anti-abortion policy locates him far outside the mainstream.&nbsp; Likewise, his opposition to Medicaid expansion, his cavalier attitude toward wearing masks, and his total support for Donald Trump’s anti-scientific pandemic pronouncements place him well beyond the s views of most Kansans.&nbsp;Marshall even followed Trump’s lead in taking&nbsp;hydroxychloroquine to ward off the coronavirus, a risky, unscientific, and highly problematic act that Bollier immediately opposed.In 1974, Bob Dole desperately grabbed the abortion issue; it was the cynical, but understandable, act of a career politician who saw his career in danger.&nbsp;Conversely, as an ideologue, Roger Marshall has adopted far-right positions on abortion, health care, and other issues.&nbsp; In short, these politically questionable positions make him the radical in the 2020 U.S. Senate race.Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Abortion and Senate campaigns — then and now

Thanks to Thomas More Prep-Marian for sharing its video stream of the Homecoming 2020 parade.

Thanks to Thomas More Prep-Marian for sharing its video stream of the Homecoming 2020 parade.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftmpmarian%2Fvideos%2F3586936581358843%2F&show_text=false&width=734&height=413&appId" width="734" height="413" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601067215481.jpeg" alt="Parade route" />
 <figcaption>Parade route</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Thomas More Prep-Marian Homecoming parade

The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days had risen to 21, from 17 on Wednesday.

The department reported 48 new cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, including four active hospitalizations. There are 212 active cases and 755 total recovered cases.

Since reporting began, there have been 970 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including three deaths.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to the highest level since reporting began at 30.5 percent, up from 27 percent Wednesday. Of the nearly 8,000 total tests, 11.8 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.

NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601059706549.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days had risen to 21, from 17 on Wednesday.The department reported 48 new cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, including four active hospitalizations. There are 212 active cases and 755 total recovered cases.Since reporting began, there have been 970 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including three deaths.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose to the highest level since reporting began at 30.5 percent, up from 27 percent Wednesday. Of the nearly 8,000 total tests, 11.8 percent have returned positive for COVID-19.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so the figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601055565332.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Per-day trend of COVID-19 cases increases to 21 in Ellis Co.

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Five people, including a 9-year-old girl with asthma and a Hays physician, told Hays city commissioners Thursday night they support extending the <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">face mask ordinance</a> scheduled to end Mon., Oct. 5.&nbsp;

Elizabeth Snyder, M.D., is a primary care doctor at HaysMed hospital who recommends to her patients they wear masks.

"It's hard to do research on masks," Snyder acknowledged,"... but it makes sense to me if there's a barrier of air exchange that's going to help reduce virus spread at least somewhat.

"I understand people wanting to have their free choice about what they decide to do but I really do think it does reflect well on as a community to have that ordinance in place."

Snyder urged commissioners to take some official action extending the face covering ordinance "probably indefinitely," she added, "so you wouldn't have to vote on it again."

Snyder and the others spoke during public comments. The ordinance was not on the agenda.

The commission will next meet Thursday, Oct. 1, for a work session. Those meetings are informational and do not include votes on agenda items.&nbsp;

Reading from her handprinted remarks, Lydia Hickel introduced herself as a student at St. Mary's School in Ellis who is at high risk for COVID-19 because she has asthma.

"I want to keep the masks because masks let me go to school and to the grocery store with my parents.

"Masks also let me do dance, my favorite sport, and if I didn't wear a mask, I wouldn't be able to go to dance."

Lydia also said she is "concerned that more people will get sick if we don't wear masks. I think we should keep the masks."

Lydia's mother, Cassie Hickel, spoke following her daughter's presentation.

"In our family of five, there are three of us at high risk. If we were to contract COVID, it could be truly devastating to our household."

Vice-mayor Sandy Jacobs thanked each speaker and praised Lydia Hickel for doing a great job.&nbsp;

There was no discussion by commissioners following the face mask supporters' remarks, nor at at the end of the meeting which allows each commissioner time for add-on comments and inquiries.&nbsp;

The Hays face covering ordinance went into <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/78a708f5-4f1e-401f-9bd3-85c618edb4de">effect July 23</a> and has been <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/71b2e036-1db2-45b6-86a9-c9d86520f000">extended once</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601001890743.jpeg" alt="One of the people Thursday asking the Hays city commission to extend the face mask ordinance scheduled to end Oct. 5." />
 <figcaption>One of the people Thursday asking the Hays city commission to extend the face mask ordinance scheduled to end Oct. 5.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostFive people, including a 9-year-old girl with asthma and a Hays physician, told Hays city commissioners Thursday night they support extending the <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">face mask ordinance</a> scheduled to end Mon., Oct. 5.&nbsp;Elizabeth Snyder, M.D., is a primary care doctor at HaysMed hospital who recommends to her patients they wear masks."It's hard to do research on masks," Snyder acknowledged,"... but it makes sense to me if there's a barrier of air exchange that's going to help reduce virus spread at least somewhat."I understand people wanting to have their free choice about what they decide to do but I really do think it does reflect well on as a community to have that ordinance in place."Snyder urged commissioners to take some official action extending the face covering ordinance "probably indefinitely," she added, "so you wouldn't have to vote on it again."Snyder and the others spoke during public comments. The ordinance was not on the agenda.The commission will next meet Thursday, Oct. 1, for a work session. Those meetings are informational and do not include votes on agenda items.&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BmE-1rO8X40"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Reading from her handprinted remarks, Lydia Hickel introduced herself as a student at St. Mary's School in Ellis who is at high risk for COVID-19 because she has asthma."I want to keep the masks because masks let me go to school and to the grocery store with my parents."Masks also let me do dance, my favorite sport, and if I didn't wear a mask, I wouldn't be able to go to dance."Lydia also said she is "concerned that more people will get sick if we don't wear masks. I think we should keep the masks." Lydia's mother, Cassie Hickel, spoke following her daughter's presentation."In our family of five, there are three of us at high risk. If we were to contract COVID, it could be truly devastating to our household."Vice-mayor Sandy Jacobs thanked each speaker and praised Lydia Hickel for doing a great job.&nbsp;There was no discussion by commissioners following the face mask supporters' remarks, nor at at the end of the meeting which allows each commissioner time for add-on comments and inquiries.&nbsp;The Hays face covering ordinance went into <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/78a708f5-4f1e-401f-9bd3-85c618edb4de">effect July 23</a> and has been <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/71b2e036-1db2-45b6-86a9-c9d86520f000">extended once</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mayor Shaun Musil was absent from the meeting.In other business, commissioners:* Approved rezoning of the 1500 block of 240th Avenue from Agriculture to Public and Institutional District for anticipated expansion of the Ellis County Landfill.* Approved a $73,742 agreement with Nex-Tech for fiber optic connectivity to the Hays Regional Airport and the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center to be paid entirely with federal CARES Act funding.

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