Nothing like a good storm starting with ice and ending with blowing snow and arctic temps to bring in the birds. 

While warmer than normal days and plentiful sunshine highlighted late fall and early winter, a first week in January storm countered those non-wintry days that had encouraged birds to forage naturally rather than rely on backyard feeders. Upon arrival, that more seasonal weather delivered hordes of birds to our feeders and heated water dish. Their appearance invited the local Cooper’s hawk to join the feeding frenzy.

One thing we’ve learned over decades of putting out seeds and suet for neighborhood birds is you also feed raptors who take the term bird feeder literally. This familiar female has lived nearby the four years we’ve been in this house and is the reason we installed protective netting over our chicken coop.

We hadn’t seen the old girl or our usuals while the nicer weather afforded them opportunities to fill their bellies in the wild. Once that storm blew in, it didn’t take long for the regulars to crowd the feeder for dinner and a drink. 

Because we leave plenty of summer garden growth standing, they also nibble seeds, perch high to scan the horizon, or duck and cover when their nemesis flies by. That day they darted unconcerned amongst the feeders, gobbling sunflower seeds and grain.

During the first day of the storm, the little brown birds—sparrows, starlings, and black birds flitted in and out of dried corn stalks, tomato vines, and sunflowers between visits to food and water. Watching them out the window, they didn’t act like a predator roamed the vicinity. It made me wonder if our resident Cooper’s hawk had left town.

Our freshly-filled dishes stood abandoned. It didn’t take long to spy our resident raptor perched on a stick near the asparagus bed where she actively tugged feathers from something larger than a sparrow but smaller than a Eurasian dove. 

She’d positioned herself so I could see only her backside and not the feast she intended to devour. While her body blocked the gory details, sharp winds blew feathers in every direction as she used her precision beak and talons to harvest protein necessary for survival. Arctic gusts not only blew her prey’s feathers about, they riffled her head, wing, and back as she swallowed life-sustaining calories.

Part of me felt sorry for her target. However, the side that loves raptors cheered her on. 

Ice, sleet, snow, and wind worked against every one of these birds. Ask any traveler or first responder standing outside in that storm, and they’d tell you it was miserable. During the peak of this storm, we received a text from some state entity telling us not to travel unnecessarily. Duh!

We didn’t drive anywhere. Instead, we stood in our dining room, watching creatures fighting wind, moisture, and frigid temps. All of them desperately needed fuel to survive. As I warmed my feet on the furnace vent, sipping morning coffee, gazing out the window at Mother Nature’s spin on the movie Frozen, I admired this hunter’s skill and wished her well.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736523108332.jpeg" alt="Cooper's hawk devouring its prey. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Cooper's hawk devouring its prey. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINNothing like a good storm starting with ice and ending with blowing snow and arctic temps to bring in the birds. While warmer than normal days and plentiful sunshine highlighted late fall and early winter, a first week in January storm countered those non-wintry days that had encouraged birds to forage naturally rather than rely on backyard feeders. Upon arrival, that more seasonal weather delivered hordes of birds to our feeders and heated water dish. Their appearance invited the local Cooper’s hawk to join the feeding frenzy.One thing we’ve learned over decades of putting out seeds and suet for neighborhood birds is you also feed raptors who take the term bird feeder literally. This familiar female has lived nearby the four years we’ve been in this house and is the reason we installed protective netting over our chicken coop.We hadn’t seen the old girl or our usuals while the nicer weather afforded them opportunities to fill their bellies in the wild. Once that storm blew in, it didn’t take long for the regulars to crowd the feeder for dinner and a drink. Because we leave plenty of summer garden growth standing, they also nibble seeds, perch high to scan the horizon, or duck and cover when their nemesis flies by. That day they darted unconcerned amongst the feeders, gobbling sunflower seeds and grain.During the first day of the storm, the little brown birds—sparrows, starlings, and black birds flitted in and out of dried corn stalks, tomato vines, and sunflowers between visits to food and water. Watching them out the window, they didn’t act like a predator roamed the vicinity. It made me wonder if our resident Cooper’s hawk had left town.By mid-morning Sunday, we knew better. Our freshly-filled dishes stood abandoned. It didn’t take long to spy our resident raptor perched on a stick near the asparagus bed where she actively tugged feathers from something larger than a sparrow but smaller than a Eurasian dove. She’d positioned herself so I could see only her backside and not the feast she intended to devour. While her body blocked the gory details, sharp winds blew feathers in every direction as she used her precision beak and talons to harvest protein necessary for survival. Arctic gusts not only blew her prey’s feathers about, they riffled her head, wing, and back as she swallowed life-sustaining calories.Part of me felt sorry for her target. However, the side that loves raptors cheered her on. Ice, sleet, snow, and wind worked against every one of these birds. Ask any traveler or first responder standing outside in that storm, and they’d tell you it was miserable. During the peak of this storm, we received a text from some state entity telling us not to travel unnecessarily. Duh!We didn’t drive anywhere. Instead, we stood in our dining room, watching creatures fighting wind, moisture, and frigid temps. All of them desperately needed fuel to survive. As I warmed my feet on the furnace vent, sipping morning coffee, gazing out the window at Mother Nature’s spin on the movie Frozen, I admired this hunter’s skill and wished her well.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Admiring a hunter

Kansas Democratic Party TOPEKA — First, Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover) banned the free press from the Senate Chamber floor and now, as reported by the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/13/kansas-house-speaker-bans-reporters-from-chamber-floor-doesnt-say-why/">Kansas Reflector</a>, his counterpart in the House, Speaker Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) is doing the same and forcing the press off the floor of the House Chamber.

Reporters and other media will no longer be allowed access to a designated workstation on either chamber floor and instead must observe and report from the public gallery. 

This move comes on the heels of <a href="http://honest">Senate Democratic Leader’s Dinah Sykes’ recent op-ed</a> highlighting Republican leadership’s efforts to hide their true priorities: “With their supermajority, Republican politicians have promised paybacks for the ultra-rich, big corporations and out-of-state interests trying to impose their will on our state.”

 “Very few things that are good, right or well-intentioned are done in the dark,” said Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass.

 “Our free press and media provide a light on our politics and our lawmakers. It is disgraceful and disrespectful to Kansans to have this assault on the free press in our state capitol. What are Republicans trying to hide from the people who they are supposed to represent?,” said Repass.

 The Kansas Democratic Party calls on Speaker Dan Hawkins to reverse this disturbing measure to suppress the media and reporters immediately. 

As the 2025 legislative session moves into its first full week, Republicans must allow the citizens of Kansas to have access to the people whom we have entrusted as our representatives as they make the laws that impact our lives.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736956952802.png" alt="Kansas Democratic Party" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Democratic Party</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Democratic Party TOPEKA — First, Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover) banned the free press from the Senate Chamber floor and now, as reported by the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/13/kansas-house-speaker-bans-reporters-from-chamber-floor-doesnt-say-why/">Kansas Reflector</a>, his counterpart in the House, Speaker Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) is doing the same and forcing the press off the floor of the House Chamber. Reporters and other media will no longer be allowed access to a designated workstation on either chamber floor and instead must observe and report from the public gallery. This move comes on the heels of <a href="http://honest">Senate Democratic Leader’s Dinah Sykes’ recent op-ed</a> highlighting Republican leadership’s efforts to hide their true priorities: “With their supermajority, Republican politicians have promised paybacks for the ultra-rich, big corporations and out-of-state interests trying to impose their will on our state.” “Very few things that are good, right or well-intentioned are done in the dark,” said Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass. “Our free press and media provide a light on our politics and our lawmakers. It is disgraceful and disrespectful to Kansans to have this assault on the free press in our state capitol. What are Republicans trying to hide from the people who they are supposed to represent?,” said Repass. The Kansas Democratic Party calls on Speaker Dan Hawkins to reverse this disturbing measure to suppress the media and reporters immediately. As the 2025 legislative session moves into its first full week, Republicans must allow the citizens of Kansas to have access to the people whom we have entrusted as our representatives as they make the laws that impact our lives.&nbsp;

Kansas Democratic Party: 'Republicans intent on hiding their actions from Kansas public'

By STEVE GILLILAND As I left our deer blind this morning ahead of the approaching winter storm, the windows of my pickup were already icing over, and my driveway was so slick already, I nearly feel on my butt when I stepped out of the truck at home. That should have answered the nagging question “Did I stay long enough in the blind?” Yet here I sit, a little guy on my shoulder whispering in my ear “What a loser; you should have stayed loooonger!”

This has been a different and exasperating deer season for many hunters in my area. 

Several local hunters have come away without harvesting deer, as the deer just don’t appear to be here. The moon was full or bright for much of the regular firearms season, raising the excuse that the deer were simply moving at night. That coupled with the unseasonably mild weather, makes that theory more than plausible. 

But an avid deer hunter nearby told me he has seen fewer pictures on his cameras this year than any year he can remember. The three years of drought that has plagued our state might also be a factor, as drought affects fawn survival and forces deer to drink from stagnant water holes which foster diseases like Blue Tongue.

Around here, it always seems the nearer the river, the more deer there are. 

With that in mind, I was given the chance to hunt from a friend's raised blind close to the river. He had gotten a buck there opening morning, but for the next several days, I saw a total of two small bucks. The owner even sat with me one morning this week during antlerless season as a second set of eyes, and we saw nothing. 

The farmer just across the fence had counted 17 in the field well after dark one night as he worked in the field, again, lending credence to the theory that the deer were moving at night. But this morning ahead of the storm, a 13-year-old girl got her first deer from that blind, which happened to be the only deer they saw.

Volumes have been written instructing deer hunters how to have a successful deer season, but try as I might, I can’t find anything consoling those of us who failed to harvest a deer this year, or instructing us how to cope for the next twelve months. 

So, besides giving you the names of the local psychiatrists and advising you to just go out and buy half a hog, I’ll try to offer some advice as coming from a deer hunter who’s been down that “empty freezer” road more than once.

First and foremost, you know how I feel about the term “unsuccessful” as it relates to any hunting trip or outdoor adventure. I live by the cliché that a bad day in the woods is still better than a good day at work or most other places for that matter. 

I have to remind myself that watching the owl silently land in the tree in front of our blind, or hearing the wailing howls of coyotes help make the morning anything but “unsuccessful.” 

Failure to harvest a deer doesn’t necessarily mean you did something wrong. If you missed an easy shot or spooked the deer by being seen, smelled or heard, yes, that was your mistake. But things beyond our control affect deer harvests also.

So, here’s my advice to all deer hunters who didn’t connect this year. 

First, figure out how to correct mistakes that might have cost you your venison. This can include spending time at the range if you missed an easy shot. 

Secondly, get permission to hunt more property. One cannot have too many places to hunt deer; it’s like having too much&nbsp;money! The more ground you can hunt, the better the odds of finding deer under any circumstance. 

Last, and certainly not least, spend time in the field or woods with your binoculars. I grew up hunting Ohio whitetails with a group of guys that included a couple seasoned deer hunters. When deer season ended, it became a tradition to ask each other “Well, are you eating venison or bologna?” Pre-season scouting can often mean the difference between venison and bologna for the next twelve months.

Now that I’ve finished this week’s contribution, please excuse me while I get to work on recipes for my new cookbook, 101 Ways to Cook Bologna...

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND As I left our deer blind this morning ahead of the approaching winter storm, the windows of my pickup were already icing over, and my driveway was so slick already, I nearly feel on my butt when I stepped out of the truck at home. That should have answered the nagging question “Did I stay long enough in the blind?” Yet here I sit, a little guy on my shoulder whispering in my ear “What a loser; you should have stayed loooonger!”This has been a different and exasperating deer season for many hunters in my area. Several local hunters have come away without harvesting deer, as the deer just don’t appear to be here. The moon was full or bright for much of the regular firearms season, raising the excuse that the deer were simply moving at night. That coupled with the unseasonably mild weather, makes that theory more than plausible. But an avid deer hunter nearby told me he has seen fewer pictures on his cameras this year than any year he can remember. The three years of drought that has plagued our state might also be a factor, as drought affects fawn survival and forces deer to drink from stagnant water holes which foster diseases like Blue Tongue.Around here, it always seems the nearer the river, the more deer there are. With that in mind, I was given the chance to hunt from a friend's raised blind close to the river. He had gotten a buck there opening morning, but for the next several days, I saw a total of two small bucks. The owner even sat with me one morning this week during antlerless season as a second set of eyes, and we saw nothing. The farmer just across the fence had counted 17 in the field well after dark one night as he worked in the field, again, lending credence to the theory that the deer were moving at night. But this morning ahead of the storm, a 13-year-old girl got her first deer from that blind, which happened to be the only deer they saw.Volumes have been written instructing deer hunters how to have a successful deer season, but try as I might, I can’t find anything consoling those of us who failed to harvest a deer this year, or instructing us how to cope for the next twelve months. So, besides giving you the names of the local psychiatrists and advising you to just go out and buy half a hog, I’ll try to offer some advice as coming from a deer hunter who’s been down that “empty freezer” road more than once.First and foremost, you know how I feel about the term “unsuccessful” as it relates to any hunting trip or outdoor adventure. I live by the cliché that a bad day in the woods is still better than a good day at work or most other places for that matter. I have to remind myself that watching the owl silently land in the tree in front of our blind, or hearing the wailing howls of coyotes help make the morning anything but “unsuccessful.” Failure to harvest a deer doesn’t necessarily mean you did something wrong. If you missed an easy shot or spooked the deer by being seen, smelled or heard, yes, that was your mistake. But things beyond our control affect deer harvests also.So, here’s my advice to all deer hunters who didn’t connect this year. First, figure out how to correct mistakes that might have cost you your venison. This can include spending time at the range if you missed an easy shot. Secondly, get permission to hunt more property. One cannot have too many places to hunt deer; it’s like having too much&nbsp;money! The more ground you can hunt, the better the odds of finding deer under any circumstance. Last, and certainly not least, spend time in the field or woods with your binoculars. I grew up hunting Ohio whitetails with a group of guys that included a couple seasoned deer hunters. When deer season ended, it became a tradition to ask each other “Well, are you eating venison or bologna?” Pre-season scouting can often mean the difference between venison and bologna for the next twelve months.Now that I’ve finished this week’s contribution, please excuse me while I get to work on recipes for my new cookbook, 101 Ways to Cook Bologna...Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: How to survive an unsuccessful deer season

By&nbsp;MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

Currently (excuse the pun), electric vehicles make up only about 1% of the car and light truck market in Kansas–but that will change. Even the climate denialism of President-elect Trump cannot stop it. His newfound friendship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk is sure to keep EV sales strong. Besides, a new Panasonic EV battery factory being built in DeSoto received the largest state tax incentive package in Kansas history– $2.5 billion.

EVs are not perfect. They are expensive. It takes longer to charge an EV battery than to fill a gas tank, and that’s assuming that high-capacity chargers are available. These tend to be found only along interstates and in urban areas. EV motors and batteries require precious metals, the mining of which can lead to environmental degradation and abuse of workers. Finally, their unique combination of metals can burn differently than other materials, presenting new challenges to firefighters and other first responders

That said, EVs are still much better for the environment. They require no petroleum fuels, and the carbon footprint of generating their electricity is just a fraction of the tailpipe emissions generated by internal combustion engines. EVs also save the environmental cost of oil drilling, refining and shipping. Many EV drivers recharge the vehicles overnight at home. This leads to more consistent electricity generation throughout the day, which brings greater efficiencies at the power plant. The electricity can also be generated through cleaner sources such as wind and solar. Recharging EV batteries costs only about a third the price of refueling a gas tank.

For Kansas, several policy challenges await. Like most states, Kansas funds the state’s roads and highways primarily with motor fuel taxes on gasoline and diesel, which in turns leverage federal matching funds, also generated with motor fuel taxes. EV drivers do not pay these taxes. Kansas joins many other states in levying additional registration fees on EVs, but at $20-$30 per year, they do not replace the revenue generated by the average car or light truck in Kansas: over $110 annually in state taxes alone.

Some states have gotten creative. Oregon’s experimental OReGO plan uses monitors to assess how many miles a driver puts on their car each year, and levies a per-mile tax. Yet the idea of the state monitoring our driving habits is sure to rankle Kansas’ libertarian sensibilities. Even Oregon made the program voluntary. OReGO will probably be a no-go around here.

In a classic example of steering a straight course in all directions, the federal government and many states also offer tax credits for the purchase of EVs, due to their environmental benefits. A recent Kansas Reflector article noted that these credits were sharply restricted for EVs in Kansas several years ago. However, the federal credit is still in effect.

Other EV challenges include new training for firefighters. Notwithstanding the recent, viral, debunked “Tesla fires” social media post, EVs’ unique materials present some challenges to first responders, including those working along highways and near battery factories.

As for Tesla, they no longer own the market for EVs but they are still a major player. Kansas’ auto dealership licensing laws currently prohibit Tesla’s direct-to-consumer sales, but this may be the year that the legislature updates those laws. Right now, the closest place for most Kansans to test drive and service Teslas is Kansas City, MO.

EVs’ popularity continues to grow. Conspiracy theories and culture warriors notwithstanding, it is time for Kansas legislators to make the law more… well, current.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt="Michael A. Smith" />
 <figcaption>Michael A. Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasCurrently (excuse the pun), electric vehicles make up only about 1% of the car and light truck market in Kansas–but that will change. Even the climate denialism of President-elect Trump cannot stop it. His newfound friendship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk is sure to keep EV sales strong. Besides, a new Panasonic EV battery factory being built in DeSoto received the largest state tax incentive package in Kansas history– $2.5 billion.EVs are not perfect. They are expensive. It takes longer to charge an EV battery than to fill a gas tank, and that’s assuming that high-capacity chargers are available. These tend to be found only along interstates and in urban areas. EV motors and batteries require precious metals, the mining of which can lead to environmental degradation and abuse of workers. Finally, their unique combination of metals can burn differently than other materials, presenting new challenges to firefighters and other first respondersThat said, EVs are still much better for the environment. They require no petroleum fuels, and the carbon footprint of generating their electricity is just a fraction of the tailpipe emissions generated by internal combustion engines. EVs also save the environmental cost of oil drilling, refining and shipping. Many EV drivers recharge the vehicles overnight at home. This leads to more consistent electricity generation throughout the day, which brings greater efficiencies at the power plant. The electricity can also be generated through cleaner sources such as wind and solar. Recharging EV batteries costs only about a third the price of refueling a gas tank.For Kansas, several policy challenges await. Like most states, Kansas funds the state’s roads and highways primarily with motor fuel taxes on gasoline and diesel, which in turns leverage federal matching funds, also generated with motor fuel taxes. EV drivers do not pay these taxes. Kansas joins many other states in levying additional registration fees on EVs, but at $20-$30 per year, they do not replace the revenue generated by the average car or light truck in Kansas: over $110 annually in state taxes alone.Some states have gotten creative. Oregon’s experimental OReGO plan uses monitors to assess how many miles a driver puts on their car each year, and levies a per-mile tax. Yet the idea of the state monitoring our driving habits is sure to rankle Kansas’ libertarian sensibilities. Even Oregon made the program voluntary. OReGO will probably be a no-go around here.In a classic example of steering a straight course in all directions, the federal government and many states also offer tax credits for the purchase of EVs, due to their environmental benefits. A recent Kansas Reflector article noted that these credits were sharply restricted for EVs in Kansas several years ago. However, the federal credit is still in effect.Other EV challenges include new training for firefighters. Notwithstanding the recent, viral, debunked “Tesla fires” social media post, EVs’ unique materials present some challenges to first responders, including those working along highways and near battery factories.As for Tesla, they no longer own the market for EVs but they are still a major player. Kansas’ auto dealership licensing laws currently prohibit Tesla’s direct-to-consumer sales, but this may be the year that the legislature updates those laws. Right now, the closest place for most Kansans to test drive and service Teslas is Kansas City, MO.EVs’ popularity continues to grow. Conspiracy theories and culture warriors notwithstanding, it is time for Kansas legislators to make the law more… well, current.

INSIGHT KANSAS: More electric vehicles are coming to Kansas 

By STACY CAMPBELL Crop Production&nbsp;Agent Cottonwood Extension District

The Cottonwood Extension District along with other county and district Extension offices throughout the state are offering several programs that may be of interest to agricultural producers and their families this winter.

Transition planning is always a hot topic, especially among agriculture producers and agriculture landowners. This winter K-State Research &amp; Extension (KSRE) County and Districts are teaming up with the KSRE Agriculture Economics Department to offer throughout the state, the series “Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women – Succession Planning." 

This program will feature a livestreamed keynote presentation and local hands-on activities to motivate participants to create farm succession plans and facilitate family and business conversations around this vital topic.

According to data from the U.S. Census, 70% of U.S. farmland will transfer to the next generation within 20 years.

The Succession Planning workshops will be held on successive Tuesdays in Great Bend and Hays beginning Jan. 21 and 28, and continuing on Feb. 4 and 11. To learn more and to register by the Jan. 13th deadline go to <a href="https://www.agmanager.info/">www.agmanager.info</a>.

The popular annual “Cover Your Acres Winter Conference" in Oberlin will be held January 21 and 22. The same programs will be offered both days of the conference, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m. 

The conference, which typically draws more than 400 attendees from Kansas and other states, highlights the latest technology, methods, and conservation practices to improve crop production in the region. To see program topics and speakers and to register by the early bird deadline of January 15, go to <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/">www.wkrec.org/events</a>.

Do you currently have agriculture employees or wish to hire them? Learn about employee classification, labor laws, payroll computation, payroll deposits, and employee benefits at an “Agricultural Payroll for Producers" program January 22 in Dodge City, January 23 in Hays, January 28 in Topeka and January 30 in Parsons. 

For additional information and to register, contact Chelsea Plummer at ecplummer@ksu.edu or 316-393-1830 or the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 785-628-9430.

Two other programs being offered both on January 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. are “Soil Fertility School” in Rush Center at Township Hall, 220 Union St., and “Keeping Grass Grass a Rangeland Brush Management: Identification and Control Program” at Hoisington Activity Center. 

To register for the brush management meeting, call the Great Bend office 620-793-1910. To register for the soil fertility meeting, call the Hays Office by Jan. 15 at 785-628-9430.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension Agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis Counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Crop Production&nbsp;Agent Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe Cottonwood Extension District along with other county and district Extension offices throughout the state are offering several programs that may be of interest to agricultural producers and their families this winter.Transition planning is always a hot topic, especially among agriculture producers and agriculture landowners. This winter K-State Research &amp; Extension (KSRE) County and Districts are teaming up with the KSRE Agriculture Economics Department to offer throughout the state, the series “Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women – Succession Planning." This program will feature a livestreamed keynote presentation and local hands-on activities to motivate participants to create farm succession plans and facilitate family and business conversations around this vital topic.According to data from the U.S. Census, 70% of U.S. farmland will transfer to the next generation within 20 years.The Succession Planning workshops will be held on successive Tuesdays in Great Bend and Hays beginning Jan. 21 and 28, and continuing on Feb. 4 and 11. To learn more and to register by the Jan. 13th deadline go to <a href="https://www.agmanager.info/">www.agmanager.info</a>.The popular annual “Cover Your Acres Winter Conference" in Oberlin will be held January 21 and 22. The same programs will be offered both days of the conference, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m. The conference, which typically draws more than 400 attendees from Kansas and other states, highlights the latest technology, methods, and conservation practices to improve crop production in the region. To see program topics and speakers and to register by the early bird deadline of January 15, go to <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/">www.wkrec.org/events</a>.Do you currently have agriculture employees or wish to hire them? Learn about employee classification, labor laws, payroll computation, payroll deposits, and employee benefits at an “Agricultural Payroll for Producers" program January 22 in Dodge City, January 23 in Hays, January 28 in Topeka and January 30 in Parsons. For additional information and to register, contact Chelsea Plummer at ecplummer@ksu.edu or 316-393-1830 or the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 785-628-9430.Two other programs being offered both on January 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. are “Soil Fertility School” in Rush Center at Township Hall, 220 Union St., and “Keeping Grass Grass a Rangeland Brush Management: Identification and Control Program” at Hoisington Activity Center. To register for the brush management meeting, call the Great Bend office 620-793-1910. To register for the soil fertility meeting, call the Hays Office by Jan. 15 at 785-628-9430.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension Agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis Counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Upcoming programs of interest to farmers, ranchers, spouses

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Having hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leadingcauses of death in the United States.

Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension.

Only about 1 in 4 adults (24%) with hypertension have their condition under control.

To address hypertension in Kansas, K-State Research and Extension is bringing the Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program (HAPp) to Ellis and Barton County. HAPp is a four-month self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) program that will provide participants with:

An opportunity to meet with a trained HAPp Coach twice a month to help take and track blood pressure.

Stress management and healthy lifestyle strategies.

Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have been prescribed high bloodpressure medication.

Have not experienced a cardiac event within the last 6 months.

Have not been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias.

Have not been diagnosed with or be at risk for lymphedema.

There is strong evidence that suggests that participants who engage in SMBP along with clinical or community support can lower their high blood pressure. If you want to participate but are unsure if you meet the requirements, please contact your primary care provider for written permission to participate.

Participants are expected to attend the Kick-Off meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Participants are expected to measure their blood pressure at home at least twice per month (February – May).

Participants are expected to attend office hours to discuss SMBP readings and healthy lifestyle strategies twice per month (February – May). Office hours will be scheduled at the Kick-Off meeting.

Participants are highly encouraged to attend nutrition education workshops once per month (February 25th, March 25th, April 29th, May 27th).

*All events will be held at the Ellis County or Barton County Extension Offices and by zoom. Registration opens on January 7, 2025, and closes on February 3, 2025. The program is FREE, but you must register to attend. For any questions, please contact Monique Koerner at moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430. To register, please call the office at 785-628-9430.

Please note – HAPp Coaches will not be diagnosing conditions or interpreting blood pressure readings. The HAPp Coach’s role is to help participants: learn proper self-monitoring blood pressure techniques; make their own determination if blood pressure readings are within a healthy range; learn healthy lifestyle strategies that can reduce high blood pressure; and connect to community resources or other Extension programs that can improve health and well-being.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="KOERNER: New blood pressure program for 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=2h66d-17a034f-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe Facts…Having hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leadingcauses of death in the United States.Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension.Only about 1 in 4 adults (24%) with hypertension have their condition under control.To address hypertension in Kansas, K-State Research and Extension is bringing the Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program (HAPp) to Ellis and Barton County. HAPp is a four-month self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) program that will provide participants with:A FREE validated blood pressure monitor.An opportunity to meet with a trained HAPp Coach twice a month to help take and track blood pressure.Monthly nutrition education workshops.Stress management and healthy lifestyle strategies.Participation Requirements:Participants must be at least 18 years old.Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have been prescribed high bloodpressure medication.Have not experienced a cardiac event within the last 6 months.Have not been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias.Have not been diagnosed with or be at risk for lymphedema.There is strong evidence that suggests that participants who engage in SMBP along with clinical or community support can lower their high blood pressure. If you want to participate but are unsure if you meet the requirements, please contact your primary care provider for written permission to participate.What to Expect:Participants are expected to attend the Kick-Off meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.Participants are expected to measure their blood pressure at home at least twice per month (February – May).Participants are expected to attend office hours to discuss SMBP readings and healthy lifestyle strategies twice per month (February – May). Office hours will be scheduled at the Kick-Off meeting.Participants are highly encouraged to attend nutrition education workshops once per month (February 25th, March 25th, April 29th, May 27th).*All events will be held at the Ellis County or Barton County Extension Offices and by zoom. Registration opens on January 7, 2025, and closes on February 3, 2025. The program is FREE, but you must register to attend. For any questions, please contact Monique Koerner at moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430. To register, please call the office at 785-628-9430.Please note – HAPp Coaches will not be diagnosing conditions or interpreting blood pressure readings. The HAPp Coach’s role is to help participants: learn proper self-monitoring blood pressure techniques; make their own determination if blood pressure readings are within a healthy range; learn healthy lifestyle strategies that can reduce high blood pressure; and connect to community resources or other Extension programs that can improve health and well-being.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.eduK-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

🎙 KOERNER: New blood pressure program for 2025

While some locals start the new year with a good Volga German wuenching with the hope of picking up not only good luck but a shiny quarter or better, I prefer celebrating with a savory Southern custom. 

Though I have Volga German ancestry, we never learned the traditional VG good wishes for health, long life, and eternity that many descendants in this area share on January 1. 

Because that grandmother married a Georgia man, and they had three sons who worked Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Montana oil patches, my family practiced the southern black-eyed pea, ham, and greens January 1 tradition. As a bonus, anytime you can add dumplings to broth, you’ve got a win-win situation. Double bonus--you don’t have to worry about mispronouncing unfamiliar German words.

When we first married, my husband didn’t immediately take to eating black-eyed peas, ham, and cabbage New Years Day. He’d gladly devour any ham put before him whether sliced, diced, or ground, but he suspiciously eyed those funny-looking legumes and insisted cooked cabbage made the kitchen stink. 

As a new bride, I sweetly ignored his protests and reminded him he had to have at least a bite to assure himself of health, wealth, and good luck in the upcoming year. Despite eating several bowls full every January 1, I couldn’t carry the entire responsibility for guaranteeing 365 days of family good fortune.

Repetition improves most anything, and after our first decade, my sweetheart looked forward to the annual new year’s menu and urged our tiny daughters to eat a spoonful as well. After a few more decades, he’d noted the merits of his bride’s happy smile as she watched him eat this once-a-year dose of good fortune. 

Sometimes, I made our Hoppin’ John with canned black-eyed peas and other years from a bag of dry B-E-Ps I’d soaked 24 hours before cooking. No matter, savory scents emanating from ham bones and meat, earthy beans, onion and garlic notes, as well as pungent cabbage filled our kitchen year after year.

We took our black-eyed peas extra seriously when the girls were young. One year, I gave them a spot in the garden to plant black-eyed peas. Imagine the surprise of local 4-H judges when they observed unusual legumes displayed during the annual Free Fair. I guess they became a more common garden item because this year, I saw B-E-Ps displayed at the Ellis Free Fair

Personally, I like black-eyed peas. I don’t care if they were originally grown in the old South as livestock feed. According to one source, humans didn’t eat them until Sherman’s troops marched through Georgia burning farm fields to induce a famine to hasten the end of that war. Surviving livestock may have starved, but, thank goodness, humans discovered this protein-packed delicacy.

I like the tiny kidney shapes sporting a black eye served in soups, as cowboy caviar with chips, and in summer salads combined with lime juice, diced peppers, red onions, and sharp vinegars. I bet they make a great hummus substitute or burrito filling. Test kitchen coming up.

The real luck might be dining on this little protein pack year-round.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736261784989.jpeg" alt="Black-eyed peas. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Black-eyed peas. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINWhile some locals start the new year with a good Volga German wuenching with the hope of picking up not only good luck but a shiny quarter or better, I prefer celebrating with a savory Southern custom. Though I have Volga German ancestry, we never learned the traditional VG good wishes for health, long life, and eternity that many descendants in this area share on January 1. Because that grandmother married a Georgia man, and they had three sons who worked Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Montana oil patches, my family practiced the southern black-eyed pea, ham, and greens January 1 tradition. As a bonus, anytime you can add dumplings to broth, you’ve got a win-win situation. Double bonus--you don’t have to worry about mispronouncing unfamiliar German words.When we first married, my husband didn’t immediately take to eating black-eyed peas, ham, and cabbage New Years Day. He’d gladly devour any ham put before him whether sliced, diced, or ground, but he suspiciously eyed those funny-looking legumes and insisted cooked cabbage made the kitchen stink. As a new bride, I sweetly ignored his protests and reminded him he had to have at least a bite to assure himself of health, wealth, and good luck in the upcoming year. Despite eating several bowls full every January 1, I couldn’t carry the entire responsibility for guaranteeing 365 days of family good fortune.Repetition improves most anything, and after our first decade, my sweetheart looked forward to the annual new year’s menu and urged our tiny daughters to eat a spoonful as well. After a few more decades, he’d noted the merits of his bride’s happy smile as she watched him eat this once-a-year dose of good fortune. Sometimes, I made our Hoppin’ John with canned black-eyed peas and other years from a bag of dry B-E-Ps I’d soaked 24 hours before cooking. No matter, savory scents emanating from ham bones and meat, earthy beans, onion and garlic notes, as well as pungent cabbage filled our kitchen year after year.We took our black-eyed peas extra seriously when the girls were young. One year, I gave them a spot in the garden to plant black-eyed peas. Imagine the surprise of local 4-H judges when they observed unusual legumes displayed during the annual Free Fair. I guess they became a more common garden item because this year, I saw B-E-Ps displayed at the Ellis Free FairPersonally, I like black-eyed peas. I don’t care if they were originally grown in the old South as livestock feed. According to one source, humans didn’t eat them until Sherman’s troops marched through Georgia burning farm fields to induce a famine to hasten the end of that war. Surviving livestock may have starved, but, thank goodness, humans discovered this protein-packed delicacy.I like the tiny kidney shapes sporting a black eye served in soups, as cowboy caviar with chips, and in summer salads combined with lime juice, diced peppers, red onions, and sharp vinegars. I bet they make a great hummus substitute or burrito filling. Test kitchen coming up.The real luck might be dining on this little protein pack year-round.

MADORIN: New Year’s tradition — Protein-packed luck

By ALICIA BOOR Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp;

It is hard to prepare for extreme winter weather when December was so warm. 

However, variability is a characteristic of Kansas weather and a drop in temperature with above normal precipitation can create some very stressful conditions for livestock. Animals adapt to colder weather as we go through the fall into winter, but if there is an abrupt change, without acclimation, the stress is compounded.

Many of us are all too aware of the impact wind has on what it takes to keep warm in the winter. Wind speed along with temperature, humidity, and solar radiation have been combined into an animal comfort index that can be used to classify the level of weather-related stress for cattle. 

The <a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/">K-State Mesonet</a> now provides both current conditions and a 7-day forecast of the <a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">Animal Comfort Index</a> that producers can use for planning.

During extreme cold, cattle need more energy just to maintain body heat. Windbreaks are a key tool in helping livestock cope with cold stress and reduce the amount of energy, and in effect cost, to maintain weight. Some of the best windbreaks are multiple rows of established trees, but they take years to develop and serve a fixed location.&nbsp;

If building a portable windbreak or a windbreak fence, the most effective for wind protection is 75 to 80% solid to reduce wind speed but prevent snow drifting. An opening of 4 to 6” at the base will promote drying and drainage.

Bedding is another tool to help livestock manage cold stress. Bedding provides insulation from mud and frozen ground and helps keep cattle clean. Shelter and bedded areas only calves can access will help young calves better cope with the winter weather. 

Bulls can be overlooked during the winter months; however, frostbite of the scrotum can cause anywhere from short-term to permanent damage to sperm production. Windbreaks and bedding are great tools to protect your investment in bulls and their genetics.

Drought has impacted forage availability in parts of the state and may make it harder to find sources of bedding. If needed, unrolling large round bales of good quality feed can do double duty as feed and bedding for a short-term solution. 

Feedlot calves that received bedding (4 lbs per head per day) during a particularly cold January gained 3.33 lbs per day compared to 2.25 lbs/day for un-bedded calves. For young or already stressed calves, bedding may minimize negative health impacts from the combined stressors.

When cold stress occurs, feeding cattle late in the day can help cattle cope with night-time temperature declines as the heat of fermentation in the rumen will peak about 6 hours after consumption.

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/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp;It is hard to prepare for extreme winter weather when December was so warm. However, variability is a characteristic of Kansas weather and a drop in temperature with above normal precipitation can create some very stressful conditions for livestock. Animals adapt to colder weather as we go through the fall into winter, but if there is an abrupt change, without acclimation, the stress is compounded.Many of us are all too aware of the impact wind has on what it takes to keep warm in the winter. Wind speed along with temperature, humidity, and solar radiation have been combined into an animal comfort index that can be used to classify the level of weather-related stress for cattle. The <a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/">K-State Mesonet</a> now provides both current conditions and a 7-day forecast of the <a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">Animal Comfort Index</a> that producers can use for planning.During extreme cold, cattle need more energy just to maintain body heat. Windbreaks are a key tool in helping livestock cope with cold stress and reduce the amount of energy, and in effect cost, to maintain weight. Some of the best windbreaks are multiple rows of established trees, but they take years to develop and serve a fixed location.&nbsp;If building a portable windbreak or a windbreak fence, the most effective for wind protection is 75 to 80% solid to reduce wind speed but prevent snow drifting. An opening of 4 to 6” at the base will promote drying and drainage.Bedding is another tool to help livestock manage cold stress. Bedding provides insulation from mud and frozen ground and helps keep cattle clean. Shelter and bedded areas only calves can access will help young calves better cope with the winter weather. Bulls can be overlooked during the winter months; however, frostbite of the scrotum can cause anywhere from short-term to permanent damage to sperm production. Windbreaks and bedding are great tools to protect your investment in bulls and their genetics.Drought has impacted forage availability in parts of the state and may make it harder to find sources of bedding. If needed, unrolling large round bales of good quality feed can do double duty as feed and bedding for a short-term solution. Feedlot calves that received bedding (4 lbs per head per day) during a particularly cold January gained 3.33 lbs per day compared to 2.25 lbs/day for un-bedded calves. For young or already stressed calves, bedding may minimize negative health impacts from the combined stressors.When cold stress occurs, feeding cattle late in the day can help cattle cope with night-time temperature declines as the heat of fermentation in the rumen will peak about 6 hours after consumption.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: Cold weather livestock protection

Over the years, I’ve had lots of help getting my harvested deer out of the field and/or into the pickup. I hunt mostly on land owned by a family member, and my sister usually helps hoist my deer into the truck. Last year, however, I harvested a really old deer that was also the heaviest deer I’d ever taken. After it was tagged and field dressed, we tried multiple time to get the beast loaded with no luck. With her in the pickup pulling and me on the ground lifting, it just wasn’t going to happen. Luckily, a heavy equipment operator working in the field next door agreed to come to the rescue, and with the extra muscle on the ground to lift, it was soon loaded.

I’ve also had some mechanical help loading deer over the years. A few years back, my deer went down on the neighbor’s land. He was quite alright with me going there to retrieve it, but he was slowly clearing much of it for pasture, so the place had become forty acres of brush piles consisting mostly of thorn trees with long massive thorns, and thorny limbs from those trees lay everywhere. A deep creek bed also meandered through the property in several directions. If I had dragged the deer, it would have meant getting it down one side of the creek bed and up the other, or somehow heaving it over a fence, neither of which appealed to me. Its possible I could have weaseled my pickup in there, but rubber tires would just have been fodder for the thorn limbs. I walked out and drove to the neighbors, not really sure what good that was going to do, but viola, he had a skid loader on tracks, and in a short while, the deer was rolled onto a pallet on the forks, and away to the truck we went.

When Joyce and I were first married, we hunted on her uncle’s land where she grew up in southwestern Kansas. The first buck she shot was there on an evening hunt. She made what looked like a great shot and the whitetail buck went down immediately. But before we could celebrate, the buck stood up again and ran off down into a maze of briar patches and coulees. Both of our hearts sank, as we knew what lay ahead. We began searching, and soon it was dark; not just any normal “dark” as I remember, but pitch black. Somehow God helped us eventually find that deer, which had ended up down a steep embankment into a ravine. This was well over 20 years ago, but luckily, we did have a cell phone. I was able to clamor down to it, and while I field dressed the buck, she called her uncle, but what would she tell him? We had no idea at all where we were, but after explaining where our blind was and which direction the buck had gone, he seemed to know right where to find us. Soon we heard the motor and saw the lights of the tractor, and after dragging the buck up out of the ravine with a chain, and plopping it into the bucket of the loader, off to the shed we went.

Perhaps the most memorable story comes from harvesting my first deer in Kansas back in the late 1990’s. I hunted on Joyce’s uncle’s property in southwestern KS, and stayed in his basement. This particular morning was the last day I could hunt before I had to come back home, and that morning the fog was so thick you could literally see nothing. I debated on just throwing in the towel and heading home, but visibility slowly got better as the morning progressed. I walked up their lane to look down into a grassy pasture below, and as I stood there, 2 whitetail bucks cantered across the pasture and into his corral below, of all places. I found a spot between some

trees, and watched until the bigger of the 2 gave me a shot. The buck ran out of the corral and went down in an open spot in the pasture. I drove an older Ford Explorer with a rack on the roof, and easily maneuvered to where the deer lay. I tagged and field dressed the buck, but I guess I hadn’t very well thought about how I was gonna’ get this beast on the roof of my Explorer. I walked to his round top shed, opened the door and there sat the answer with the words Massey Ferguson written on its side. I drove to the deer, got it rolled into the bucket, but then it became a juggling act, getting the bucket just the right height and angle so as to slide the deer out of the bucket and onto the roof rack without crunching the roof of the vehicle or dumping the deer over the side and having to start all over again. After many trips on-and-off-the tractor, the deer finally lay on the roof. I returned the Ole’ Massey to its stable, strapped down the deer and headed home, mission accomplished!

I suppose one day when all I can remember are things from 40 years ago, I’ll constantly bore the nurses at the care home with stories like these. Oh well, I guess I could do worse...Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve can be contacted by email at stevnrgilliland@gmail.com.

By STEVE GILLILANDOver the years, I’ve had lots of help getting my harvested deer out of the field and/or into the pickup. I hunt mostly on land owned by a family member, and my sister usually helps hoist my deer into the truck. Last year, however, I harvested a really old deer that was also the heaviest deer I’d ever taken. After it was tagged and field dressed, we tried multiple time to get the beast loaded with no luck. With her in the pickup pulling and me on the ground lifting, it just wasn’t going to happen. Luckily, a heavy equipment operator working in the field next door agreed to come to the rescue, and with the extra muscle on the ground to lift, it was soon loaded.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="STEVE GILLILAND" />
 <figcaption>STEVE GILLILAND</figcaption>
 </figure>I’ve also had some mechanical help loading deer over the years. A few years back, my deer went down on the neighbor’s land. He was quite alright with me going there to retrieve it, but he was slowly clearing much of it for pasture, so the place had become forty acres of brush piles consisting mostly of thorn trees with long massive thorns, and thorny limbs from those trees lay everywhere. A deep creek bed also meandered through the property in several directions. If I had dragged the deer, it would have meant getting it down one side of the creek bed and up the other, or somehow heaving it over a fence, neither of which appealed to me. Its possible I could have weaseled my pickup in there, but rubber tires would just have been fodder for the thorn limbs. I walked out and drove to the neighbors, not really sure what good that was going to do, but viola, he had a skid loader on tracks, and in a short while, the deer was rolled onto a pallet on the forks, and away to the truck we went.When Joyce and I were first married, we hunted on her uncle’s land where she grew up in southwestern Kansas. The first buck she shot was there on an evening hunt. She made what looked like a great shot and the whitetail buck went down immediately. But before we could celebrate, the buck stood up again and ran off down into a maze of briar patches and coulees. Both of our hearts sank, as we knew what lay ahead. We began searching, and soon it was dark; not just any normal “dark” as I remember, but pitch black. Somehow God helped us eventually find that deer, which had ended up down a steep embankment into a ravine. This was well over 20 years ago, but luckily, we did have a cell phone. I was able to clamor down to it, and while I field dressed the buck, she called her uncle, but what would she tell him? We had no idea at all where we were, but after explaining where our blind was and which direction the buck had gone, he seemed to know right where to find us. Soon we heard the motor and saw the lights of the tractor, and after dragging the buck up out of the ravine with a chain, and plopping it into the bucket of the loader, off to the shed we went.Perhaps the most memorable story comes from harvesting my first deer in Kansas back in the late 1990’s. I hunted on Joyce’s uncle’s property in southwestern KS, and stayed in his basement. This particular morning was the last day I could hunt before I had to come back home, and that morning the fog was so thick you could literally see nothing. I debated on just throwing in the towel and heading home, but visibility slowly got better as the morning progressed. I walked up their lane to look down into a grassy pasture below, and as I stood there, 2 whitetail bucks cantered across the pasture and into his corral below, of all places. I found a spot between sometrees, and watched until the bigger of the 2 gave me a shot. The buck ran out of the corral and went down in an open spot in the pasture. I drove an older Ford Explorer with a rack on the roof, and easily maneuvered to where the deer lay. I tagged and field dressed the buck, but I guess I hadn’t very well thought about how I was gonna’ get this beast on the roof of my Explorer. I walked to his round top shed, opened the door and there sat the answer with the words Massey Ferguson written on its side. I drove to the deer, got it rolled into the bucket, but then it became a juggling act, getting the bucket just the right height and angle so as to slide the deer out of the bucket and onto the roof rack without crunching the roof of the vehicle or dumping the deer over the side and having to start all over again. After many trips on-and-off-the tractor, the deer finally lay on the roof. I returned the Ole’ Massey to its stable, strapped down the deer and headed home, mission accomplished!I suppose one day when all I can remember are things from 40 years ago, I’ll constantly bore the nurses at the care home with stories like these. Oh well, I guess I could do worse...Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevnrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Loading the harvest

The start of a new year is a time for many to set their intentions by making annual resolutions. The Kansas Legislature also has this opportunity as it begins its 2025 session with a new slate of legislators following the November election.

The question remains will this new beginning bring about a legislature focused on the bread-and-butter policies that are a priority for all Kansans, or will they double-down on divisive culture war issues? The legislature should resolve to improve the lives of all Kansans by focusing on three important policy goals.

First, the Kansas legislature should continue to prioritize water policy. In the past few years, Kansas has made important strides developing a collaborative water management vision, which encouraged the use of more efficient irrigation systems and technologies, aimed to improve water quality, and invested in water research at state universities. However, water usage and the preservation of the Ogallala Aquifer are long-term challenges that require continued attention and innovation if Kansas hopes to mitigate climate change’s impact and support the economic health of the state’s agricultural sector.

Second, legislators should work across party lines to adequately fund Kansas public schools. It is no secret that Kansas has faced challenges with school funding for years. The state’s education funding formula has been the subject of partisan fights, with legislators weighing calls for more equitable distribution of funds across districts with concerns over the cost of doing so. The state needs to find a way to adjust state funding formulas to provide more targeted resource distribution that prioritizes districts serving large populations of low-income students and students with disabilities. It also needs to invest in infrastructure improvements in aging schools, particularly in rural Kansas. Finally, Kansas teachers need a raise.

The third policy goal should be to expand healthcare access in Kansas. The most straight-forward way to achieve this goal is to expand Medicaid. Several states, including Kansas, were understandably concerned about the financial cost of expansion when the Affordable Care Act of 2010 was first passed by Congress. However, legitimate concern has become poisoned by partisan fights that prioritize scoring political points rather than serving Kansans.

Research has demonstrated that expansion leads to positive outcomes. Medicaid expansion increases access to health care services, particularly preventive care and mental health services, reducing health disparities for individuals and families. Medicaid expansion has not only been a boon for individuals, but also for communities. It has been linked to job creation in the

healthcare sector, especially in rural areas. Given these positive outcomes, it’s time for Kansas to join most states, including neighboring states, and expand Medicaid access.

With pressing issues like water usage and quality, education funding, and healthcare access, Kansans are hoping that their elected officials will work toward improving their lives in the upcoming year. Ultimately, the 2025 legislative session will reveal whether Kansas legislators are willing to rise above the political noise and focus on addressing these core challenges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375940173.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDERThe start of a new year is a time for many to set their intentions by making annual resolutions. The Kansas Legislature also has this opportunity as it begins its 2025 session with a new slate of legislators following the November election.The question remains will this new beginning bring about a legislature focused on the bread-and-butter policies that are a priority for all Kansans, or will they double-down on divisive culture war issues? The legislature should resolve to improve the lives of all Kansans by focusing on three important policy goals.First, the Kansas legislature should continue to prioritize water policy. In the past few years, Kansas has made important strides developing a collaborative water management vision, which encouraged the use of more efficient irrigation systems and technologies, aimed to improve water quality, and invested in water research at state universities. However, water usage and the preservation of the Ogallala Aquifer are long-term challenges that require continued attention and innovation if Kansas hopes to mitigate climate change’s impact and support the economic health of the state’s agricultural sector.Second, legislators should work across party lines to adequately fund Kansas public schools. It is no secret that Kansas has faced challenges with school funding for years. The state’s education funding formula has been the subject of partisan fights, with legislators weighing calls for more equitable distribution of funds across districts with concerns over the cost of doing so. The state needs to find a way to adjust state funding formulas to provide more targeted resource distribution that prioritizes districts serving large populations of low-income students and students with disabilities. It also needs to invest in infrastructure improvements in aging schools, particularly in rural Kansas. Finally, Kansas teachers need a raise.The third policy goal should be to expand healthcare access in Kansas. The most straight-forward way to achieve this goal is to expand Medicaid. Several states, including Kansas, were understandably concerned about the financial cost of expansion when the Affordable Care Act of 2010 was first passed by Congress. However, legitimate concern has become poisoned by partisan fights that prioritize scoring political points rather than serving Kansans.Research has demonstrated that expansion leads to positive outcomes. Medicaid expansion increases access to health care services, particularly preventive care and mental health services, reducing health disparities for individuals and families. Medicaid expansion has not only been a boon for individuals, but also for communities. It has been linked to job creation in thehealthcare sector, especially in rural areas. Given these positive outcomes, it’s time for Kansas to join most states, including neighboring states, and expand Medicaid access.With pressing issues like water usage and quality, education funding, and healthcare access, Kansans are hoping that their elected officials will work toward improving their lives in the upcoming year. Ultimately, the 2025 legislative session will reveal whether Kansas legislators are willing to rise above the political noise and focus on addressing these core challenges.

INSIGHT: Legislative resolutions for 2025

I am grateful for the incredible community I am honored to serve—our dedicated faculty, staff, students, alums, and friends of Tiger Nation whose professionalism, resilience, gift for innovation, and commitment to our shared ethic of care have created a culture at this university that continually fuels our success.&nbsp;

As we welcome 2025 with all of its promises, I will remember the year 2024 for the critical strategic partnerships we launched, the generosity of legislators and philanthropists, and the bold steps forward this university community took, which made it a driver of innovation and growth for the people, businesses, and communities of rural Kansas.&nbsp;

January: Addressing the Nursing Shortage with Community Partnerships

In response to a national nursing crisis—marked by the loss of over 100,000 nurses during the pandemic and a projected shortfall of more than 18,000 registered nurses in Kansas alone by 2026—Fort Hays State University forged a guaranteed admission program with the Kansas Association of Community Colleges. Signed on January 19, this memorandum ensures that graduates from Kansas community colleges have secure pathways to continue their nursing&nbsp; education at FHSU, a critical step toward strengthening the healthcare workforce in rural areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

March: Accreditation Achievement and Celebrating 25 Years of Discovery

In March, we proudly received a reaffirmation of our accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a testament to our consistent quality in education.&nbsp;

We also celebrated 25 years of discovery at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, marked by free admission and an opportunity to contribute to the Curtis Schmidt Zoological Collections Endowment, highlighting our dedication to research and community engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

April: Transformational Renovation of Forsyth Library and Online Quality Reaffirmation

April marked the commencement of an exciting $28 million renovation of Forsyth Library, a transformational project aimed at modernizing our resources and solidifying the library's role as a hub for academic and cultural engagement. Dean of Library Services Ginger Williams noted that this is "more than a construction project; it's an investment in the future of learning at FHSU."&nbsp;

Additionally, we proudly earned our five-year Quality Standards certification from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), further affirming our commitment to excellence in online education.&nbsp;&nbsp;

May: Legislative Support for Growth and Innovation

May brought extraordinary support from the Kansas Legislature, including $15 million for the expansion of Stroup Hall and $400,000 for staffing enhancements. We also introduced a new certification program for telemental health providers. We secured $250,000 over five years for this initiative and $750,000 over five years to launch our Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) unit to upskill and reskill the workforce. Additionally, we obtained a $3 million federal investment through U.S. Senator Jerry Moran for health-related programs focused on advanced technology and simulation equipment.

June: Prestigious Carnegie Foundation Recognition&nbsp;

Fort Hays State University was honored as one of only 25 institutions nationwide to receive the inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification. This accolade highlights institutions that demonstrate a strong dedication to community engagement, social responsibility, and fostering civic skills among college students. This recognition celebrates our robust partnerships with local communities, leadership in addressing public issues, and focus on preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society.&nbsp;

July: Historic Educational Affiliation Approval

The Higher Learning Commission's approval of our change of control application marked a historic moment for FHSU. This strategic alignment with North Central Kansas Technical College and Northwest Kansas Technical College enhances our capacity to serve rural communities, further enriching the educational landscape in our region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fall 2024 saw a positive trend in enrollment, with a total of 12,878 students at Fort Hays State University, marking a 9 percent increase in first-time undergraduate students and a 3 percent overall rise in our graduate student population. Notably, 78 percent of our domestic students hailed from Kansas, reflecting our commitment to serving our local communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

September: Launching a New Strategic Plan&nbsp;&nbsp;

This fall, we transitioned from our five-year 2019-2024 strategic plan to "Unlocking Untapped Potential: 2024-2027." This roadmap is dedicated to collaborative and responsive planning, building on our strengths, and preparing for future challenges while focusing on innovation and excellence in education.&nbsp;&nbsp;

October: Groundbreaking for the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex

During Homecoming, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in our athletic programs, enhancing training opportunities and solidifying FHSU's leadership in sports medicine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

December: Hosting the Third Annual Western Ag Summit

On December 9, FHSU hosted the Western Kansas Ag Summit, emphasizing critical issues of water management and scarcity in agriculture. This event brought together experts and stakeholders to address Kansas farmers' and businesses' challenges, fostering sustainability in our agricultural communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2024 has been a transformative year for Fort Hays State University, defined by strategic partnerships, community impact, and a resolute commitment to innovation. As we look forward to 2025, I am excited about the future we collectively build for Tiger Nation and the communities we proudly serve. Thank you for being an essential part of this incredible journey! Together, we will continue to enhance our educational landscape and make a lasting difference in the lives we touch.

By Tisa MasonI am grateful for the incredible community I am honored to serve—our dedicated faculty, staff, students, alums, and friends of Tiger Nation whose professionalism, resilience, gift for innovation, and commitment to our shared ethic of care have created a culture at this university that continually fuels our success.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>As we welcome 2025 with all of its promises, I will remember the year 2024 for the critical strategic partnerships we launched, the generosity of legislators and philanthropists, and the bold steps forward this university community took, which made it a driver of innovation and growth for the people, businesses, and communities of rural Kansas.&nbsp;January: Addressing the Nursing Shortage with Community PartnershipsIn response to a national nursing crisis—marked by the loss of over 100,000 nurses during the pandemic and a projected shortfall of more than 18,000 registered nurses in Kansas alone by 2026—Fort Hays State University forged a guaranteed admission program with the Kansas Association of Community Colleges. Signed on January 19, this memorandum ensures that graduates from Kansas community colleges have secure pathways to continue their nursing&nbsp; education at FHSU, a critical step toward strengthening the healthcare workforce in rural areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;March: Accreditation Achievement and Celebrating 25 Years of DiscoveryIn March, we proudly received a reaffirmation of our accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a testament to our consistent quality in education.&nbsp;We also celebrated 25 years of discovery at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, marked by free admission and an opportunity to contribute to the Curtis Schmidt Zoological Collections Endowment, highlighting our dedication to research and community engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;April: Transformational Renovation of Forsyth Library and Online Quality ReaffirmationApril marked the commencement of an exciting $28 million renovation of Forsyth Library, a transformational project aimed at modernizing our resources and solidifying the library's role as a hub for academic and cultural engagement. Dean of Library Services Ginger Williams noted that this is "more than a construction project; it's an investment in the future of learning at FHSU."&nbsp;Additionally, we proudly earned our five-year Quality Standards certification from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), further affirming our commitment to excellence in online education.&nbsp;&nbsp;May: Legislative Support for Growth and InnovationMay brought extraordinary support from the Kansas Legislature, including $15 million for the expansion of Stroup Hall and $400,000 for staffing enhancements. We also introduced a new certification program for telemental health providers. We secured $250,000 over five years for this initiative and $750,000 over five years to launch our Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) unit to upskill and reskill the workforce. Additionally, we obtained a $3 million federal investment through U.S. Senator Jerry Moran for health-related programs focused on advanced technology and simulation equipment.June: Prestigious Carnegie Foundation Recognition&nbsp;Fort Hays State University was honored as one of only 25 institutions nationwide to receive the inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification. This accolade highlights institutions that demonstrate a strong dedication to community engagement, social responsibility, and fostering civic skills among college students. This recognition celebrates our robust partnerships with local communities, leadership in addressing public issues, and focus on preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society.&nbsp;July: Historic Educational Affiliation ApprovalThe Higher Learning Commission's approval of our change of control application marked a historic moment for FHSU. This strategic alignment with North Central Kansas Technical College and Northwest Kansas Technical College enhances our capacity to serve rural communities, further enriching the educational landscape in our region.&nbsp;&nbsp;August: Enrollment GrowthFall 2024 saw a positive trend in enrollment, with a total of 12,878 students at Fort Hays State University, marking a 9 percent increase in first-time undergraduate students and a 3 percent overall rise in our graduate student population. Notably, 78 percent of our domestic students hailed from Kansas, reflecting our commitment to serving our local communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;September: Launching a New Strategic Plan&nbsp;&nbsp;This fall, we transitioned from our five-year 2019-2024 strategic plan to "Unlocking Untapped Potential: 2024-2027." This roadmap is dedicated to collaborative and responsive planning, building on our strengths, and preparing for future challenges while focusing on innovation and excellence in education.&nbsp;&nbsp;October: Groundbreaking for the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic ComplexDuring Homecoming, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in our athletic programs, enhancing training opportunities and solidifying FHSU's leadership in sports medicine.&nbsp;&nbsp;December: Hosting the Third Annual Western Ag SummitOn December 9, FHSU hosted the Western Kansas Ag Summit, emphasizing critical issues of water management and scarcity in agriculture. This event brought together experts and stakeholders to address Kansas farmers' and businesses' challenges, fostering sustainability in our agricultural communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;2024 has been a transformative year for Fort Hays State University, defined by strategic partnerships, community impact, and a resolute commitment to innovation. As we look forward to 2025, I am excited about the future we collectively build for Tiger Nation and the communities we proudly serve. Thank you for being an essential part of this incredible journey! Together, we will continue to enhance our educational landscape and make a lasting difference in the lives we touch.

Heart of a Tiger: Looking back on transformative 2024 

While I taught, I periodically assigned students the task of creating bucket lists. I found one I’d made as an example and got a kick out of those wishes. Time has altered what I most want to do.

Among my dreams, I wanted to see a grizzly bear close enough to photograph it with a telescopic lens. 

When I retired that spring, we planned to visit Yellowstone in September so I could see aspen leaves turning gold, red, and orange and if I were lucky, Ursus arctos horribilis. My hubs had hunted elk among colorful groves in the mountains several Septembers, so I wanted my chance to spy Mother Nature working her magic on white-trunked trees.

Not only did I see brilliant patches of color emblazoning mountainsides, I spied a silver tip grizz trailing a buffalo herd in search of lunch! 

We managed to find a place to stop so I could focus my retirement-gift camera and photograph that bruin posing as if tourists snapped it every day. What a thrill for me, and I’m guessing a pain in the patootie for park rangers who monitor visitors exiting vehicles and walking toward bears. Note, I remained in the car at the park-approved distance for my sake and the grizz’s.

Within three years of that retirement trip, we lived in a little ranching/tourist town in the Greater Yellowstone eco-niche. Imagine my thrill at regularly seeing grizzlies outside a national park. Unfortunately, such sights became worrisome as bear populations and tourists multiplied each year.

During an early June drive over the pass tour that first spring, we spied a sow with two cubs who’d recently emerged from their winter den. The still-snowy-in-the- mountains-world at their paws captivated those babies. 

At that time, drivers traveling Togwotee Pass could pull over to bear watch, so we did. We saw little furballs frolicking in grass barely peaking through the previous night’s frosty blanket. As they played, the hungry mom took advantage and gobbled mouthfuls of emerging greens.

Later that summer we saw adult bears hanging out at the highway’s edge a couple of times as we drove toward Grand Teton National Park. By then, we realized some folks don’t understand the danger they put themselves in when they hop out of vehicles and move close enough to take cell phone pictures of an animal with three-inch claws and teeth. Thankfully, we never saw anyone on the receiving end of such power, though we knew mauling survivors and first responders who rescued them.

During our six years in that region, human behavior forced change. By the time we left, LEOs regularly enforced rules making it illegal to pull over to bear watch. These folks spent significant duty time enforcing what common sense dictates.

Back in Kansas near family and friends, I appreciate those opportunities we had to see top-of-food-chain- mammals in action. 

These days, my bucket list involves shark tooth hunting with grandkids and imagining ancient seas that once covered Kansas prairies. Thank goodness, fossilized teeth as long as grizzly fangs don’t cause drivers to stop in the middle of the road for pictures.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735298210948.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINWhile I taught, I periodically assigned students the task of creating bucket lists. I found one I’d made as an example and got a kick out of those wishes. Time has altered what I most want to do.Among my dreams, I wanted to see a grizzly bear close enough to photograph it with a telescopic lens. When I retired that spring, we planned to visit Yellowstone in September so I could see aspen leaves turning gold, red, and orange and if I were lucky, Ursus arctos horribilis. My hubs had hunted elk among colorful groves in the mountains several Septembers, so I wanted my chance to spy Mother Nature working her magic on white-trunked trees.Not only did I see brilliant patches of color emblazoning mountainsides, I spied a silver tip grizz trailing a buffalo herd in search of lunch! We managed to find a place to stop so I could focus my retirement-gift camera and photograph that bruin posing as if tourists snapped it every day. What a thrill for me, and I’m guessing a pain in the patootie for park rangers who monitor visitors exiting vehicles and walking toward bears. Note, I remained in the car at the park-approved distance for my sake and the grizz’s.Within three years of that retirement trip, we lived in a little ranching/tourist town in the Greater Yellowstone eco-niche. Imagine my thrill at regularly seeing grizzlies outside a national park. Unfortunately, such sights became worrisome as bear populations and tourists multiplied each year.During an early June drive over the pass tour that first spring, we spied a sow with two cubs who’d recently emerged from their winter den. The still-snowy-in-the- mountains-world at their paws captivated those babies. At that time, drivers traveling Togwotee Pass could pull over to bear watch, so we did. We saw little furballs frolicking in grass barely peaking through the previous night’s frosty blanket. As they played, the hungry mom took advantage and gobbled mouthfuls of emerging greens.Later that summer we saw adult bears hanging out at the highway’s edge a couple of times as we drove toward Grand Teton National Park. By then, we realized some folks don’t understand the danger they put themselves in when they hop out of vehicles and move close enough to take cell phone pictures of an animal with three-inch claws and teeth. Thankfully, we never saw anyone on the receiving end of such power, though we knew mauling survivors and first responders who rescued them.During our six years in that region, human behavior forced change. By the time we left, LEOs regularly enforced rules making it illegal to pull over to bear watch. These folks spent significant duty time enforcing what common sense dictates.Back in Kansas near family and friends, I appreciate those opportunities we had to see top-of-food-chain- mammals in action. These days, my bucket list involves shark tooth hunting with grandkids and imagining ancient seas that once covered Kansas prairies. Thank goodness, fossilized teeth as long as grizzly fangs don’t cause drivers to stop in the middle of the road for pictures.

MADORIN: 2025 Bucket List

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Over the years, I’ve had lots of help getting my harvested deer out of the field and/or into the pickup. I hunt mostly on land owned by a family member, and my sister usually helps hoist my deer into the truck. 

Last year, however, I harvested a really old deer that was also the heaviest deer I’d ever taken. After it was tagged and field dressed, we tried multiple times to get the beast loaded with no luck. With her in the pickup pulling and me on the ground lifting, it just wasn’t going to happen.

 Luckily, a heavy equipment operator working in the field next door agreed to come to the rescue, and with the extra muscle on the ground to lift, it was soon loaded.

I’ve also had some mechanical help loading deer over the years. A few years back, my deer went down on the neighbor’s land. He was quite alright with me going there to retrieve it, but he was slowly clearing much of it for pasture, so the place had become forty acres of brush piles consisting mostly of thorn trees with long massive thorns, and thorny limbs from those trees lay everywhere. A deep creek bed also meandered through the property in several directions. 

If I had dragged the deer, it would have meant getting it down one side of the creek bed and up the other, or somehow heaving it over a fence, neither of which appealed to me. It's possible I could have weaseled my pickup in there, but rubber tires would just have been fodder for the thorn limbs. 

I walked out and drove to the neighbor's, not really sure what good that was going to do, but viola, he had a skid loader on tracks, and in a short while, the deer was rolled onto a pallet on the forks, and away to the truck we went.

When Joyce and I were first married, we hunted on her uncle’s land where she grew up in southwestern Kansas. The first buck she shot was there on an evening hunt. She made what looked like a great shot and the whitetail buck went down immediately. But before we could celebrate, the buck stood up again and ran off down into a maze of briar patches and coulees. 

Both of our hearts sank, as we knew what lay ahead. We began searching, and soon it was dark; not just any normal “dark” as I remember, but pitch black. Somehow God helped us eventually find that deer, which had ended up down a steep embankment into a ravine. 

This was well over 20 years ago, but luckily, we did have a cell phone. I was able to clamor down to it, and while I field dressed the buck, she called her uncle, but what would she tell him? 

We had no idea at all where we were, but after explaining where our blind was and which direction the buck had gone, he seemed to know right where to find us. Soon we heard the motor and saw the lights of the tractor, and after dragging the buck up out of the ravine with a chain, and plopping it into the bucket of the loader, off to the shed we went.

Perhaps the most memorable story comes from harvesting my first deer in Kansas back in the late 1990s. I hunted on Joyce’s uncle’s property in southwestern Kansas, and stayed in his basement. 

This particular morning was the last day I could hunt before I had to come back home, and that morning the fog was so thick you could literally see nothing. I debated on just throwing in the towel and heading home, but visibility slowly got better as the morning progressed. 

I walked up their lane to look down into a grassy pasture below, and as I stood there, two whitetail bucks cantered across the pasture and into his corral below, of all places.

 I found a spot between some trees, and watched until the bigger of the two gave me a shot. 

The buck ran out of the corral and went down in an open spot in the pasture. I drove an older Ford Explorer with a rack on the roof, and easily maneuvered to where the deer lay. I tagged and field dressed the buck, but I guess I hadn’t very well thought about how I was gonna get this beast on the roof of my Explorer. 

I walked to his round top shed, opened the door and there sat the answer with the words Massey Ferguson written on its side. I drove to the deer, got it rolled into the bucket, but then it became a juggling act, getting the bucket just the right height and angle so as to slide the deer out of the bucket and onto the roof rack without crunching the roof of the vehicle or dumping the deer over the side and having to start all over again. 

After many trips on-and-off-the tractor, the deer finally lay on the roof. I returned the Ole’ Massey to its stable, strapped down the deer and headed home, mission accomplished!

I suppose one day when all I can remember are things from 40 years ago, I’ll constantly bore the nurses at the care home with stories like these. Oh well, I guess I could do worse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735433168440.png" alt="Steve Gilliland&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland&nbsp; (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsOver the years, I’ve had lots of help getting my harvested deer out of the field and/or into the pickup. I hunt mostly on land owned by a family member, and my sister usually helps hoist my deer into the truck. Last year, however, I harvested a really old deer that was also the heaviest deer I’d ever taken. After it was tagged and field dressed, we tried multiple times to get the beast loaded with no luck. With her in the pickup pulling and me on the ground lifting, it just wasn’t going to happen. Luckily, a heavy equipment operator working in the field next door agreed to come to the rescue, and with the extra muscle on the ground to lift, it was soon loaded.I’ve also had some mechanical help loading deer over the years. A few years back, my deer went down on the neighbor’s land. He was quite alright with me going there to retrieve it, but he was slowly clearing much of it for pasture, so the place had become forty acres of brush piles consisting mostly of thorn trees with long massive thorns, and thorny limbs from those trees lay everywhere. A deep creek bed also meandered through the property in several directions. If I had dragged the deer, it would have meant getting it down one side of the creek bed and up the other, or somehow heaving it over a fence, neither of which appealed to me. It's possible I could have weaseled my pickup in there, but rubber tires would just have been fodder for the thorn limbs. I walked out and drove to the neighbor's, not really sure what good that was going to do, but viola, he had a skid loader on tracks, and in a short while, the deer was rolled onto a pallet on the forks, and away to the truck we went.When Joyce and I were first married, we hunted on her uncle’s land where she grew up in southwestern Kansas. The first buck she shot was there on an evening hunt. She made what looked like a great shot and the whitetail buck went down immediately. But before we could celebrate, the buck stood up again and ran off down into a maze of briar patches and coulees. Both of our hearts sank, as we knew what lay ahead. We began searching, and soon it was dark; not just any normal “dark” as I remember, but pitch black. Somehow God helped us eventually find that deer, which had ended up down a steep embankment into a ravine. This was well over 20 years ago, but luckily, we did have a cell phone. I was able to clamor down to it, and while I field dressed the buck, she called her uncle, but what would she tell him? We had no idea at all where we were, but after explaining where our blind was and which direction the buck had gone, he seemed to know right where to find us. Soon we heard the motor and saw the lights of the tractor, and after dragging the buck up out of the ravine with a chain, and plopping it into the bucket of the loader, off to the shed we went.Perhaps the most memorable story comes from harvesting my first deer in Kansas back in the late 1990s. I hunted on Joyce’s uncle’s property in southwestern Kansas, and stayed in his basement. This particular morning was the last day I could hunt before I had to come back home, and that morning the fog was so thick you could literally see nothing. I debated on just throwing in the towel and heading home, but visibility slowly got better as the morning progressed. I walked up their lane to look down into a grassy pasture below, and as I stood there, two whitetail bucks cantered across the pasture and into his corral below, of all places. I found a spot between some trees, and watched until the bigger of the two gave me a shot. The buck ran out of the corral and went down in an open spot in the pasture. I drove an older Ford Explorer with a rack on the roof, and easily maneuvered to where the deer lay. I tagged and field dressed the buck, but I guess I hadn’t very well thought about how I was gonna get this beast on the roof of my Explorer. I walked to his round top shed, opened the door and there sat the answer with the words Massey Ferguson written on its side. I drove to the deer, got it rolled into the bucket, but then it became a juggling act, getting the bucket just the right height and angle so as to slide the deer out of the bucket and onto the roof rack without crunching the roof of the vehicle or dumping the deer over the side and having to start all over again. After many trips on-and-off-the tractor, the deer finally lay on the roof. I returned the Ole’ Massey to its stable, strapped down the deer and headed home, mission accomplished!I suppose one day when all I can remember are things from 40 years ago, I’ll constantly bore the nurses at the care home with stories like these. Oh well, I guess I could do worse.Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevnrgilliland@gmail.com.

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictFarms face daily decisions about their operations including new equipment and crops, pricing and risk management strategies. Kansas State University’s Agricultural Economics Department offers its Finances and the Farm online course to help producers develop strong financial skills to make informed decisions that impact the farm's bottom line.“The need to manage farm financials may be greater than ever before because of historically high input costs and lower commodity prices, creating uncertain profitability margins,” K-State extension farm economist Robin Reid said. “The Finances and the Farm online class provides education for managing financial risk of the farm business; focusing on good recordkeeping as the foundation, using those records to develop financial statements, conducting benchmarking and performance analysis on those statements, and then using that information to make management decisions.”The course covers seven lessons: Recordkeeping, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Enterprise Budgeting, Cash Flow, Managing Family Living Expenses, and Goal Setting. During the course, participants will:Understand the structure of a balance sheet, income statement, enterprise budgets, and cash flowUse a case farm to complete quizzes to check understanding and practice using these financial statements in a real-world settingTwo case farms available: Row Crops and Beef Cattle, and Vegetable, Egg and Honeybee FarmBe prepared to use financial management techniques for their own operationSet goals for their operationLearn how to make changes to avoid financial difficultiesTaught by Reid and K-State farm analyst LaVell Winsor, the course was first launched in 2021. It has been recently updated to provide a more interactive learning experience for participants.Participants watch short videos, go through an interactive review of the content, do an interactive activity, and then work through a quiz where they are inputting numbers into a financial statement and doing performance analysis, so they are able to apply what they are learning in the videos. Participants are also then given resources such as paper sheets and Excel documents to develop financial statements for their own operations. The course is self-paced, which means participants can take up to six months to complete the material, though it is recommended that participants make a schedule to complete it in 2-4 weeks.“This course is designed with the learner in mind, with the convenience of completing this course at their own pace, from their home or office,” Winsor said.The cost is $100 (education only), or $300 if the participant wishes to receive Farm Service Agency borrower’s training financial credit. It is approved for participants to receive FSA Borrower’s Training Financial Credits for Kansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Coursework will be graded, and a certificate will be provided upon successful completion of the final exam. <a href="https://agmanager.info/events/finances-and-farm-online-class">Registration </a>is available online <a href="https://www.agmanager.info/events/finances-and-farm-online-class">https://www.agmanager.info/events/finances-and-farm-online-class</a>Previous participants have appreciated the breadth of information learned from the program.“The class was able to offer a fairly wide variety of options for most operations on how to manage finances. I felt that all the information was communicated accurately and clearly,” a previous participant said. Another said, “This was so good. Having not owned a farm for a decade, and now going through approval to finally find a smaller farm, I only wish I had known about this course prior to completing my USDA paperwork and financials. It is that imperative, and the $300 cost is nominal compared to the amount of information received, the resources and reference, and of course the templates provided. I am thoroughly impressed and so thankful this program is out there!”More information is also available by contacting Reid by email, robinreid@ksu.edu, or 785-532-0964

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