BY GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

Wow, we blew right through spring and are bearing down on summer, and in the Farm Bureau world that means annual meeting time is right around the corner. Annual meetings are vital in the life of our organization and something many members look forward to. It is a time to conduct the business of our organization but also a time to fellowship with our neighbors and friends.

Just like our policy positions, the decision on each county’s annual meeting is left up to the grassroots level and your local board is deciding what your meeting will look like this year.

Some may decide the risk is low in their county and continue with their traditional annual meeting, and that is fine. However, many of our local boards will decide a different mode of annual meeting needs to happen this year. It may be a business only meeting, meant to lessen the time we spend together and therefore lower the risk of passing a virus on. I suppose some may take the route of a ”virtual” annual meeting utilizing the technology available to us. That is the lowest risk option and may be the best in some areas.

No matter what type of meeting your county decides to have, you can rest assured  the board did it with the health and wellbeing of their fellow farmers and ranchers in mind. It may not look like the annual meeting we are used to, and that may be a cause of disappointment. Hopefully it will be a one-time measure. You can rest assured that the decision was made after a great deal of thought and planning with the best interest of everyone in mind.

On a similar note, continue to check in with us on news about Kansas Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting. That seems like a long way down the road, but I am sure that December will be here before we know it. Just know your state staff and board members are also watching the situation closely and developing alternate plans with the hope they’re not needed. I promise you when a decision is made, it will be just like the one at your county level and have the best interest and safety of all members in mind.

We have never done anything like this before because we have never seen anything like this before. Patience is a virtue, and we want to make sure that all members are safe and healthy. Hang in there, take the proper precautions and we will all make it through this healthy and happy and ready for annual meetings in 2021. It will be worth it.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574091484634.jpeg" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>BY GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherWow, we blew right through spring and are bearing down on summer, and in the Farm Bureau world that means annual meeting time is right around the corner. Annual meetings are vital in the life of our organization and something many members look forward to. It is a time to conduct the business of our organization but also a time to fellowship with our neighbors and friends.Just like our policy positions, the decision on each county’s annual meeting is left up to the grassroots level and your local board is deciding what your meeting will look like this year.Some may decide the risk is low in their county and continue with their traditional annual meeting, and that is fine. However, many of our local boards will decide a different mode of annual meeting needs to happen this year. It may be a business only meeting, meant to lessen the time we spend together and therefore lower the risk of passing a virus on. I suppose some may take the route of a ”virtual” annual meeting utilizing the technology available to us. That is the lowest risk option and may be the best in some areas.No matter what type of meeting your county decides to have, you can rest assured the board did it with the health and wellbeing of their fellow farmers and ranchers in mind. It may not look like the annual meeting we are used to, and that may be a cause of disappointment. Hopefully it will be a one-time measure. You can rest assured that the decision was made after a great deal of thought and planning with the best interest of everyone in mind.On a similar note, continue to check in with us on news about Kansas Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting. That seems like a long way down the road, but I am sure that December will be here before we know it. Just know your state staff and board members are also watching the situation closely and developing alternate plans with the hope they’re not needed. I promise you when a decision is made, it will be just like the one at your county level and have the best interest and safety of all members in mind.We have never done anything like this before because we have never seen anything like this before. Patience is a virtue, and we want to make sure that all members are safe and healthy. Hang in there, take the proper precautions and we will all make it through this healthy and happy and ready for annual meetings in 2021. It will be worth it."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Patience and precaution

While most Kansans are getting ready for summer, considering just where it might be relatively safe to take a few days off for a vacation and considering whether you are actually going to open the front door to hear from candidates for the Legislature, there is some big news coming up…for some of us.

For that small group of Kansans who spend their summer in the Statehouse watching government at work, this is the week that we’ll see just how legislative leaders respond to about $400 million in transfers of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act money to 103 of the state’s 105 counties.

And we’ll find out whether this initial distribution of that federal money turns out to be a routine funds transfer or a political issue that will show up in Republican and Democrat legislative primary elections. Will the governor get to make this first relatively non-controversial transfer of federal aid to counties, and how will candidates for the Legislature characterize it?

Basically it is designed to take some pressure off of counties and cities and other small governmental units which have seen their operating costs increase because of the time off, the stay-home order, the closure of businesses that possibly on a state- or nation-wide level aren’t “essential” but which are essential to their owners and the employees who work there.

That initial $400 million is expected to be relatively non-controversial, except if you are running for the Legislature and want to publicly support it or publicly assert that you want the public to dissect each of those counties’ receipts to learn whether the first months of the pandemic actually cost each of those 103 counties $194 in in extra costs for each resident.

That $194? Well, it’s tricky, but Sedgwick and Johnson counties, which aren’t part of the $400 million pool because they are big enough (population 500,000 or more) to receive direct payments from the federal government, figured that their direct aid will pencil out to about $194 per resident. And that has become the floor for state distribution of the initial $400 million to the rest of the state’s counties.

Because, by this time unless you are closely following COVID-19, most of us are starting to enjoy the weather and not spending as much time worrying about masks and gowns for the people who shield us from the pandemic. That’s not good, but many Kansans are getting tired of the pandemic.

Running for the House from, say, Thomas County, or Cowley County? Want to tell your potential voters that they’ll get less of that federal money because, well, they aren’t Sedgwick or Johnson County? Tell a voter that, and you better back off of their porch so you can make sure they don’t push you off their property.

This week’s first round of disbursing those federal funds – about $600 million remain to be dispersed through the state in two separate actions more narrowly focused on economic recovery—may spawn issues for the upcoming primary elections. And that means what in non-pandemic times would be widely characterized as a bonanza for counties, instead will be high-publicity millions of dollars that most of us won’t characterize as any real boost in prosperity.&nbsp;

You’ll notice, of course, that there wasn’t much in the way of money coming out of the Statehouse to Kansans or their local governments this session. No income or property tax relief, and not even much in the way of transparency which some candidates believe is also a popular campaign verb.

We’ll see&nbsp; how this works out, and how candidates manage to use it as a campaign issue…

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>While most Kansans are getting ready for summer, considering just where it might be relatively safe to take a few days off for a vacation and considering whether you are actually going to open the front door to hear from candidates for the Legislature, there is some big news coming up…for some of us.For that small group of Kansans who spend their summer in the Statehouse watching government at work, this is the week that we’ll see just how legislative leaders respond to about $400 million in transfers of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act money to 103 of the state’s 105 counties.And we’ll find out whether this initial distribution of that federal money turns out to be a routine funds transfer or a political issue that will show up in Republican and Democrat legislative primary elections. Will the governor get to make this first relatively non-controversial transfer of federal aid to counties, and how will candidates for the Legislature characterize it?Basically it is designed to take some pressure off of counties and cities and other small governmental units which have seen their operating costs increase because of the time off, the stay-home order, the closure of businesses that possibly on a state- or nation-wide level aren’t “essential” but which are essential to their owners and the employees who work there.That initial $400 million is expected to be relatively non-controversial, except if you are running for the Legislature and want to publicly support it or publicly assert that you want the public to dissect each of those counties’ receipts to learn whether the first months of the pandemic actually cost each of those 103 counties $194 in in extra costs for each resident.That $194? Well, it’s tricky, but Sedgwick and Johnson counties, which aren’t part of the $400 million pool because they are big enough (population 500,000 or more) to receive direct payments from the federal government, figured that their direct aid will pencil out to about $194 per resident. And that has become the floor for state distribution of the initial $400 million to the rest of the state’s counties.Because, by this time unless you are closely following COVID-19, most of us are starting to enjoy the weather and not spending as much time worrying about masks and gowns for the people who shield us from the pandemic. That’s not good, but many Kansans are getting tired of the pandemic.Running for the House from, say, Thomas County, or Cowley County? Want to tell your potential voters that they’ll get less of that federal money because, well, they aren’t Sedgwick or Johnson County? Tell a voter that, and you better back off of their porch so you can make sure they don’t push you off their property.This week’s first round of disbursing those federal funds – about $600 million remain to be dispersed through the state in two separate actions more narrowly focused on economic recovery—may spawn issues for the upcoming primary elections. And that means what in non-pandemic times would be widely characterized as a bonanza for counties, instead will be high-publicity millions of dollars that most of us won’t characterize as any real boost in prosperity.&nbsp;You’ll notice, of course, that there wasn’t much in the way of money coming out of the Statehouse to Kansans or their local governments this session. No income or property tax relief, and not even much in the way of transparency which some candidates believe is also a popular campaign verb.We’ll see&nbsp; how this works out, and how candidates manage to use it as a campaign issue…Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

HAWVER: Virus relief payments, costs could become election issue

At the upcoming Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Commissioner’s virtual meeting on June 25th, a new proposal will be discussed that, if passed, would allow coyotes to be hunted at night using lights, night vision and thermal imaging gear. Coyotes can presently be hunted at night year-round, but without lights or any other equipment. KDWPT furbearer biologist Matt Peak says “Most other Midwest states allow this activity in some form with apparently no more legal or safety issues than other types of hunting, and pressure from hunters, and in some cases livestock producers for us to allow this has really grown in recent years.” The proposal will include the following options:

For a complete June 25 meeting agenda and specific instructions on how to participate virtually in that meeting visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commision/Past-and-Future-Meetings/June-25-2020. If this proposal interests or concerns you, please try to participate in the virtual meeting and make your opinion heard.

We all love acronyms, abbreviations used to identify things; heck the world practically runs on acronyms. Well, here’s your Kansas Outdoors acronym for the week; “HABs,” short for Harmful Algae Blooms. Yup, as the long, hot days of summer besiege us again, its Blue / Green Algae season in Kansas. Blue / Green Algae season in Kansas unfortunately contains the three holidays when our lakes are used the most, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.&nbsp;

When KDHE receives notice from anyone that a harmful algae bloom is noticed or suspected, they take water samples at the most frequently used locations at the site, such as swim beaches and boat docks. The samples are analyzed, and according to the density of the algae found, either a Public Health Watch or a Public Health Warning is issued for that water impoundment.&nbsp;

Currently only Public Health Watches, meaning conditions are right for harmful algae blooms to occur, are in effect at the following:

Cheney Lake in Reno, Kingman and Sedgewick counties, the Gathering Pond at Milford in Geary County, Kanapolis Lake in Ellsworth county, Marion County Lake in Marion County, Perry Lake Zone “D” in Jefferson County and the Rock Garden pond in Shawnee County. These Public Health Watches mean direct contact with the water at these locations is discouraged.

&nbsp;Health effects can occur when surface scum or water containing high levels of blue-green algal toxins are swallowed or have contacted the skin, or when airborne droplets containing toxins are inhaled while swimming, boating or skiing. Most people report the effects as “allergic” type reactions like intestinal or respiratory problems or skin irritations. Animal reactions may range from general weakness and lethargy, to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or even convulsion.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sorry to say that health warnings at area lakes because of toxic algae blooms will probably get more numerous before they get better. So, I guess your options are to sell the boat, skis and fishing poles, or just drive a little farther to a lake where no warnings exist, and continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>At the upcoming Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Commissioner’s virtual meeting on June 25th, a new proposal will be discussed that, if passed, would allow coyotes to be hunted at night using lights, night vision and thermal imaging gear. Coyotes can presently be hunted at night year-round, but without lights or any other equipment. KDWPT furbearer biologist Matt Peak says “Most other Midwest states allow this activity in some form with apparently no more legal or safety issues than other types of hunting, and pressure from hunters, and in some cases livestock producers for us to allow this has really grown in recent years.” The proposal will include the following options:<ol>
 <li>Allowing the use of artificial lights, night vision and thermal imaging equipment for hunting coyotes ONLY, no other furbearers like bobcats and fox.</li><li>Season dates for use of this equipment would be January 1 – March 31.</li><li>Use of this equipment would not be allowed from a vehicle.</li><li>Use of this equipment would be prohibited on department lands and waters, including Walk-In Hunting (WIHA) properties.</li><li>A $2.50 permit would be required initially so the department can learn more about the demand and frequency of use.</li>
 </ol>For a complete June 25 meeting agenda and specific instructions on how to participate virtually in that meeting visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commision/Past-and-Future-Meetings/June-25-2020. If this proposal interests or concerns you, please try to participate in the virtual meeting and make your opinion heard.• • •We all love acronyms, abbreviations used to identify things; heck the world practically runs on acronyms. Well, here’s your Kansas Outdoors acronym for the week; “HABs,” short for Harmful Algae Blooms. Yup, as the long, hot days of summer besiege us again, its Blue / Green Algae season in Kansas. Blue / Green Algae season in Kansas unfortunately contains the three holidays when our lakes are used the most, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.&nbsp;When KDHE receives notice from anyone that a harmful algae bloom is noticed or suspected, they take water samples at the most frequently used locations at the site, such as swim beaches and boat docks. The samples are analyzed, and according to the density of the algae found, either a Public Health Watch or a Public Health Warning is issued for that water impoundment.&nbsp;Currently only Public Health Watches, meaning conditions are right for harmful algae blooms to occur, are in effect at the following:Cheney Lake in Reno, Kingman and Sedgewick counties, the Gathering Pond at Milford in Geary County, Kanapolis Lake in Ellsworth county, Marion County Lake in Marion County, Perry Lake Zone “D” in Jefferson County and the Rock Garden pond in Shawnee County. These Public Health Watches mean direct contact with the water at these locations is discouraged.&nbsp;Health effects can occur when surface scum or water containing high levels of blue-green algal toxins are swallowed or have contacted the skin, or when airborne droplets containing toxins are inhaled while swimming, boating or skiing. Most people report the effects as “allergic” type reactions like intestinal or respiratory problems or skin irritations. Animal reactions may range from general weakness and lethargy, to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or even convulsion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sorry to say that health warnings at area lakes because of toxic algae blooms will probably get more numerous before they get better. So, I guess your options are to sell the boat, skis and fishing poles, or just drive a little farther to a lake where no warnings exist, and continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kan.: Coyote hunting changes and algae season

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

The Los Angeles Rams are unveiling their new uniforms, as designed and produced by Nike, Inc. There is lots of excitement about seeing the new uniforms. This unveiling is an especially exciting moment for Nike’s lead project designer, who happens to come from rural Kansas.

Jason Wright is a lead product designer with Nike, Inc., in Oregon. That’s halfway across the continent from where Jason grew up near Garnett in Anderson County, Kansas.

“My dad was an engineer at Wolf Creek, but he also had a metal and wood shop at home,” Jason said. “Dad (also) restored an old ’72 Chevy pickup.

“I grew up with the expectation that, if you’re not doing something else, you’re out there doing something creative,” Jason said. “I owe a big debt to my dad.”

Jason helped his dad in the shop and worked on designing things of his own. He found he especially enjoyed drawing. “I loved basketball, and Kobe Bryant was my guy,” Jason said. Kobe was the most famous player in the NBA, and kids around the world were admiring Kobe Bryant’s shoes as made by Nike. “I tried drawing what my own ‘Kobes’ would look like,” Jason said. He drew sketches of logos and wheels and shoes.

He even entered some of his drawings in an online competition for amateur shoe designers. By his sophomore year in high school at Garnett, he won that competition. That caused him to receive an email from a designer at one of the Nike companies, encouraging him to pursue his talent.

Jason went on to K-State and earned a degree in graphic design. After graduation, he married a young woman from Topeka and went to work for a firm in Kansas City.

One day out of the blue, he got a call from a Nike staffer who had seen Jason’s work on a website and was interested in recruiting him to work for Nike. “We loved Kansas City, but we couldn’t turn down this opportunity,” Jason said. He estimated that Nike gets thousands of designer applications each month.

Jason went to Oregon for the interview and ultimately accepted a position with Nike in 2015. “I think my appreciation of graphics for sports fans gave me an edge,” Jason said.

Today, he is a senior designer with Nike, with responsibility for collegiate and professional sports products. His work has taken him to stadiums, arenas and cities all over the world, including the most recent Super Bowl game, for example. “I’ve traveled to so many college towns,” Jason said. He still believes Manhattan is a special place.

“We’ve been involved with designing uniforms for all the Division I Nike schools,” Jason said. Imagine designing uniforms for schools such as Ohio State and LSU, and seeing those uniforms being worn on to the field in those classic stadiums.&nbsp;Jason especially appreciated the opportunity to design the throwback basketball uniforms for his alma mater, Kansas State University. “My goal is to design uniforms that make players feel really good and help them perform at a high level,” Jason said.&nbsp;

The Los Angeles Rams of the NFL are preparing to move into their new stadium in L.A., complete with a new logo and new uniforms. Jason worked on the new logo and uniforms for Nike. “That’s probably the most high-profile project I’ve been responsible for,” Jason said.

His work has taken him around the globe. “I’ve been to factories all over the world,” Jason said. “It’s been a cool opportunity for a small-town kid from Kansas.” After all, Jason grew up in a rural area between Garnett, population 3,415, and Westphalia, population 163 people. Now, that’s rural.

“I appreciate the environment I grew up in,” Jason said.

It’s time to say goodbye to Los Angeles, where a new logo and uniforms were unveiled as designed by a designer who is originally from rural Kansas. We commend Jason Wright for making a difference by putting his creativity into action. From small town Kansas to an NFL franchise, it’s a type of dream career – just the way I would design it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591794294800.png" alt="Jason Wright / K-State Extension courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jason Wright / K-State Extension courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;The Los Angeles Rams are unveiling their new uniforms, as designed and produced by Nike, Inc. There is lots of excitement about seeing the new uniforms. This unveiling is an especially exciting moment for Nike’s lead project designer, who happens to come from rural Kansas.Jason Wright is a lead product designer with Nike, Inc., in Oregon. That’s halfway across the continent from where Jason grew up near Garnett in Anderson County, Kansas.“My dad was an engineer at Wolf Creek, but he also had a metal and wood shop at home,” Jason said. “Dad (also) restored an old ’72 Chevy pickup.“I grew up with the expectation that, if you’re not doing something else, you’re out there doing something creative,” Jason said. “I owe a big debt to my dad.”Jason helped his dad in the shop and worked on designing things of his own. He found he especially enjoyed drawing. “I loved basketball, and Kobe Bryant was my guy,” Jason said. Kobe was the most famous player in the NBA, and kids around the world were admiring Kobe Bryant’s shoes as made by Nike. “I tried drawing what my own ‘Kobes’ would look like,” Jason said. He drew sketches of logos and wheels and shoes.He even entered some of his drawings in an online competition for amateur shoe designers. By his sophomore year in high school at Garnett, he won that competition. That caused him to receive an email from a designer at one of the Nike companies, encouraging him to pursue his talent.Jason went on to K-State and earned a degree in graphic design. After graduation, he married a young woman from Topeka and went to work for a firm in Kansas City.One day out of the blue, he got a call from a Nike staffer who had seen Jason’s work on a website and was interested in recruiting him to work for Nike. “We loved Kansas City, but we couldn’t turn down this opportunity,” Jason said. He estimated that Nike gets thousands of designer applications each month.Jason went to Oregon for the interview and ultimately accepted a position with Nike in 2015. “I think my appreciation of graphics for sports fans gave me an edge,” Jason said.Today, he is a senior designer with Nike, with responsibility for collegiate and professional sports products. His work has taken him to stadiums, arenas and cities all over the world, including the most recent Super Bowl game, for example. “I’ve traveled to so many college towns,” Jason said. He still believes Manhattan is a special place.“We’ve been involved with designing uniforms for all the Division I Nike schools,” Jason said. Imagine designing uniforms for schools such as Ohio State and LSU, and seeing those uniforms being worn on to the field in those classic stadiums.&nbsp;Jason especially appreciated the opportunity to design the throwback basketball uniforms for his alma mater, Kansas State University. “My goal is to design uniforms that make players feel really good and help them perform at a high level,” Jason said.&nbsp;The Los Angeles Rams of the NFL are preparing to move into their new stadium in L.A., complete with a new logo and new uniforms. Jason worked on the new logo and uniforms for Nike. “That’s probably the most high-profile project I’ve been responsible for,” Jason said.His work has taken him around the globe. “I’ve been to factories all over the world,” Jason said. “It’s been a cool opportunity for a small-town kid from Kansas.” After all, Jason grew up in a rural area between Garnett, population 3,415, and Westphalia, population 163 people. Now, that’s rural.“I appreciate the environment I grew up in,” Jason said.It’s time to say goodbye to Los Angeles, where a new logo and uniforms were unveiled as designed by a designer who is originally from rural Kansas. We commend Jason Wright for making a difference by putting his creativity into action. From small town Kansas to an NFL franchise, it’s a type of dream career – just the way I would design it.

Now That’s Rural: Jason Wright, Nike designer

By JOHN P. TRETBAR National gasoline prices last week rose above $2 a gallon after more than two months below that mark. The U.S. average reached $2.10/gallon on Monday (6/15). AAA says prices rose nearly a dime on the week and more than a quarter over the last month, but remain more than half a dollar cheaper than a year ago. Kansas is one of 19 states below two dollars Monday, with a statewide average of $1.88 a gallon. We spotted $1.79 across Great Bend, and $1.86 across Hays. Filling up a 15-gallon tank will cost you about a dollar more than last week and nearly six dollars more than last month. But, you're still paying about eleven dollars less than you did a year ago. The world’s largest oil exporter is getting serious about output reductions to prop up prices. Saudi Aramco is cutting prices and deliveries in Asia. Bloomberg reports seven Asian buyers will get between ten percent and forty percent less than they expected. Aramco also sharply raised its official Asian selling price for crude oil, erasing almost completely the discounts put in place during its price war with Russia. A new price list reveals the sharpest price hike in at least twenty years, which in turn followed the sharpest cut in prices in 30 years. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $26.50 a barrel, down more than $3 from a week ago and down more than $16 from a year ago. Baker Hughes reports the drilling slowdown is slowing down, with the Rotary Rig Count down just seven oil rigs this week, compared to double-digit declines in weekly reports for the last three months. The count is down two in New Mexico and down one in Texas and Oklahoma. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a small increase in drilling activity in Kansas. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas shows two active drilling rigs east of Wichita, up two, and nine in Western Kansas, up five. They're preparing to spud one well in Rush County. Regulators approved nine permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas, two of them in eastern Kansas and seven west of Wichita including one new permit in Barton County.&nbsp; The year-to-date total, 206 permits, is less than half the total at this point last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service report 44 well completions during the last week, 13 in eastern Kansas and 31 in the western half of the state, with two in Ellis County and one each in Russell and Stafford counties. A closely-watched government report offers some mixed predictions for the oil patch. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. production fell from a record 12.9 million barrels per day in November to just 11.4 million barrels per day last month. The agency's Short Term Energy Outlook for June predicts domestic output will continue to decline, down to 10.6 million barrels per day in March of next year, before starting to increase again by the end of 2020. EIA says global crude inventories will begin to decline this month, a month earlier than previously forecast. Weekly U.S. crude production figures continue to slide. U.S. output dropped to just over eleven million barrels per day for the week ending June 5. That's down 120,000 barrels per day from a week earlier, and down more than a million barrels a day from the record heights reached a year ago. U.S. crude inventories increased nearly six million barrels last week from a week earlier at more than 538 million barrels. In its weekly count, EIA says stockpiles are about 14% above the five-year average for this time of year. The government says U.S. crude imports increased by 700-thousand barrels per day last week. The four-week average is down 13% from a year ago. Crude-oil production in North Dakota dropped more than 200,000 barrels per day in April compared to March. The Department of Mineral Resources reports statewide output of 1.2 million barrels per day. For the first time, North Dakota has met its statewide goals to reduce gas flaring at oil wells. Operators were able to capture 88% of the natural gas produced at the state's prolific oil wells in April.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic last week was down nearly 28% year on year. The Association of American Railroads reports total freight-train traffic is down 15%.&nbsp; Only grain, farm, food and forest products did not report double-digit decreases compared to a year ago. The Energy Information Administration says gasoline demand in March fell by 13% to its lowest level since January of 2000.&nbsp; From February to March, gasoline demand fell by 1.2 million barrels per day. Jet-fuel demand fell 15%, its largest monthly change since record keeping began in 1965. The owners of the refinery in El Dorado, Kansas have agreed to pay a $4 million fine for violating federal clean air regulations. HollyFrontier agreed last week to make improvements to reduce emissions and improve risk-management practices. The case arose after the September 2017 release of a flammable hydrocarbon mixture, which caused a fire and the death of one employee. The Trump administration has started giving energy companies temporary breaks on royalties and rent on public lands because of the coronavirus pandemic. In Utah those discounts cut the royalties normally headed to federal and state treasuries from nearly 13% to nearly 3%. More reductions are expected in other states, primarily in the western U.S. The Bureau of Land Management said last month that royalty-rate cuts were possible if companies could show they could not successfully operate economically or can’t maintain enough employees at drilling sites.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099516454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR National gasoline prices last week rose above $2 a gallon after more than two months below that mark. The U.S. average reached $2.10/gallon on Monday (6/15). AAA says prices rose nearly a dime on the week and more than a quarter over the last month, but remain more than half a dollar cheaper than a year ago. Kansas is one of 19 states below two dollars Monday, with a statewide average of $1.88 a gallon. We spotted $1.79 across Great Bend, and $1.86 across Hays. Filling up a 15-gallon tank will cost you about a dollar more than last week and nearly six dollars more than last month. But, you're still paying about eleven dollars less than you did a year ago. The world’s largest oil exporter is getting serious about output reductions to prop up prices. Saudi Aramco is cutting prices and deliveries in Asia. Bloomberg reports seven Asian buyers will get between ten percent and forty percent less than they expected. Aramco also sharply raised its official Asian selling price for crude oil, erasing almost completely the discounts put in place during its price war with Russia. A new price list reveals the sharpest price hike in at least twenty years, which in turn followed the sharpest cut in prices in 30 years. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $26.50 a barrel, down more than $3 from a week ago and down more than $16 from a year ago. Baker Hughes reports the drilling slowdown is slowing down, with the Rotary Rig Count down just seven oil rigs this week, compared to double-digit declines in weekly reports for the last three months. The count is down two in New Mexico and down one in Texas and Oklahoma. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a small increase in drilling activity in Kansas. The weekly Rig Count in Kansas shows two active drilling rigs east of Wichita, up two, and nine in Western Kansas, up five. They're preparing to spud one well in Rush County. Regulators approved nine permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas, two of them in eastern Kansas and seven west of Wichita including one new permit in Barton County.&nbsp; The year-to-date total, 206 permits, is less than half the total at this point last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service report 44 well completions during the last week, 13 in eastern Kansas and 31 in the western half of the state, with two in Ellis County and one each in Russell and Stafford counties. A closely-watched government report offers some mixed predictions for the oil patch. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. production fell from a record 12.9 million barrels per day in November to just 11.4 million barrels per day last month. The agency's Short Term Energy Outlook for June predicts domestic output will continue to decline, down to 10.6 million barrels per day in March of next year, before starting to increase again by the end of 2020. EIA says global crude inventories will begin to decline this month, a month earlier than previously forecast. Weekly U.S. crude production figures continue to slide. U.S. output dropped to just over eleven million barrels per day for the week ending June 5. That's down 120,000 barrels per day from a week earlier, and down more than a million barrels a day from the record heights reached a year ago. U.S. crude inventories increased nearly six million barrels last week from a week earlier at more than 538 million barrels. In its weekly count, EIA says stockpiles are about 14% above the five-year average for this time of year. The government says U.S. crude imports increased by 700-thousand barrels per day last week. The four-week average is down 13% from a year ago. Crude-oil production in North Dakota dropped more than 200,000 barrels per day in April compared to March. The Department of Mineral Resources reports statewide output of 1.2 million barrels per day. For the first time, North Dakota has met its statewide goals to reduce gas flaring at oil wells. Operators were able to capture 88% of the natural gas produced at the state's prolific oil wells in April.&nbsp; Oil-by-rail traffic last week was down nearly 28% year on year. The Association of American Railroads reports total freight-train traffic is down 15%.&nbsp; Only grain, farm, food and forest products did not report double-digit decreases compared to a year ago. The Energy Information Administration says gasoline demand in March fell by 13% to its lowest level since January of 2000.&nbsp; From February to March, gasoline demand fell by 1.2 million barrels per day. Jet-fuel demand fell 15%, its largest monthly change since record keeping began in 1965. The owners of the refinery in El Dorado, Kansas have agreed to pay a $4 million fine for violating federal clean air regulations. HollyFrontier agreed last week to make improvements to reduce emissions and improve risk-management practices. The case arose after the September 2017 release of a flammable hydrocarbon mixture, which caused a fire and the death of one employee. The Trump administration has started giving energy companies temporary breaks on royalties and rent on public lands because of the coronavirus pandemic. In Utah those discounts cut the royalties normally headed to federal and state treasuries from nearly 13% to nearly 3%. More reductions are expected in other states, primarily in the western U.S. The Bureau of Land Management said last month that royalty-rate cuts were possible if companies could show they could not successfully operate economically or can’t maintain enough employees at drilling sites.

News from the Oil Patch: Drilling slowdown is slowing down

Today, the word ‘Mindfulness” is attached to almost everything we do. Becoming more aware of our eating, walking, or moving in general can be considered mindfulness. We had to cancel the classes we had scheduled in April due to COVID-19 but since the ban for our face-to-face meetings will be lifted July 4th, it is the perfect time to consider signing up for a class that focuses on mindfulness, offered through the Great Bend Recreation Commission.

Mindful Meditation with Do-In (pronounced doe-een) is being offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 14th through the 30th. The 6 one-hour classes will be held at 10:00 AM at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. The Mindful Meditation and Do-In classes begin with a short guided meditation designed to help you focus on the present moment. Too often our emotions or worries get in the way of letting us relax and take a deep breath. The Do-In exercises that follow the meditation are exercises for health. The exercises are suitable for people of any age and anyone who may be dealing with a chronic condition. The focus is on imagery, breathing and relaxation when performing Do-In exercises. Participants in the two sessions we led last fall had many positive comments.

My husband, John, who is a retired Chiropractor certified in Acupuncture, helps to lead the class. There is a $10 charge for this workshop that is payable to the Cottonwood Extension District. Call me at (620)793-1910 or e-mail me at <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a> to sign up for this fun class.

Update on our Cottonwood Office Protocols

While both the Hays and Great Bend offices are open once again, we must remain vigilant to keep safety of the participants, volunteers and public a top priority. If the business you need to conduct with our office can be done over the phone or e-mail, please consider that. When coming to our office we are asking everyone to use cloth face coverings and maintain a 6 foot distance with others as much as possible. We look forward to answering your questions so please stay in touch!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574802720194.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Today, the word ‘Mindfulness” is attached to almost everything we do. Becoming more aware of our eating, walking, or moving in general can be considered mindfulness. We had to cancel the classes we had scheduled in April due to COVID-19 but since the ban for our face-to-face meetings will be lifted July 4th, it is the perfect time to consider signing up for a class that focuses on mindfulness, offered through the Great Bend Recreation Commission.Mindful Meditation with Do-In (pronounced doe-een) is being offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 14th through the 30th. The 6 one-hour classes will be held at 10:00 AM at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. The Mindful Meditation and Do-In classes begin with a short guided meditation designed to help you focus on the present moment. Too often our emotions or worries get in the way of letting us relax and take a deep breath. The Do-In exercises that follow the meditation are exercises for health. The exercises are suitable for people of any age and anyone who may be dealing with a chronic condition. The focus is on imagery, breathing and relaxation when performing Do-In exercises. Participants in the two sessions we led last fall had many positive comments.My husband, John, who is a retired Chiropractor certified in Acupuncture, helps to lead the class. There is a $10 charge for this workshop that is payable to the Cottonwood Extension District. Call me at (620)793-1910 or e-mail me at <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a> to sign up for this fun class.Update on our Cottonwood Office ProtocolsWhile both the Hays and Great Bend offices are open once again, we must remain vigilant to keep safety of the participants, volunteers and public a top priority. If the business you need to conduct with our office can be done over the phone or e-mail, please consider that. When coming to our office we are asking everyone to use cloth face coverings and maintain a 6 foot distance with others as much as possible. We look forward to answering your questions so please stay in touch!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Including mindfulness in your daily routine

As the summer temperatures rise, safe food handling when eating outdoors becomes even more critical. As food heats up in summer temperatures the bacteria multiplies rapidly. Here are some simple food safety guidelines for transporting your food and serving it safely once you've arrived at the picnic spot.&nbsp;

Keeping food at proper temperatures is critical to preventing the growth of foodborne bacteria. The key is to never let your picnic food remain in the "Danger Zone" — between 40° F and 140° F — for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90° F. This is when bacteria in food can multiply rapidly, and lead to foodborne illness.

Cold perishable food should be kept in the cooler at 40°F or below until serving time. Place cold food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Pack beverages in one cooler and perishable food in another. That way, as picnickers open and reopen the beverage cooler to replenish their drinks, the perishable foods won’t be exposed to warm outdoor air temperatures. Foods in individual serving dishes can be placed directly on ice, or in a shallow container set in a deep pan filled with ice. Drain off water as ice melts and replace ice frequently. Once you've served it, food should not sit out for longer than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the outdoor temperature is above 90°F. If it does - discard it.

Hot food should be kept hot, at or above 140°F. Hot food should be wrapped well and placed it in an insulated container until serving.&nbsp; Grilled food can be kept hot until served by moving it to the side of the grill rack, just away from the coals. This keeps it hot but prevents overcooking. Don’t forget to pack your food thermometer. Always use it to be sure your food is cooked thoroughly.&nbsp;

When serving, never re-use a plate or utensils that previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood for serving — unless they’ve been washed first in hot, soapy water.&nbsp; Otherwise, you can spread bacteria from the raw juices to your cooked or ready-to-eat food. In storage, be sure to keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood securely wrapped. This keeps their juices from contaminating prepared/cooked foods or foods that will be eaten raw, such as fruits and vegetables.

If you don’t have access to running water, simply use a water jug, some soap, and paper towels. Or, use moist disposable towelettes for cleaning your hands. If you desire, follow this with a hand sanitizer but not instead of cleaning your hands.

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>As the summer temperatures rise, safe food handling when eating outdoors becomes even more critical. As food heats up in summer temperatures the bacteria multiplies rapidly. Here are some simple food safety guidelines for transporting your food and serving it safely once you've arrived at the picnic spot.&nbsp;Keeping food at proper temperatures is critical to preventing the growth of foodborne bacteria. The key is to never let your picnic food remain in the "Danger Zone" — between 40° F and 140° F — for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90° F. This is when bacteria in food can multiply rapidly, and lead to foodborne illness.Cold perishable food should be kept in the cooler at 40°F or below until serving time. Place cold food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Pack beverages in one cooler and perishable food in another. That way, as picnickers open and reopen the beverage cooler to replenish their drinks, the perishable foods won’t be exposed to warm outdoor air temperatures. Foods in individual serving dishes can be placed directly on ice, or in a shallow container set in a deep pan filled with ice. Drain off water as ice melts and replace ice frequently. Once you've served it, food should not sit out for longer than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the outdoor temperature is above 90°F. If it does - discard it.Hot food should be kept hot, at or above 140°F. Hot food should be wrapped well and placed it in an insulated container until serving.&nbsp; Grilled food can be kept hot until served by moving it to the side of the grill rack, just away from the coals. This keeps it hot but prevents overcooking. Don’t forget to pack your food thermometer. Always use it to be sure your food is cooked thoroughly.&nbsp;When serving, never re-use a plate or utensils that previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood for serving — unless they’ve been washed first in hot, soapy water.&nbsp; Otherwise, you can spread bacteria from the raw juices to your cooked or ready-to-eat food. In storage, be sure to keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood securely wrapped. This keeps their juices from contaminating prepared/cooked foods or foods that will be eaten raw, such as fruits and vegetables.If you don’t have access to running water, simply use a water jug, some soap, and paper towels. Or, use moist disposable towelettes for cleaning your hands. If you desire, follow this with a hand sanitizer but not instead of cleaning your hands.	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Picnic food safety

Sometimes politics meets the personal, head on.&nbsp; This is one of those times.&nbsp; On June 14, I turn 75. On June 22, Michel and I celebrate our 52nd&nbsp;wedding anniversary. Forty-one years ago this month, we moved to Kansas, and one year after that our son was born. Happy 40th, Dakota.

Ordinarily, such a grouping of personal mileposts would lead to reminiscence and reflection.&nbsp; But these are no ordinary times.&nbsp; The conjunction of the coronavirus pandemic, our immense economic dislocation, and the sweeping protests over racial injustice have rendered reminiscing insignificant, if not irrelevant.&nbsp;

These historic circumstances do require powerful short-term responses.&nbsp; Governors and mayors must cope with diminishing resources and overwhelming policy requirements.&nbsp; Moreover, the crises produce simultaneous, contradictory demands on both citizens and leaders.

Leaders need to assess how best to use scarce resources, while ordinary people must weigh the desire to protest or shop against the need to remain safe from Covid-19.

Short-term crisis policies almost always constitute reactions, but our long-term responses can offer important and dramatic opportunities. Indeed, Kansas policy-makers should heed Winston Churchill’s axiom that one should “never let a good crisis go to waste.” This is especially true when we can benefit from the natural experiments that crises offer.&nbsp;

In emerging from our confluence of crises, at least four policy assessments should flow from our experiences.

First, expand Medicaid.&nbsp; Here, the pandemic, surging unemployment, and differential racial treatment come together to dramatically demonstrate this need.&nbsp; Even for those with jobs, losing health insurance is one economic jolt away. Moreover, Covid-19 has not been an equal opportunity killer, with African-Americans and Hispanics disproportionately affected, as always.&nbsp;

Second, shore up public health agencies.&nbsp; In terms of overall bang for the buck, improving the public health system is one of our best investments, in that day-to-day operations provide many benefits, such as vaccinations and flu shots, while also increasing readiness for emergencies.&nbsp; Careful assessments of successes and failures over the past few months could pay major dividends.

Third, use the experience of the state and its counties to address criminal justice reforms.&nbsp; One notable natural experiment is occurring in Douglas County, where a controversial jail expansion proposal is being tested by the extensive release of prisoners into the community, apparently with no adverse effects.

The county commission, which approved the expansion, might well reconsider. Meanwhile, the state could have released more non-violent and short-term prisoners to avoid Covid-19 infections, but it acted meekly. Still, it should learn from other states as well as Kansas counties.

Finally, the state’s university system has experienced, and will continue to experience, its greatest challenges to funding, enrollment, and human resources since the 1960s.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas universities and colleges were already facing serious problems, due to flat or declining student-age populations and the loss of many full-pay international students.&nbsp; But the pandemic and economic challenges greatly exacerbate those problems, with funding declines from many sources – the state, tuition, athletics – pushing administrators to reshape higher education at breakneck speed.&nbsp; They need to turn short-term responses into long-term visions, as higher education shrinks.

After 75 years, I’d love to just reflect, but our challenges are so great and our opportunities so many that I’m happy to look ahead -- anxious, to be sure -- but more with hope than despair.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574348610067.jpeg" alt="Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sometimes politics meets the personal, head on.&nbsp; This is one of those times.&nbsp; On June 14, I turn 75. On June 22, Michel and I celebrate our 52nd&nbsp;wedding anniversary. Forty-one years ago this month, we moved to Kansas, and one year after that our son was born. Happy 40th, Dakota.Ordinarily, such a grouping of personal mileposts would lead to reminiscence and reflection.&nbsp; But these are no ordinary times.&nbsp; The conjunction of the coronavirus pandemic, our immense economic dislocation, and the sweeping protests over racial injustice have rendered reminiscing insignificant, if not irrelevant.&nbsp;These historic circumstances do require powerful short-term responses.&nbsp; Governors and mayors must cope with diminishing resources and overwhelming policy requirements.&nbsp; Moreover, the crises produce simultaneous, contradictory demands on both citizens and leaders.Leaders need to assess how best to use scarce resources, while ordinary people must weigh the desire to protest or shop against the need to remain safe from Covid-19.Short-term crisis policies almost always constitute reactions, but our long-term responses can offer important and dramatic opportunities. Indeed, Kansas policy-makers should heed Winston Churchill’s axiom that one should “never let a good crisis go to waste.” This is especially true when we can benefit from the natural experiments that crises offer.&nbsp;In emerging from our confluence of crises, at least four policy assessments should flow from our experiences.First, expand Medicaid.&nbsp; Here, the pandemic, surging unemployment, and differential racial treatment come together to dramatically demonstrate this need.&nbsp; Even for those with jobs, losing health insurance is one economic jolt away. Moreover, Covid-19 has not been an equal opportunity killer, with African-Americans and Hispanics disproportionately affected, as always.&nbsp;Second, shore up public health agencies.&nbsp; In terms of overall bang for the buck, improving the public health system is one of our best investments, in that day-to-day operations provide many benefits, such as vaccinations and flu shots, while also increasing readiness for emergencies.&nbsp; Careful assessments of successes and failures over the past few months could pay major dividends.Third, use the experience of the state and its counties to address criminal justice reforms.&nbsp; One notable natural experiment is occurring in Douglas County, where a controversial jail expansion proposal is being tested by the extensive release of prisoners into the community, apparently with no adverse effects.The county commission, which approved the expansion, might well reconsider. Meanwhile, the state could have released more non-violent and short-term prisoners to avoid Covid-19 infections, but it acted meekly. Still, it should learn from other states as well as Kansas counties.Finally, the state’s university system has experienced, and will continue to experience, its greatest challenges to funding, enrollment, and human resources since the 1960s.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas universities and colleges were already facing serious problems, due to flat or declining student-age populations and the loss of many full-pay international students.&nbsp; But the pandemic and economic challenges greatly exacerbate those problems, with funding declines from many sources – the state, tuition, athletics – pushing administrators to reshape higher education at breakneck speed.&nbsp; They need to turn short-term responses into long-term visions, as higher education shrinks.After 75 years, I’d love to just reflect, but our challenges are so great and our opportunities so many that I’m happy to look ahead -- anxious, to be sure -- but more with hope than despair.Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Taking stock and looking forward

Thatch control for cool-season lawn grasses such as bluegrass and tall fescue is usually done in the fall, but now is the time we should perform this operation for warm-season turfgrasses such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. 

Because these operations thin the lawn, they should be performed when the lawn is in the best position to recover. For warm-season grasses that time is June through July. Buffalograss, our other common warm-season grass, normally does not need to be dethatched. 
 
When thatch is less than one-half inch thick, there is little cause for concern; on the contrary, it may provide some protection to the crown (growing point) of the turfgrass. However, when thatch exceeds one-half inch in thickness, the lawn may start to deteriorate. Thatch is best kept in check by power-raking and/or core-aerating.

If thatch is more than 3/4 inch thick, the lawn should be power-raked. Set the blades just deep enough to pull out the thatch. The lawn can be severely damaged by power-raking too deeply. In some cases, it may be easier to use a sod cutter to remove the existing sod and start over with seed, sprigs or plugs. 
 
If thatch is between one-half and a 3/4- inch, thick, core-aeration is a better choice. The soil-moisture level is important to do a good job of core-aerating. It should be neither too wet nor too dry, and the soil should crumble fairly easily when worked between your fingers. Go over the lawn enough times so that the aeration holes are about 2 inches apart.&nbsp; 
 
Excessive thatch accumulation can be prevented by not over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Frequent, light watering also encourages thatch. Water only when needed, and attempt to wet the entire root zone of the turf with each irrigation. 
 
Finally, where thatch is excessive, control should be viewed as a long-term, integrated process (i.e., to include proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing) rather than a one-shot cure. One power-raking or core-aeration will seldom solve the problem.

Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Thatch control for cool-season lawn grasses such as bluegrass and tall fescue is usually done in the fall, but now is the time we should perform this operation for warm-season turfgrasses such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. Because these operations thin the lawn, they should be performed when the lawn is in the best position to recover. For warm-season grasses that time is June through July. Buffalograss, our other common warm-season grass, normally does not need to be dethatched. 
 
When thatch is less than one-half inch thick, there is little cause for concern; on the contrary, it may provide some protection to the crown (growing point) of the turfgrass. However, when thatch exceeds one-half inch in thickness, the lawn may start to deteriorate. Thatch is best kept in check by power-raking and/or core-aerating. If thatch is more than 3/4 inch thick, the lawn should be power-raked. Set the blades just deep enough to pull out the thatch. The lawn can be severely damaged by power-raking too deeply. In some cases, it may be easier to use a sod cutter to remove the existing sod and start over with seed, sprigs or plugs. 
 
If thatch is between one-half and a 3/4- inch, thick, core-aeration is a better choice. The soil-moisture level is important to do a good job of core-aerating. It should be neither too wet nor too dry, and the soil should crumble fairly easily when worked between your fingers. Go over the lawn enough times so that the aeration holes are about 2 inches apart.&nbsp; 
 
Excessive thatch accumulation can be prevented by not over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Frequent, light watering also encourages thatch. Water only when needed, and attempt to wet the entire root zone of the turf with each irrigation. 
 
Finally, where thatch is excessive, control should be viewed as a long-term, integrated process (i.e., to include proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing) rather than a one-shot cure. One power-raking or core-aeration will seldom solve the problem.Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Thatch control in warm-season lawns

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

It doesn’t feel like an election year with all that’s gone on in the world these past few months, but in Kansas, primary elections loom in August followed by November’s general contest.

Over the years I’ve voted on Election Day, done in-person advance voting and utilized the mail-in option. Of the three, I’ve found in-person advance to be the fastest and most convenient. Election Day is still my preference, probably because of tradition. All three have positives and negatives, depending on one’s point of view.

There are passionate people who will say anything other than casting a ballot on Election Day is un-American. Others will say it’s absurd to hold an election in the middle of the week. For Kansans, none of the arguments really matter because the system allows ample opportunity and access to the ballot box.

Like everything else voting will be different in 2020. Polls will still open and operate on the first Tuesday in August and November, but it’s likely a record number of Kansans will cast their ballots early and through the mail. I can’t tell you how to vote, but I would urge everyone to be aware of the potential disruptions to traditional voting procedures.

My home county is currently looking for 80 workers to staff polling places for the primary and general elections. I’ll be among those new hires for the primary, receiving a full two hours of training before working a polling location for 12-plus hours. If there’s a slow line in Riley County, there’s a good chance I’m the reason.

If time and your health aren’t concerns, there’s no indication you can’t still vote in person at the traditional time. But if they are, Kansas law makes it easy and convenient to cast a ballot early either in person or by mail.

If you want to vote in person but skip the lines on Election Day, counties offer the opportunity to do so, usually at the courthouse or clerk’s office, starting the Tuesday before Election Day or 20 days before the election.

Check with either your clerk’s office or county election commissioner to see what days and times in-person advance voting is available. If you’re not registered, those same officials can help you with that as well.

To vote by mail, you need to request an advance ballot application from your county election officer. Some counties have already mailed applications to all registered voters. If you submit an application, a ballot will be mailed to you starting 20 days before the election.

Completed ballots can be mailed back, so long as they’re post-marked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after the election. Voters can also return their advance ballot to the county election office or any polling place in their county by the close of polls on Election Day.

Key dates for the primary are July 14, the last day to register; July 15, the day advance ballots will be mailed and in-person voting may begin; July 28, deadline to apply for an advance mail ballot, Aug. 3 at noon, in-person advance voting ends; and Aug. 4, Election Day.

Those dates for the general are Oct. 13, last day to register; Oct. 14, the day advance ballots will be mailed and in-person voting may begin; Oct. 27, deadline to apply for an advance mail ballot; Nov. 2 at noon, in-person advance voting ends; Nov. 3, Election Day.

I should note I’m against voting for voting’s sake. Our system of self-governance relies on an informed electorate choosing its leaders. Hopefully, you will be part of that electorate this fall, either in person or by mail.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694508756.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauIt doesn’t feel like an election year with all that’s gone on in the world these past few months, but in Kansas, primary elections loom in August followed by November’s general contest.Over the years I’ve voted on Election Day, done in-person advance voting and utilized the mail-in option. Of the three, I’ve found in-person advance to be the fastest and most convenient. Election Day is still my preference, probably because of tradition. All three have positives and negatives, depending on one’s point of view.There are passionate people who will say anything other than casting a ballot on Election Day is un-American. Others will say it’s absurd to hold an election in the middle of the week. For Kansans, none of the arguments really matter because the system allows ample opportunity and access to the ballot box.Like everything else voting will be different in 2020. Polls will still open and operate on the first Tuesday in August and November, but it’s likely a record number of Kansans will cast their ballots early and through the mail. I can’t tell you how to vote, but I would urge everyone to be aware of the potential disruptions to traditional voting procedures.My home county is currently looking for 80 workers to staff polling places for the primary and general elections. I’ll be among those new hires for the primary, receiving a full two hours of training before working a polling location for 12-plus hours. If there’s a slow line in Riley County, there’s a good chance I’m the reason.If time and your health aren’t concerns, there’s no indication you can’t still vote in person at the traditional time. But if they are, Kansas law makes it easy and convenient to cast a ballot early either in person or by mail.If you want to vote in person but skip the lines on Election Day, counties offer the opportunity to do so, usually at the courthouse or clerk’s office, starting the Tuesday before Election Day or 20 days before the election.Check with either your clerk’s office or county election commissioner to see what days and times in-person advance voting is available. If you’re not registered, those same officials can help you with that as well.To vote by mail, you need to request an advance ballot application from your county election officer. Some counties have already mailed applications to all registered voters. If you submit an application, a ballot will be mailed to you starting 20 days before the election.Completed ballots can be mailed back, so long as they’re post-marked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after the election. Voters can also return their advance ballot to the county election office or any polling place in their county by the close of polls on Election Day.Key dates for the primary are July 14, the last day to register; July 15, the day advance ballots will be mailed and in-person voting may begin; July 28, deadline to apply for an advance mail ballot, Aug. 3 at noon, in-person advance voting ends; and Aug. 4, Election Day.Those dates for the general are Oct. 13, last day to register; Oct. 14, the day advance ballots will be mailed and in-person voting may begin; Oct. 27, deadline to apply for an advance mail ballot; Nov. 2 at noon, in-person advance voting ends; Nov. 3, Election Day.I should note I’m against voting for voting’s sake. Our system of self-governance relies on an informed electorate choosing its leaders. Hopefully, you will be part of that electorate this fall, either in person or by mail."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Ballot measures

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Crude futures prices were mixed in morning trading Tuesday, with the Nymex benchmark contract up eleven cents and London Brent down a penny. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was down a dollar and a quarter Monday to $28.50/barrel.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says gasoline demand in March fell by 13% to its lowest level since January of 2000. From February to March, gasoline demand fell by 1.2 million barrels per day. Jet-fuel demand fell 15%, its largest monthly change since records began in 1965. Energy operators filed just 39 intent-do-drill notices during the month of May, 238 so far this year. Current totals from the Kansas Corporation Commission are up slightly from a month ago, but are still down significantly from last year at this time, when there were more than 400 on file. There's one new intent to file in Barton County, and four in Ellis County. The national drilling rig count is down 17 to 284 active drilling rigs, according to the weekly report from Baker Hughes. The count in Texas is down 12. New Mexico is down three. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports its weekly Rig Count in Kansas is unchanged, with just four rigs drilling in Western Kansas, and none in the eastern half of the state. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 24 new wells completed across Kansas last week, nine in eastern Kansas and 15 west of Wichita, including one in Barton County. Operators in the state have completed 423 wells so far this year, compared to 670 at this time last year. Regulators approved just nine permits for drilling at new locations across the state last week, 197 so far this year. U.S. crude-oil production dropped again last week. The government says domestic output averaged 11.18 million [["eleven point one eight million"]] barrels per day for the week ending May 29. That's down more than 230-thousand barrels per day from the week before, and down more than a million barrels a day from a year ago. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a more than two million barrel decline in U.S. crude stockpiles last week. At more than 532 million barrels, current inventories are about 12% above the five-year seasonal average. EIA reported a drop in imports as well, down one million barrels per day for the week ending May 29. The agency's four-week average for imports is down more than 18% from the same period a year ago. The Energy Information Administration reported on U.S. crude-oil production through March of this year, with Kansas operators managing to pump more than 86-thousand barrels per day. That's down from a year ago, when the state managed nearly 92-thousand barrels per day. National production totaled about 12.7 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed to a preliminary deal to extend existing oil output cuts by one month. Reuters reports the agreement would also raise pressure on other OPEC-Plus producers with poor compliance to deepen their cuts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099516454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Crude futures prices were mixed in morning trading Tuesday, with the Nymex benchmark contract up eleven cents and London Brent down a penny. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was down a dollar and a quarter Monday to $28.50/barrel.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says gasoline demand in March fell by 13% to its lowest level since January of 2000. From February to March, gasoline demand fell by 1.2 million barrels per day. Jet-fuel demand fell 15%, its largest monthly change since records began in 1965. Energy operators filed just 39 intent-do-drill notices during the month of May, 238 so far this year. Current totals from the Kansas Corporation Commission are up slightly from a month ago, but are still down significantly from last year at this time, when there were more than 400 on file. There's one new intent to file in Barton County, and four in Ellis County. The national drilling rig count is down 17 to 284 active drilling rigs, according to the weekly report from Baker Hughes. The count in Texas is down 12. New Mexico is down three. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports its weekly Rig Count in Kansas is unchanged, with just four rigs drilling in Western Kansas, and none in the eastern half of the state. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 24 new wells completed across Kansas last week, nine in eastern Kansas and 15 west of Wichita, including one in Barton County. Operators in the state have completed 423 wells so far this year, compared to 670 at this time last year. Regulators approved just nine permits for drilling at new locations across the state last week, 197 so far this year. U.S. crude-oil production dropped again last week. The government says domestic output averaged 11.18 million [["eleven point one eight million"]] barrels per day for the week ending May 29. That's down more than 230-thousand barrels per day from the week before, and down more than a million barrels a day from a year ago. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a more than two million barrel decline in U.S. crude stockpiles last week. At more than 532 million barrels, current inventories are about 12% above the five-year seasonal average. EIA reported a drop in imports as well, down one million barrels per day for the week ending May 29. The agency's four-week average for imports is down more than 18% from the same period a year ago. The Energy Information Administration reported on U.S. crude-oil production through March of this year, with Kansas operators managing to pump more than 86-thousand barrels per day. That's down from a year ago, when the state managed nearly 92-thousand barrels per day. National production totaled about 12.7 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed to a preliminary deal to extend existing oil output cuts by one month. Reuters reports the agreement would also raise pressure on other OPEC-Plus producers with poor compliance to deepen their cuts.

News From the Oil Patch: Fuel demand sinks

While most of us were watching last week to see just how much authority the Kansas Legislature would hand the governor to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, there are six candidates who are probably wondering just that that new job they are campaigning for is going to look like now that the Legislature has handed them the authority to close — or not — schools at the request of the governor.

The governor, recall, on March 17 ordered public and private schools statewide closed to conventional classroom operations to avoid spread of COVID-19 among students, teachers, staffers and everyone else in the K-12 world.

Students stayed home, studied by conference call, by Internet app, by letters sent from their teachers to their homes. Everything changed by the governor’s order.

And, probably the spread of coronavirus slowed, children and their parents and grandparents stayed healthier, but it was a major change in lifestyle for most of us.

That new diversion of power from the governor to the State Board of Education occurred just after the filing deadline for the two contested seats on the State Board.

The State Board, a 10-member panel, each district made up of four Kansas Senate districts, will see just half of its membership up for election or re-election this year, and of those five seats on the ballot, only two have primary and general elections for the posts.

And, those six candidates are likely to have to put forth some position on whether they could vote to close down schools, or keep them open if they don’t believe that a new coronavirus outbreak this fall, or next winter, will be a health hazard to students and staffers. And…just what sort of regulation they may want to consider stanching the spread of the disease.

Those six candidates? Three from Wichita, three from Overland Park-dominated districts, where closing schools has broad economic effect on businesses and parents of children who either will need some sort of day care or the parents will have to stay home.

With a little luck, school will be fine, the pandemic will cool, and school operations can start as&nbsp; usual just after the primary elections. And it may be the incumbents who, if the pandemic restarts, will have to make that tough decision on conventional operation of schools or a shutdown of some sort.

But the job of being a member of the State Board is going to change dramatically with the new authority that was taken from the governor by the Legislature and handed to the board.

And, even for the current members who aren’t on the ballot, you gotta wonder whether they are willing to take the public vote on closing schools or keeping them open.

The water just gets deeper as the pandemic, which appears to be just idling now, ramps up again this summer or fall or winter or is defused by a vaccination that will stop the disease.

It’s just a whole new area of regulation that lawmakers didn’t want the governor deciding. And, it’s likely that legislators aren’t interested in — again, in an election year — deciding by themselves and instead just looking for anyone besides the governor to make the powerful public health/safety/inconvenience decision.

Nope, don’t look for the issue on yard signs, few as there are for candidates for State Board of Education, but look at the issue as it is going to affect everything from care of children to football games to possibly even debate tournaments.

The change in authority probably will refocus some voters on just why they ought to take a look at those down-ballot State Board of Education candidates, and maybe learn a little more about how they want to educate the kids.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573590596307.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>While most of us were watching last week to see just how much authority the Kansas Legislature would hand the governor to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, there are six candidates who are probably wondering just that that new job they are campaigning for is going to look like now that the Legislature has handed them the authority to close — or not — schools at the request of the governor.The governor, recall, on March 17 ordered public and private schools statewide closed to conventional classroom operations to avoid spread of COVID-19 among students, teachers, staffers and everyone else in the K-12 world.Students stayed home, studied by conference call, by Internet app, by letters sent from their teachers to their homes. Everything changed by the governor’s order.And, probably the spread of coronavirus slowed, children and their parents and grandparents stayed healthier, but it was a major change in lifestyle for most of us.That new diversion of power from the governor to the State Board of Education occurred just after the filing deadline for the two contested seats on the State Board.***The State Board, a 10-member panel, each district made up of four Kansas Senate districts, will see just half of its membership up for election or re-election this year, and of those five seats on the ballot, only two have primary and general elections for the posts.***And, those six candidates are likely to have to put forth some position on whether they could vote to close down schools, or keep them open if they don’t believe that a new coronavirus outbreak this fall, or next winter, will be a health hazard to students and staffers. And…just what sort of regulation they may want to consider stanching the spread of the disease.Those six candidates? Three from Wichita, three from Overland Park-dominated districts, where closing schools has broad economic effect on businesses and parents of children who either will need some sort of day care or the parents will have to stay home.With a little luck, school will be fine, the pandemic will cool, and school operations can start as&nbsp; usual just after the primary elections. And it may be the incumbents who, if the pandemic restarts, will have to make that tough decision on conventional operation of schools or a shutdown of some sort.But the job of being a member of the State Board is going to change dramatically with the new authority that was taken from the governor by the Legislature and handed to the board.And, even for the current members who aren’t on the ballot, you gotta wonder whether they are willing to take the public vote on closing schools or keeping them open.The water just gets deeper as the pandemic, which appears to be just idling now, ramps up again this summer or fall or winter or is defused by a vaccination that will stop the disease.It’s just a whole new area of regulation that lawmakers didn’t want the governor deciding. And, it’s likely that legislators aren’t interested in — again, in an election year — deciding by themselves and instead just looking for anyone besides the governor to make the powerful public health/safety/inconvenience decision.Nope, don’t look for the issue on yard signs, few as there are for candidates for State Board of Education, but look at the issue as it is going to affect everything from care of children to football games to possibly even debate tournaments.The change in authority probably will refocus some voters on just why they ought to take a look at those down-ballot State Board of Education candidates, and maybe learn a little more about how they want to educate the kids.Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

HAWVER: Will virus lead to shift of education authority in Kansas?

Those of you that know us at all are aware that Joyce and I absolutely hate the heat of summer. My dad was just the opposite; in weather like we’ve had the last week, he would have had windows open and MAYBE the ceiling fan going, but certainly not the AC. I keep thinking that as I get older, I’ll get more of his love for the heat. But nope, the older I get, the worse I hate it. I feel tired and drug-out by mid-morning, have absolutely zero energy and the only joy I get from days like this is the fact that my tomatoes are lovin’ it! The Kansas summer heat is the main reason we no longer have a boat. Once it got hot, the boat sat in the shed. We’d manage a couple fishing trips in the spring, from then on it merely took-up space. We’ve all heard the usual one-liners about how hot it is, but here are a few new ones I’ve come up with.

It’s so hot that I bought a cup of coffee at McDonalds and poured it over my lap to cool off.

It’s so hot that beer guts and big butts no longer keep people from wearing shorts.

It’s so hot that CRP now stands for Crispy Rotational Pasture.

&nbsp;it’s so hot that congress actually have to take their hands out of OUR pockets to fan themselves.

It’s so hot that cattlemen have learned that a seatbelt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.

I bought a dozen eggs at the store yesterday, and it was so hot that when I got home, I had a dozen chicks in the carton. &nbsp;

Its so hot that cows are giving evaporated milk.

There was a knock at the door the other day, and when I opened it there stood someone I’ve never met before asking if they could stick their head in our freezer for a couple minutes.

It’s so hot that the camels at the Sedgwick Co. Zoo want transferred to the Sahara Desert where it’s cooler.

It’s so hot that my niece’s pigs are complaining about sweating like fat humans.

I’m going to ask that the next time someone plans a pandemic, they wait till summer so I couldn’t care less about leavin’ the house anyway.

It’s so hot that the geese in the local park pond are now either “original recipe” or “extra crispy.”

And my personal favorite; It’s so hot that the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism will be offering a new big game hunting license this year; it will be good for 1 camel, either sex! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Those of you that know us at all are aware that Joyce and I absolutely hate the heat of summer. My dad was just the opposite; in weather like we’ve had the last week, he would have had windows open and MAYBE the ceiling fan going, but certainly not the AC. I keep thinking that as I get older, I’ll get more of his love for the heat. But nope, the older I get, the worse I hate it. I feel tired and drug-out by mid-morning, have absolutely zero energy and the only joy I get from days like this is the fact that my tomatoes are lovin’ it! The Kansas summer heat is the main reason we no longer have a boat. Once it got hot, the boat sat in the shed. We’d manage a couple fishing trips in the spring, from then on it merely took-up space. We’ve all heard the usual one-liners about how hot it is, but here are a few new ones I’ve come up with.It’s so hot that I bought a cup of coffee at McDonalds and poured it over my lap to cool off.It’s so hot that beer guts and big butts no longer keep people from wearing shorts.It’s so hot that CRP now stands for Crispy Rotational Pasture.&nbsp;it’s so hot that congress actually have to take their hands out of OUR pockets to fan themselves.It’s so hot that cattlemen have learned that a seatbelt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.I bought a dozen eggs at the store yesterday, and it was so hot that when I got home, I had a dozen chicks in the carton. &nbsp;Its so hot that cows are giving evaporated milk.There was a knock at the door the other day, and when I opened it there stood someone I’ve never met before asking if they could stick their head in our freezer for a couple minutes.It’s so hot that the camels at the Sedgwick Co. Zoo want transferred to the Sahara Desert where it’s cooler.It’s so hot that my niece’s pigs are complaining about sweating like fat humans.I’m going to ask that the next time someone plans a pandemic, they wait till summer so I couldn’t care less about leavin’ the house anyway.It’s so hot that the geese in the local park pond are now either “original recipe” or “extra crispy.”And my personal favorite; It’s so hot that the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism will be offering a new big game hunting license this year; it will be good for 1 camel, either sex! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: It’s so hot and dry that ….

Dear FHSU students, staff and faculty: The past 100 days have brought to light the current climate based on systematic and institutional discrimination. The hate, dissension, and violence experienced by Blacks/African Americans leaves people wondering when will the change shift to antiracist views and practices. Being able to reimagine a world where racism is no longer a concern, is a dream many have.&nbsp; People of color have been reimagining their lives, too. Reimagining an America without institutionalized racism has been the condition for Blacks/African Americans for hundreds of years. The recent death of Mr. George Floyd reminds the marginalized students, faculty, and staff of our community that the fundamental injustice of institutionalized racism has not changed.&nbsp; Change. Change is necessary to breakdown the injustices of the American Dream. For many, that dream has been destroyed by the senseless murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. &nbsp;By the harassment of Travis Miller while working as a delivery driver. And by the shameful confrontation experienced by Christian Cooper, while bird watching in New York City’s Central Park.&nbsp; So, what are&nbsp;you&nbsp;doing to confront institutional racism and rebuild a system that is anti-racist? What you are doing to make a difference?&nbsp; You are not expected to make a difference alone. Our university’s leadership acknowledges that “we can’t single-handedly fix all that is wrong” necessitates that we dedicate ourselves to do the work that prompts the change. Those with the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion in their titles&nbsp;must&nbsp;have your help to breakdown institutional racism.&nbsp; Become an accomplice for change. &nbsp;An accomplice takes action against injustices. Acknowledge and embrace that change must take place and then ask&nbsp;how you can help.We can start right here on our campus. You can start in the community where you live and help your neighbors navigate these troubling times. Reach out. Talk to others. Be kind. For those of you who are feeling overwhelmed and need support, talk with a trusted colleague, faculty/staff, friend, or family member. &nbsp;And know I am here for you, too, as are the professional counselors at the Kelly Center.&nbsp; This call for change is not an indictment of law enforcement. We recognize there are racist views in all professions, that is the very definition of institutionalized racism. &nbsp;We are grateful to those who protect and serve our communities. And for those who are advocates, allies, and accomplices for anti-racism, thank you, too.&nbsp; What now? Acknowledge the need to address institutional racism. Engage in meaningful conversations with others about discrimination. Get involved with diversity and equity programs and commit to continued education. Bring microaggression training to your classroom. Have staff participate in Safe Zone training. Attend the Tunnel of Oppression. Join in Novels for Hope. To move forward and create change, we must work in concert so the thread of diversity, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of the university by everyone who teaches, leads, advises, encourages, and interacts with every student, alum, faculty, and staff.&nbsp; Sincerely,&nbsp; Dr. Teresa L. Clounch&nbsp; Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs | Senior Diversity Officer | Title IX Coordinator | NASPA IV-West Regional Director (2020-2022)&nbsp; Fort Hays State University&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591558659046.jpeg" alt="Teresa Clounch" />
 <figcaption>Teresa Clounch</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear FHSU students, staff and faculty: The past 100 days have brought to light the current climate based on systematic and institutional discrimination. The hate, dissension, and violence experienced by Blacks/African Americans leaves people wondering when will the change shift to antiracist views and practices. Being able to reimagine a world where racism is no longer a concern, is a dream many have.&nbsp; People of color have been reimagining their lives, too. Reimagining an America without institutionalized racism has been the condition for Blacks/African Americans for hundreds of years. The recent death of Mr. George Floyd reminds the marginalized students, faculty, and staff of our community that the fundamental injustice of institutionalized racism has not changed.&nbsp; Change. Change is necessary to breakdown the injustices of the American Dream. For many, that dream has been destroyed by the senseless murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. &nbsp;By the harassment of Travis Miller while working as a delivery driver. And by the shameful confrontation experienced by Christian Cooper, while bird watching in New York City’s Central Park.&nbsp; So, what are&nbsp;you&nbsp;doing to confront institutional racism and rebuild a system that is anti-racist? What you are doing to make a difference?&nbsp; You are not expected to make a difference alone. Our university’s leadership acknowledges that “we can’t single-handedly fix all that is wrong” necessitates that we dedicate ourselves to do the work that prompts the change. Those with the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion in their titles&nbsp;must&nbsp;have your help to breakdown institutional racism.&nbsp; Become an accomplice for change. &nbsp;An accomplice takes action against injustices. Acknowledge and embrace that change must take place and then ask&nbsp;how you can help.We can start right here on our campus. You can start in the community where you live and help your neighbors navigate these troubling times. Reach out. Talk to others. Be kind. For those of you who are feeling overwhelmed and need support, talk with a trusted colleague, faculty/staff, friend, or family member. &nbsp;And know I am here for you, too, as are the professional counselors at the Kelly Center.&nbsp; This call for change is not an indictment of law enforcement. We recognize there are racist views in all professions, that is the very definition of institutionalized racism. &nbsp;We are grateful to those who protect and serve our communities. And for those who are advocates, allies, and accomplices for anti-racism, thank you, too.&nbsp; What now? Acknowledge the need to address institutional racism. Engage in meaningful conversations with others about discrimination. Get involved with diversity and equity programs and commit to continued education. Bring microaggression training to your classroom. Have staff participate in Safe Zone training. Attend the Tunnel of Oppression. Join in Novels for Hope. To move forward and create change, we must work in concert so the thread of diversity, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of the university by everyone who teaches, leads, advises, encourages, and interacts with every student, alum, faculty, and staff.&nbsp; Sincerely,&nbsp; Dr. Teresa L. Clounch&nbsp; Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs | Senior Diversity Officer | Title IX Coordinator | NASPA IV-West Regional Director (2020-2022)&nbsp; Fort Hays State University&nbsp;

FHSU diversity officer: Our role in the world moving forward

By ALICIA BOOR K-State Research &amp; Extension

Some exciting news was announced to K-State Research and Extension last week! K-State Athletics will host our first “Celebrate Agriculture Day” with K-State Football this fall. While we have always known how important farming and agriculture are to everyone, the past couple of months have highlighted this to the world. Our history as Kansas State Agriculture College is something we recognize and celebrate. 
 
Our designated “Celebrate Agriculture” game is November 7 against Texas Tech, and we are excited to&nbsp;honor one Willie’s Farm Family from each county!

To help us at Extension decide who we will send from our counties, we need your help! We are asking for nominations of a family who farms that you feel deserves to be highlighted on November 7th. To enter a deserving family’s name, submit a short summary of 350 words or less on why you feel that they should win. Nominations are due to our offices by June 23rd with the announcement of the winners on June 30th. For a Barton County nomination, either send your submission in by mail to 1800 12th street in Great Bend or email Brenda at <a href="mailto:bwalton@ksu.edu">bwalton@ksu.edu</a> For an Ellis County nomination, mail it to 601 Main Street in Hays or email to Theresa a <a href="mailto:tam3@ksu.edu">tam3@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

The selected farm family from each county will receive two complimentary tickets to the game with the opportunity to purchase additional discounted tickets and be recognized with all county representatives during the game. The nominated family will receive more information on this program in a follow-up email in July.

Farming and the families that support agriculture are integral to everyone’s life. Please help us at KSRE and KSU honor a family from our community and show football fans why farmers are the best!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591218629362.jpeg" alt="Courtesy&nbsp;K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy&nbsp;K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR K-State Research &amp; ExtensionSome exciting news was announced to K-State Research and Extension last week! K-State Athletics will host our first “Celebrate Agriculture Day” with K-State Football this fall. While we have always known how important farming and agriculture are to everyone, the past couple of months have highlighted this to the world. Our history as Kansas State Agriculture College is something we recognize and celebrate. 
 
Our designated “Celebrate Agriculture” game is November 7 against Texas Tech, and we are excited to&nbsp;honor one Willie’s Farm Family from each county!To help us at Extension decide who we will send from our counties, we need your help! We are asking for nominations of a family who farms that you feel deserves to be highlighted on November 7th. To enter a deserving family’s name, submit a short summary of 350 words or less on why you feel that they should win. Nominations are due to our offices by June 23rd with the announcement of the winners on June 30th. For a Barton County nomination, either send your submission in by mail to 1800 12th street in Great Bend or email Brenda at <a href="mailto:bwalton@ksu.edu">bwalton@ksu.edu</a> For an Ellis County nomination, mail it to 601 Main Street in Hays or email to Theresa a <a href="mailto:tam3@ksu.edu">tam3@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;The selected farm family from each county will receive two complimentary tickets to the game with the opportunity to purchase additional discounted tickets and be recognized with all county representatives during the game. The nominated family will receive more information on this program in a follow-up email in July.Farming and the families that support agriculture are integral to everyone’s life. Please help us at KSRE and KSU honor a family from our community and show football fans why farmers are the best!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: Celebrate agriculture with K-State football

For those of you that have been waiting patiently by reading another book or counting your stockpile of toilet paper, or for some…impatiently; it is time to look for bagworms. Although the cool weather we have experienced this spring will slow development, and consequently larvae hatching from eggs, bagworm caterpillars will eventually be present throughout Kansas feeding on broadleaf and evergreen trees and shrubs. 

Therefore, be prepared to act against bagworms once they are observed on plants. Bagworms are primarily a pest of conifers; however, they feed on a wide-range of host plants including a number of broadleaf plants, such as; rose, honey locust, hackberry, and flowering plum. It is important to apply insecticides when bagworms are less than 1/4 inch long to maximize effectiveness of insecticide applications and subsequently reduce plant damage.

Several insecticides are labeled for use against bagworms including those with the following active ingredients: acephate, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, trichlorfon, indoxacarb, chlorantraniliprole, and spinosad. Most of these active ingredients are commercially available and sold under various trade names or as generic products. However, several insecticides may not be directly available to homeowners.

The key to managing bagworms with insecticides at this time of year is to apply insecticides early and frequently enough to kill the highly susceptible young caterpillars feeding on plant foliage.

Applying insecticides weekly for four to five weeks when bagworms are first noticed will reduce problems with bagworms later in the year. The bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, which is sold under various trade names, is only active on young caterpillars and must be consumed or ingested to be effective. Therefore, thorough coverage of all plant parts and frequent applications are required. The insecticide is sensitive to ultra-violet light degradation and rainfall, which can reduce residual activity (persistence). Spinosad is the active ingredient in several homeowner products, including: Natural Guard Spinosad; Captain Jack’s DeadBug Brew; and Monterey Garden Insect Spray. The insecticide works by contact and ingestion; however, activity is greatest when ingested by bagworms.

Cyfluthrin (BioAdvanced Vegetable &amp; Garden Insect Spray, lambda-cyhalothrin&nbsp; (Spectracide Triazicide, Bonide Caterpillar Killer, trichlorfon, chlorantraniliprole, and indoxacarb can also be used against young caterpillars. Again, thorough coverage of all plant parts, especially the tops of trees and shrubs, where bagworms commonly start feeding, and frequent applications are essential in achieving sufficient suppression of bagworm populations. 

The reason multiple applications are needed is that bagworm larvae do not hatch from eggs simultaneously, but hatch over time depending on temperature. In addition, young bagworms can ‘blow in’ (called ‘ballooning’) from neighboring plants on silken threads. If left unchecked, bagworms can cause significant damage and ruin the aesthetic quality of plants. In addition, bagworms may kill plants, especially newly transplanted small evergreens, since evergreens do not usually produce another flush of growth after being fed upon or defoliated by bagworms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>For those of you that have been waiting patiently by reading another book or counting your stockpile of toilet paper, or for some…impatiently; it is time to look for bagworms. Although the cool weather we have experienced this spring will slow development, and consequently larvae hatching from eggs, bagworm caterpillars will eventually be present throughout Kansas feeding on broadleaf and evergreen trees and shrubs. Therefore, be prepared to act against bagworms once they are observed on plants. Bagworms are primarily a pest of conifers; however, they feed on a wide-range of host plants including a number of broadleaf plants, such as; rose, honey locust, hackberry, and flowering plum. It is important to apply insecticides when bagworms are less than 1/4 inch long to maximize effectiveness of insecticide applications and subsequently reduce plant damage.Several insecticides are labeled for use against bagworms including those with the following active ingredients: acephate, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, trichlorfon, indoxacarb, chlorantraniliprole, and spinosad. Most of these active ingredients are commercially available and sold under various trade names or as generic products. However, several insecticides may not be directly available to homeowners.The key to managing bagworms with insecticides at this time of year is to apply insecticides early and frequently enough to kill the highly susceptible young caterpillars feeding on plant foliage.Applying insecticides weekly for four to five weeks when bagworms are first noticed will reduce problems with bagworms later in the year. The bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, which is sold under various trade names, is only active on young caterpillars and must be consumed or ingested to be effective. Therefore, thorough coverage of all plant parts and frequent applications are required. The insecticide is sensitive to ultra-violet light degradation and rainfall, which can reduce residual activity (persistence). Spinosad is the active ingredient in several homeowner products, including: Natural Guard Spinosad; Captain Jack’s DeadBug Brew; and Monterey Garden Insect Spray. The insecticide works by contact and ingestion; however, activity is greatest when ingested by bagworms.Cyfluthrin (BioAdvanced Vegetable &amp; Garden Insect Spray, lambda-cyhalothrin&nbsp; (Spectracide Triazicide, Bonide Caterpillar Killer, trichlorfon, chlorantraniliprole, and indoxacarb can also be used against young caterpillars. Again, thorough coverage of all plant parts, especially the tops of trees and shrubs, where bagworms commonly start feeding, and frequent applications are essential in achieving sufficient suppression of bagworm populations. The reason multiple applications are needed is that bagworm larvae do not hatch from eggs simultaneously, but hatch over time depending on temperature. In addition, young bagworms can ‘blow in’ (called ‘ballooning’) from neighboring plants on silken threads. If left unchecked, bagworms can cause significant damage and ruin the aesthetic quality of plants. In addition, bagworms may kill plants, especially newly transplanted small evergreens, since evergreens do not usually produce another flush of growth after being fed upon or defoliated by bagworms.Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Controlling bagworms 

Grandpa always said some of the best fishing can be when its raining. Its sometimes tough to test that theory here in Kansas because if seems that more often than not, our rain comes with abundant thunder-and-lightning, or it comes as literal downpours, neither conducive to fishing. We just spent two days fishing Waconda Lake (aka Glen Elder Lake) with Leon Sievert, co-owner of Solomon Valley Outfitters, much of the time in the rain, and had an absolute blast, plus brought home many meals of fish for the freezer.

Like most lakes in Kansas, Waconda Lake and the surrounding area are rich with history. The north fork and the south fork of the Solomon River converge in Waconda Lake, situated in the northwest corner of Mitchell County, to create a reservoir of more than 12, 500 acres of water. The name “Wakonda” spelled with a “K” was a word used by the Kanza Indians to mean “Great Spirit.” Later as white men settled the area, the standard spelling became “Waconda” with a “C.” In the 1800’s, well before the lake was formed, a natural mineral spring existed there which became a gathering spot for all the different plains Indians who believed the water possessed healing powers, which in fact was partially true, as water from the spring won a medal at the 1904 World’s Fair in the category “mineral waters of superior medicinal qualities.” A sanitarium was later built near the spring, and water from the spring was piped into the bathtubs of all 60 rooms and used in a program of internal and external healing. The dam to form Waconda lake was completed in 1968, and the sanitarium was demolished and piled in the spring as the lake began to fill.

We met Leon at his pontoon boat the first evening, and after catching only one keeper walleye of over 18 inches at one of his favorite walleye haunts, we settled over a brush pile of discarded Christmas trees Leon described as being “At least the size of a house,” and rigged our rods to fish for crappies. A bright colored jig-head tipped with a minnow was the ticket, and we fished it lowered over the brush pile at a specific height to avoid getting hung-up in the brush. Crappie had to be ten inches to keep, and we soon began putting “keepers” in the cooler. When we quit for the evening, Leon told us we’d probably need raingear for the next morning as rain and storms appeared to be on the menu for the next couple days. Sure enough, we awoke Friday morning to a steady drizzle. Rain stung our face as we headed out of the marina and toward the dam to again attempt to put a few walleyes in the cooler. After little luck there, we headed across the lake toward another favorite walleye spot. The rain was still a slow off-and-on drizzle, but the nearer we got to our destination, the harder it rained until we rode in a steady, soaking rain. We turned back but the rain chased us across the lake, threatening the morning’s outing. We voted to stop over the brush pile again for a short while, and as lines were dropped, all three of us had big, slab crappie hooked almost instantly. We sat there in a cold, drenching rain and caught big crappie, one-after-another for over an hour before finally crying “uncle” and giving-in to the rain’s perseverance.

Back at our room, warm, dry clothes felt good, but what a great morning of fishing, even in the rain. After experiencing how dry Kansas summers can be, I’ve learned not to complain much about the rain, and I think grandpa was right that some of the best fishing can be when its raining. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Grandpa always said some of the best fishing can be when its raining. Its sometimes tough to test that theory here in Kansas because if seems that more often than not, our rain comes with abundant thunder-and-lightning, or it comes as literal downpours, neither conducive to fishing. We just spent two days fishing Waconda Lake (aka Glen Elder Lake) with Leon Sievert, co-owner of Solomon Valley Outfitters, much of the time in the rain, and had an absolute blast, plus brought home many meals of fish for the freezer.Like most lakes in Kansas, Waconda Lake and the surrounding area are rich with history. The north fork and the south fork of the Solomon River converge in Waconda Lake, situated in the northwest corner of Mitchell County, to create a reservoir of more than 12, 500 acres of water. The name “Wakonda” spelled with a “K” was a word used by the Kanza Indians to mean “Great Spirit.” Later as white men settled the area, the standard spelling became “Waconda” with a “C.” In the 1800’s, well before the lake was formed, a natural mineral spring existed there which became a gathering spot for all the different plains Indians who believed the water possessed healing powers, which in fact was partially true, as water from the spring won a medal at the 1904 World’s Fair in the category “mineral waters of superior medicinal qualities.” A sanitarium was later built near the spring, and water from the spring was piped into the bathtubs of all 60 rooms and used in a program of internal and external healing. The dam to form Waconda lake was completed in 1968, and the sanitarium was demolished and piled in the spring as the lake began to fill.We met Leon at his pontoon boat the first evening, and after catching only one keeper walleye of over 18 inches at one of his favorite walleye haunts, we settled over a brush pile of discarded Christmas trees Leon described as being “At least the size of a house,” and rigged our rods to fish for crappies. A bright colored jig-head tipped with a minnow was the ticket, and we fished it lowered over the brush pile at a specific height to avoid getting hung-up in the brush. Crappie had to be ten inches to keep, and we soon began putting “keepers” in the cooler. When we quit for the evening, Leon told us we’d probably need raingear for the next morning as rain and storms appeared to be on the menu for the next couple days. Sure enough, we awoke Friday morning to a steady drizzle. Rain stung our face as we headed out of the marina and toward the dam to again attempt to put a few walleyes in the cooler. After little luck there, we headed across the lake toward another favorite walleye spot. The rain was still a slow off-and-on drizzle, but the nearer we got to our destination, the harder it rained until we rode in a steady, soaking rain. We turned back but the rain chased us across the lake, threatening the morning’s outing. We voted to stop over the brush pile again for a short while, and as lines were dropped, all three of us had big, slab crappie hooked almost instantly. We sat there in a cold, drenching rain and caught big crappie, one-after-another for over an hour before finally crying “uncle” and giving-in to the rain’s perseverance.Back at our room, warm, dry clothes felt good, but what a great morning of fishing, even in the rain. After experiencing how dry Kansas summers can be, I’ve learned not to complain much about the rain, and I think grandpa was right that some of the best fishing can be when its raining. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Crappies in the rain

Just as an athlete can experience an injury in competition, so too can a bull when he is turned out in a breeding pasture where his athleticism is going to be tested.

“Bulls will be the busiest in the first month of the breeding season when there are a lot of females coming into heat (estrus,” said Kansas State University veterinarian Bob Larson&nbsp;

“At the beginning of the breeding season, about 5% of the cows that aren’t pregnant will be in heat daily,” Larson said, citing an example of a 1:30 bull to female ratio in which, on average, two cows can be expected to be showing signs of estrus each day.

Because of that, Larson said even if the bulls have passed a breeding soundness exam prior to turnout, producers still need to watch them closely once they are in the pastures with the cows.

Common injuries include lameness due to feet and leg issues as well as a broken penis, which can happen when he is mounting a female and another bull shows aggression towards him. Later in the summer when the flies are more active, pinkeye can be a concern.

“A good time to check the bulls is when you are checking on the salt and mineral in the pastures in the early morning or at dusk,” said Bob Weaber, beef cattle specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “If the bull isn’t with the cows but is off in another part of the pasture laying down that is a concern.”&nbsp;

Weaber added it is important to maintain personal safety when working around bulls.

“Mature bulls can be difficult so it is best to observe them from your ATV, pickup truck or on the back of a horse,” Weaber said.

Lameness is easy to notice when the bull first gets up and begins moving around, Weaber said, while Larson added that a bull with a broken penis will show swelling on his underline right in front of the scrotum.

As the breeding season goes on, the physical demands on the bull should lessen.

“After the first 21 days of the season, producers should expect at least half of the cows to be pregnant,” Larson said. “If it’s a month into the breeding season and you see a lot of cows riding each other, that would be the time to have the veterinarian check on him.”

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/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just as an athlete can experience an injury in competition, so too can a bull when he is turned out in a breeding pasture where his athleticism is going to be tested.“Bulls will be the busiest in the first month of the breeding season when there are a lot of females coming into heat (estrus,” said Kansas State University veterinarian Bob Larson&nbsp;“At the beginning of the breeding season, about 5% of the cows that aren’t pregnant will be in heat daily,” Larson said, citing an example of a 1:30 bull to female ratio in which, on average, two cows can be expected to be showing signs of estrus each day.Because of that, Larson said even if the bulls have passed a breeding soundness exam prior to turnout, producers still need to watch them closely once they are in the pastures with the cows.Common injuries include lameness due to feet and leg issues as well as a broken penis, which can happen when he is mounting a female and another bull shows aggression towards him. Later in the summer when the flies are more active, pinkeye can be a concern.“A good time to check the bulls is when you are checking on the salt and mineral in the pastures in the early morning or at dusk,” said Bob Weaber, beef cattle specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “If the bull isn’t with the cows but is off in another part of the pasture laying down that is a concern.”&nbsp;Weaber added it is important to maintain personal safety when working around bulls.“Mature bulls can be difficult so it is best to observe them from your ATV, pickup truck or on the back of a horse,” Weaber said.Lameness is easy to notice when the bull first gets up and begins moving around, Weaber said, while Larson added that a bull with a broken penis will show swelling on his underline right in front of the scrotum.As the breeding season goes on, the physical demands on the bull should lessen.“After the first 21 days of the season, producers should expect at least half of the cows to be pregnant,” Larson said. “If it’s a month into the breeding season and you see a lot of cows riding each other, that would be the time to have the veterinarian check on him.”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: Bull soundness

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

A Kansas man was almost overwhelmed by a flood. But it wasn’t a flood of water, it was a flood of interest – specifically, an interest in finding local foods. Now that interest is helping build connections that are benefitting farmers and consumers across the state.

Rick McNary is a writer, photographer, global hunger expert and founder of a remarkable new Facebook group known as Shop Kansas Farms. For 20 years, he served as a pastor of a church in Potwin, Kansas. After going on a mission trip and interacting with starving people in Nicaragua, he organized a humanitarian food relief organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, he is still involved in such efforts through&nbsp;<a href="https://outreachprogram.org/">The Outreach Program</a>, a non-profit that organizes food packaging events across the country.

Rick has published three books.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many of his articles have been published in Kansas Farm Bureau’s&nbsp;Kansas Living&nbsp;magazine.

Then the coronavirus hit. “One night I was sitting in my recliner, talking to my wife Christine,” Rick said. “We had just had a delicious supper of beef which we had gotten from our friends Kregg and Katie Carothers in Harper County, but Christine told me that she had been to the store and the meat counter was empty.”

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ed17777ebfb13423b267c73">RELATED:&nbsp;Pandemic shows weakness in meat supply chain; ranchers go direct to consumers</a>

That meant there was a disconnect between the people raising beef and the consumers who were looking for it in the store. Rick wondered if social media might provide a way to connect local producers and consumers.

“I didn’t know much about Facebook groups but I thought I would give it a try,” Rick said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He created a group called Shop Kansas Farms on Facebook. That night he checked on the group and was startled to see how many people had already joined.

“Oh my,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Then I checked the next morning, and it was, `Holy cow!’”&nbsp;&nbsp;The interest in the group took off.

“I felt like a little kid who was walking along a dam and saw a strange object, which happened to be a plug, and pulled on it, unleashing a pent-up flood of water behind it,” Rick wrote. In four weeks, the Shop Kansas Farms Facebook group went from zero to more than 130,000 members.

Many producers were posting about their products, and many consumers were asking about them. Products included vegetables, beef, pork, cheese, honey, lavender and more.

“I’m so thankful that some friends stepped in as administrators and moderators to help manage the group,” Rick said. These included social media expert Olivia Fletcher, Meagan Cramer of Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Department of Agriculture staff and others.

“It’s a crazy idea that has taken off,” Rick said. Interest is so great that a Shop Kansas Farms website is being created so that people can search specifically for producers in their region.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591192592888.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentA Kansas man was almost overwhelmed by a flood. But it wasn’t a flood of water, it was a flood of interest – specifically, an interest in finding local foods. Now that interest is helping build connections that are benefitting farmers and consumers across the state.Rick McNary is a writer, photographer, global hunger expert and founder of a remarkable new Facebook group known as Shop Kansas Farms. For 20 years, he served as a pastor of a church in Potwin, Kansas. After going on a mission trip and interacting with starving people in Nicaragua, he organized a humanitarian food relief organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, he is still involved in such efforts through&nbsp;<a href="https://outreachprogram.org/">The Outreach Program</a>, a non-profit that organizes food packaging events across the country.Rick has published three books.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many of his articles have been published in Kansas Farm Bureau’s&nbsp;Kansas Living&nbsp;magazine.Then the coronavirus hit. “One night I was sitting in my recliner, talking to my wife Christine,” Rick said. “We had just had a delicious supper of beef which we had gotten from our friends Kregg and Katie Carothers in Harper County, but Christine told me that she had been to the store and the meat counter was empty.”<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ed17777ebfb13423b267c73">RELATED:&nbsp;Pandemic shows weakness in meat supply chain; ranchers go direct to consumers</a>That meant there was a disconnect between the people raising beef and the consumers who were looking for it in the store. Rick wondered if social media might provide a way to connect local producers and consumers.“I didn’t know much about Facebook groups but I thought I would give it a try,” Rick said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He created a group called Shop Kansas Farms on Facebook. That night he checked on the group and was startled to see how many people had already joined.“Oh my,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Then I checked the next morning, and it was, `Holy cow!’”&nbsp;&nbsp;The interest in the group took off.“I felt like a little kid who was walking along a dam and saw a strange object, which happened to be a plug, and pulled on it, unleashing a pent-up flood of water behind it,” Rick wrote. In four weeks, the Shop Kansas Farms Facebook group went from zero to more than 130,000 members.Many producers were posting about their products, and many consumers were asking about them. Products included vegetables, beef, pork, cheese, honey, lavender and more.“I’m so thankful that some friends stepped in as administrators and moderators to help manage the group,” Rick said. These included social media expert Olivia Fletcher, Meagan Cramer of Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Department of Agriculture staff and others.“It’s a crazy idea that has taken off,” Rick said. Interest is so great that a Shop Kansas Farms website is being created so that people can search specifically for producers in their region.“We want to help farmers prosper,” Rick said. “When a farmer tells me that he thought they were going to have to fold, and now they’re making money, that’s meaningful. This is creating new opportunities and people are becoming friends of farmers again.”The project is making a difference. It’s quite an accomplishment for someone from the rural community of Potwin, population 449 people. Now, that’s rural.After the first three weeks, Rick posted his thoughts about this phenomenon, including the following observations:“A local and regional community is being built around agriculture. Consumers are learning real-time about how agriculture works…Rural revitalization is taking place. People want to buy local. In the previous food chain, the average calorie traveled 1,500 miles to reach our plates. Now, people are purchasing food from as close as their next-door neighbor. This is a movement. Already, these types of “Shop Our State Farms” are springing up around America as people follow this model. I believe this movement will continue long after the COVID-19 crisis.”It was a flood – a flood of interest in local foods. Rick McNary is now gratified by the results. He wrote about those who have helped with the Facebook group: “They have channeled the tumultuous waters into a life-giving river that is providing education, connection, commerce, behavior standards, new friendships, and most of all, hope.”

Opinion