Hi! My name is Monique Koerner. &nbsp;I’m the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent&nbsp;in the Cottonwood Extension District. I’m passionate about the community of Hays and the families and children that live here!

Hays&nbsp;is my hometown, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;graduated&nbsp;from Hays High School and Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;Most&nbsp;recently, I&nbsp;graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2019 with a Master's in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Public Health Administration. Before being hired as an Extension agent,&nbsp;I worked for Early Childhood Connections. I was a home visitor for Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers.&nbsp;

My family consists of my husband, Lance, five children ranging in age from 25-15, and two dogs — a long-haired Chihuahua named Bella,&nbsp;and a yellow lab named&nbsp;Phiobe — round out the family.

Advocating&nbsp;for and supporting&nbsp;families who breastfeed&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;a passion of mine. &nbsp;I have been a La Leche League Leader for almost 23 years and an International&nbsp;Board Certified&nbsp;Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for 11 years. &nbsp;

I’m excited to begin my new position with K-State. I plan on being at the Backpack for Kids event on Aug. 4,&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Presbyterian Church from 7am-6pm, Go Truck Go on Sept. 22,&nbsp;at Early Childhood Connections&nbsp;5-7pm,&nbsp;and&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a></a>started&nbsp;planning the annual Family Dinner&nbsp;Night&nbsp;make and take pizza event the last Monday&nbsp;in&nbsp;September. Please come out and say “hi”! I look forward to seeing old friends and acquaintances as well as making new ones.

If you ever need anything, you can find me at our office located at 601 Main St. I can also be contacted at 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658934620122.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>Hi! My name is Monique Koerner. &nbsp;I’m the new Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent&nbsp;in the Cottonwood Extension District. I’m passionate about the community of Hays and the families and children that live here!Hays&nbsp;is my hometown, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;graduated&nbsp;from Hays High School and Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;Most&nbsp;recently, I&nbsp;graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2019 with a Master's in Professional Studies with an emphasis in Public Health Administration. Before being hired as an Extension agent,&nbsp;I worked for Early Childhood Connections. I was a home visitor for Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers.&nbsp;My family consists of my husband, Lance, five children ranging in age from 25-15, and two dogs — a long-haired Chihuahua named Bella,&nbsp;and a yellow lab named&nbsp;Phiobe — round out the family.Advocating&nbsp;for and supporting&nbsp;families who breastfeed&nbsp;is&nbsp;also&nbsp;a passion of mine. &nbsp;I have been a La Leche League Leader for almost 23 years and an International&nbsp;Board Certified&nbsp;Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for 11 years. &nbsp;I’m excited to begin my new position with K-State. I plan on being at the Backpack for Kids event on Aug. 4,&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Presbyterian Church from 7am-6pm, Go Truck Go on Sept. 22,&nbsp;at Early Childhood Connections&nbsp;5-7pm,&nbsp;and&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a></a>started&nbsp;planning the annual Family Dinner&nbsp;Night&nbsp;make and take pizza event the last Monday&nbsp;in&nbsp;September. Please come out and say “hi”! I look forward to seeing old friends and acquaintances as well as making new ones.If you ever need anything, you can find me at our office located at 601 Main St. I can also be contacted at 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>.

Extension welcomes new family, community wellness agent

August signals the beginning of another school year. Kids of all ages will be learning new skills in the classroom.&nbsp;My hope is that you will find something that you want to learn more about andsign up for a class or two. I have loved my years in Extension because it has encouraged me to be a life-long learner. When I prepare to teach others in a workshop setting,&nbsp;I always find that&nbsp;the time&nbsp;I spend&nbsp;researching the subject&nbsp;teaches me as much as the&nbsp;participants.

Our August Cottonwood Connection e-newsletter will be posted soon on our Cottonwood website. I hope you will take a few minutes and see what opportunities are offered during the month ahead in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Agriculture, 4-H and youth development and Family and Consumer Science programming is making a difference in the lives of our families.

Consider signing up for the fermentation workshop I am offering in Great Bend on August 29th.&nbsp;Participants will learn how to make Kimchi which is a tasty Korean condiment. There is a registration fee of $25 that covers the ingredients and equipment needed to ferment a quart of Kimchi.&nbsp;

It is also time to think about registering for the Stay Strong Stay Healthy workshop that begins in September.&nbsp;I will be leading this popular workshop which focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance. A $20 registration fee will hold a spot for you and class size is limited. Classes run from September 29th&nbsp;through November 29th, from 10 – 11 AM at the Great Bend Activity Center.&nbsp;

Before I close&nbsp;today,&nbsp;I want to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;a warm welcome&nbsp;to&nbsp;our newest team member, Monique Koerner. Monique is bringing her professional experience to the Cottonwood District as the Family and Community Wellness agent&nbsp;in the Hays office.

Early in August the Cottonwood District Horticulture position will open for applicants and later in the fall the 4-H and youth development position in the Hays office will be filled. Watch for these announcements in the weeks ahead and encourage people you may know&nbsp;who have the qualifications&nbsp;to apply.&nbsp;

Exciting times lie ahead&nbsp;in the Cottonwood District. I hope you will be&nbsp;part of the life-long learning that is happening!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>August signals the beginning of another school year. Kids of all ages will be learning new skills in the classroom.&nbsp;My hope is that you will find something that you want to learn more about andsign up for a class or two. I have loved my years in Extension because it has encouraged me to be a life-long learner. When I prepare to teach others in a workshop setting,&nbsp;I always find that&nbsp;the time&nbsp;I spend&nbsp;researching the subject&nbsp;teaches me as much as the&nbsp;participants.Our August Cottonwood Connection e-newsletter will be posted soon on our Cottonwood website. I hope you will take a few minutes and see what opportunities are offered during the month ahead in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Agriculture, 4-H and youth development and Family and Consumer Science programming is making a difference in the lives of our families.Consider signing up for the fermentation workshop I am offering in Great Bend on August 29th.&nbsp;Participants will learn how to make Kimchi which is a tasty Korean condiment. There is a registration fee of $25 that covers the ingredients and equipment needed to ferment a quart of Kimchi.&nbsp;It is also time to think about registering for the Stay Strong Stay Healthy workshop that begins in September.&nbsp;I will be leading this popular workshop which focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance. A $20 registration fee will hold a spot for you and class size is limited. Classes run from September 29th&nbsp;through November 29th, from 10 – 11 AM at the Great Bend Activity Center.&nbsp;Before I close&nbsp;today,&nbsp;I want to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;a warm welcome&nbsp;to&nbsp;our newest team member, Monique Koerner. Monique is bringing her professional experience to the Cottonwood District as the Family and Community Wellness agent&nbsp;in the Hays office.Early in August the Cottonwood District Horticulture position will open for applicants and later in the fall the 4-H and youth development position in the Hays office will be filled. Watch for these announcements in the weeks ahead and encourage people you may know&nbsp;who have the qualifications&nbsp;to apply.&nbsp;Exciting times lie ahead&nbsp;in the Cottonwood District. I hope you will be&nbsp;part of the life-long learning that is happening!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>

KRUG: Are you a lifelong learner?

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell shares updates from the district.&nbsp;

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Extension district wheat test plot results released" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yxim2-128592d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell shares updates from the district.&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Extension district wheat test plot results released

As we prepared for the fair, I had the opportunity to work with both 4-H and Open Class superintendents to review Youth Program Quality Principles&nbsp;from the Kansas 4-H Club Corner. There are eight critical principles for youth program quality as defined by 4-H. I do believe that these apply to any youth program!

1)Physical and psychological safety – Youth need to feel safe in 4-H programs and be able to interact positively with others.Volunteers for Kansas 4-H go through background checks and have access to trainings to provide an appropriate environment for youth to develop.

2)Appropriate structure – Whether it is a club meeting or leadership camp, 4-H programs must have clear and consistent rules and expectations, with clear boundaries and age-appropriate monitoring.

3)Supportive relationships – All youth need to feel warmth from and closeness to others in 4-H. Youth need to feel others care about and support them. They also need to receive clear guidance and communication from 4-H volunteers and staff.

4)Opportunities to belong – All youth need to feel included in a meaningful way in 4-H, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. Youth have opportunities to share their culture and heritage with others and to forge a positive identity.For myself, at the end of the day, did I help a youth feel valued and that they have a support system?

5)Positive social norms – Youth should experience clear rules and expectations for participating in 4-H, including the values, morals, and ethical expectations of being a 4-H member.Opportunities bring responsibility and that is a life skill which includes abiding by deadlines and a Code of Conduct for appropriate behavior, especially when you are representing your family, club, county, and state at events.

6)Support for efficacy and mattering – Youth in 4-H should be taken seriously and respected for their ideas and contributions. Youth should be given opportunities to develop responsibility and be challenged to set and achieve new goals.Representing their club at 4-H Council, serving in Junior Leaders, and being selected to a 4-H Ambassador role, and serving as club officers are all great examples of providing opportunities for developing responsibility. Each new 4-H year brings the opportunity to set new project goals for learning. These are all important life skills!

7)Opportunities for skill building – Youth need to develop physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional, and social skills as they grow and develop. 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop these skills, skills that support a young person into adulthood and the workplace.One of the hallmarks of 4-H is the nearly forty project areas offered to learn about everything from Arts and Crafts to Woodworking. While youth explore the specific project material, they are also learning communication skills, responsibility, time management, and a sense of belonging.

8)Integration of family, school, and community – Youth in 4-H do best when there is a connection to their 4-H experience with their family, school, and community. This is why 4-H programs begin at the local level, in the community where youth can practice their emerging leadership skills as they grow and develop. As a teacher, do you have a 4-H member in your class? Invite them to share about a project! Are you part of a civic organization that would like to know more about what 4-H members are learning? Reach out to them and ask them to present! Your engagement and support help to enrich their 4-H experience and learning opportunities.

If you want to have an active part in developing the next generation of community leaders, business owners, and work&nbsp;force&nbsp;– consider volunteering with a youth organization! If often means checking your own attitude and agenda at the door but the results are incredible!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>As we prepared for the fair, I had the opportunity to work with both 4-H and Open Class superintendents to review Youth Program Quality Principles&nbsp;from the Kansas 4-H Club Corner. There are eight critical principles for youth program quality as defined by 4-H. I do believe that these apply to any youth program!1)Physical and psychological safety – Youth need to feel safe in 4-H programs and be able to interact positively with others.Volunteers for Kansas 4-H go through background checks and have access to trainings to provide an appropriate environment for youth to develop.2)Appropriate structure – Whether it is a club meeting or leadership camp, 4-H programs must have clear and consistent rules and expectations, with clear boundaries and age-appropriate monitoring.3)Supportive relationships – All youth need to feel warmth from and closeness to others in 4-H. Youth need to feel others care about and support them. They also need to receive clear guidance and communication from 4-H volunteers and staff.4)Opportunities to belong – All youth need to feel included in a meaningful way in 4-H, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. Youth have opportunities to share their culture and heritage with others and to forge a positive identity.For myself, at the end of the day, did I help a youth feel valued and that they have a support system?5)Positive social norms – Youth should experience clear rules and expectations for participating in 4-H, including the values, morals, and ethical expectations of being a 4-H member.Opportunities bring responsibility and that is a life skill which includes abiding by deadlines and a Code of Conduct for appropriate behavior, especially when you are representing your family, club, county, and state at events.6)Support for efficacy and mattering – Youth in 4-H should be taken seriously and respected for their ideas and contributions. Youth should be given opportunities to develop responsibility and be challenged to set and achieve new goals.Representing their club at 4-H Council, serving in Junior Leaders, and being selected to a 4-H Ambassador role, and serving as club officers are all great examples of providing opportunities for developing responsibility. Each new 4-H year brings the opportunity to set new project goals for learning. These are all important life skills!7)Opportunities for skill building – Youth need to develop physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional, and social skills as they grow and develop. 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop these skills, skills that support a young person into adulthood and the workplace.One of the hallmarks of 4-H is the nearly forty project areas offered to learn about everything from Arts and Crafts to Woodworking. While youth explore the specific project material, they are also learning communication skills, responsibility, time management, and a sense of belonging.8)Integration of family, school, and community – Youth in 4-H do best when there is a connection to their 4-H experience with their family, school, and community. This is why 4-H programs begin at the local level, in the community where youth can practice their emerging leadership skills as they grow and develop. As a teacher, do you have a 4-H member in your class? Invite them to share about a project! Are you part of a civic organization that would like to know more about what 4-H members are learning? Reach out to them and ask them to present! Your engagement and support help to enrich their 4-H experience and learning opportunities.If you want to have an active part in developing the next generation of community leaders, business owners, and work&nbsp;force&nbsp;– consider volunteering with a youth organization! If often means checking your own attitude and agenda at the door but the results are incredible!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Youth development

I guess you could say “The Heat is on!” &nbsp;But after all it is July and&nbsp;County Fairs&nbsp;are in&nbsp;full swing, so what else could we expect? &nbsp;During&nbsp;this hot stretch it is a good idea to check on elderly family&nbsp;members&nbsp;or neighbors who may have&nbsp;other&nbsp;health issues&nbsp;besides dealing with the heat.&nbsp;

As we&nbsp;look ahead to a forecast of&nbsp;triple digit&nbsp;temperatures&nbsp;it seems like the perfect time to remind everyone about the importance of staying hydrated.&nbsp;A good rule of thumb for the amount of water you&nbsp;need is to divide your body weight by two. The resulting number is the number of ounces of water you should be drinking under normal circumstances&nbsp;and more is needed as summer temperatures and humidity rise.&nbsp;So for an example, a 150-pound individual should&nbsp;have at least 75 ounces, but more during this heat wave.&nbsp;Sometimes we forget that 55-75 percent of our body’s weight is water; the brain is 70 percent water; blood is 82 percent water, and the lungs are nearly 90 percent water. Water is also responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells; cushions organs, tissue, bones and joints; removes&nbsp;waste; and regulates body temperature.

Exposure to the sun or getting sunburned&nbsp;will speed fluid loss, and so will drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, which both act as diuretics. Fluid replacement is essential, but it is best to not wait until you are thirsty. Excessive water loss or dehydration can impair body function and lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can be life threatening.&nbsp;It is a&nbsp;good idea to become familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion. They include: dizziness, weakness, feeling thirsty, uncoordinated or nauseated. Most people sweat a lot during heat exhaustion. The signs of a heat stroke are different. They include: a body temperature of 104 or above, confusion, staggering, possible fainting, either a rapid pulse or&nbsp;a slow weak pulse, and not sweating, despite the heat. It is important to get medical help right away if you suspect&nbsp;a heat stroke.

Cool water is recommended for&nbsp;the majority of fluid replacement because it is easily absorbed. Many foods&nbsp;also&nbsp;have a high&nbsp;water content and should be included in a healthy summer diet. Melons and most other fruits, along with tomatoes, vegetables, soups, smoothies, puddings and gelatin salads should not be overlooked. Sports beverages may be helpful for athletes who are exercising more than one hour and are in need of electrolytes and quick energy, but consider diluting&nbsp;them with water in order to reduce&nbsp;sugar consumption.&nbsp;

The bottom&nbsp;line on staying hydrated is to drink fluids before you become thirsty. As we age our ability&nbsp;to sense thirst declines, leaving older people unable to rely on their thirst to prompt them to drink enough fluids. Infants and small children also need to be monitored closely to assure that dehydration does not occur. Little ones lose more fluids because they have a greater proportion of skin surface in relation to their size. Offer water frequently, each time a child passes through the kitchen and before, during&nbsp;and after play.

Let’s hope that the heat breaks soon before the&nbsp;2022&nbsp;summer goes into the record books!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. " />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. </figcaption>
 </figure>I guess you could say “The Heat is on!” &nbsp;But after all it is July and&nbsp;County Fairs&nbsp;are in&nbsp;full swing, so what else could we expect? &nbsp;During&nbsp;this hot stretch it is a good idea to check on elderly family&nbsp;members&nbsp;or neighbors who may have&nbsp;other&nbsp;health issues&nbsp;besides dealing with the heat.&nbsp;As we&nbsp;look ahead to a forecast of&nbsp;triple digit&nbsp;temperatures&nbsp;it seems like the perfect time to remind everyone about the importance of staying hydrated.&nbsp;A good rule of thumb for the amount of water you&nbsp;need is to divide your body weight by two. The resulting number is the number of ounces of water you should be drinking under normal circumstances&nbsp;and more is needed as summer temperatures and humidity rise.&nbsp;So for an example, a 150-pound individual should&nbsp;have at least 75 ounces, but more during this heat wave.&nbsp;Sometimes we forget that 55-75 percent of our body’s weight is water; the brain is 70 percent water; blood is 82 percent water, and the lungs are nearly 90 percent water. Water is also responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells; cushions organs, tissue, bones and joints; removes&nbsp;waste; and regulates body temperature.Exposure to the sun or getting sunburned&nbsp;will speed fluid loss, and so will drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, which both act as diuretics. Fluid replacement is essential, but it is best to not wait until you are thirsty. Excessive water loss or dehydration can impair body function and lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can be life threatening.&nbsp;It is a&nbsp;good idea to become familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion. They include: dizziness, weakness, feeling thirsty, uncoordinated or nauseated. Most people sweat a lot during heat exhaustion. The signs of a heat stroke are different. They include: a body temperature of 104 or above, confusion, staggering, possible fainting, either a rapid pulse or&nbsp;a slow weak pulse, and not sweating, despite the heat. It is important to get medical help right away if you suspect&nbsp;a heat stroke.Cool water is recommended for&nbsp;the majority of fluid replacement because it is easily absorbed. Many foods&nbsp;also&nbsp;have a high&nbsp;water content and should be included in a healthy summer diet. Melons and most other fruits, along with tomatoes, vegetables, soups, smoothies, puddings and gelatin salads should not be overlooked. Sports beverages may be helpful for athletes who are exercising more than one hour and are in need of electrolytes and quick energy, but consider diluting&nbsp;them with water in order to reduce&nbsp;sugar consumption.&nbsp;The bottom&nbsp;line on staying hydrated is to drink fluids before you become thirsty. As we age our ability&nbsp;to sense thirst declines, leaving older people unable to rely on their thirst to prompt them to drink enough fluids. Infants and small children also need to be monitored closely to assure that dehydration does not occur. Little ones lose more fluids because they have a greater proportion of skin surface in relation to their size. Offer water frequently, each time a child passes through the kitchen and before, during&nbsp;and after play.Let’s hope that the heat breaks soon before the&nbsp;2022&nbsp;summer goes into the record books!Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Consumer Science Agent with&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;–&nbsp;Cottonwood District. She may be reached at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: Fluids important to manage heat, humidity safely

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp;

Farmers are&nbsp;preparing&nbsp;for planting their next wheat crop this coming Fall. And some of you may be considering choosing a new variety to plant. If so KSRE has several resources available to help you&nbsp;out.&nbsp;

You can go to our Cottonwood Extension District web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;that’s cottonwood.ksu.edu&nbsp;click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and then look under Hot Topics for the Barton and&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;County&nbsp;wheat demonstration plot results as a starting place.&nbsp;The Barton&nbsp;County&nbsp;results are not posted yet, because I do not have the results&nbsp;back&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;K-State Extension&nbsp;Agronomy/Wheat team&nbsp;who put the test in and harvested it.&nbsp;However, I would not base my decisions on the results of&nbsp;un-replicated Count&nbsp;agent&nbsp;demonstration plots.&nbsp;They are&nbsp;used more as a platform to hold a field day each year and discuss the varieties strengths and weaknesses.&nbsp;

Instead,&nbsp;I would highly encourage growers to make your variety selection decisions based&nbsp;more&nbsp;on K-State Agricultural&nbsp;Research Centers&nbsp;replicated wheat performance tests, and&nbsp;any&nbsp;companies replicated tests as well.&nbsp;

These results from the Agricultural&nbsp;Research Centers&nbsp;can also be found on our web site, under Hot Topics&nbsp;section.&nbsp;Another resource under Hot Topics is the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Wheat Variety&nbsp;Guide 2022. It has been renamed, it was formerly called the Wheat Variety Disease &amp; Insect Ratings.&nbsp;&nbsp;And lastly Colorado State University has a wheat variety database that provides complete access to variety trial&nbsp;results&nbsp;in Colorado and several other Great Plains states&nbsp;including Kansas. The database also includes private company trial data. You can look at single location trial data, multiple location trial data&nbsp;and do Head-to-Head Comparisons&nbsp;of varieties. The link to the Colorado&nbsp;Wheat Variety Decision tool is also under the Hot Topics section on our web site.&nbsp;

So,&nbsp;farmers&nbsp;to find all of those useful decision&nbsp;aid tools in helping you to choose a possible new wheat variety to plant this Fall. Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or simply type into your internet browser, Cottonwood Extension,&nbsp;then click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics.&nbsp;

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

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp;Farmers are&nbsp;preparing&nbsp;for planting their next wheat crop this coming Fall. And some of you may be considering choosing a new variety to plant. If so KSRE has several resources available to help you&nbsp;out.&nbsp;You can go to our Cottonwood Extension District web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;that’s cottonwood.ksu.edu&nbsp;click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and then look under Hot Topics for the Barton and&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;County&nbsp;wheat demonstration plot results as a starting place.&nbsp;The Barton&nbsp;County&nbsp;results are not posted yet, because I do not have the results&nbsp;back&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;K-State Extension&nbsp;Agronomy/Wheat team&nbsp;who put the test in and harvested it.&nbsp;However, I would not base my decisions on the results of&nbsp;un-replicated Count&nbsp;agent&nbsp;demonstration plots.&nbsp;They are&nbsp;used more as a platform to hold a field day each year and discuss the varieties strengths and weaknesses.&nbsp;Instead,&nbsp;I would highly encourage growers to make your variety selection decisions based&nbsp;more&nbsp;on K-State Agricultural&nbsp;Research Centers&nbsp;replicated wheat performance tests, and&nbsp;any&nbsp;companies replicated tests as well.&nbsp;These results from the Agricultural&nbsp;Research Centers&nbsp;can also be found on our web site, under Hot Topics&nbsp;section.&nbsp;Another resource under Hot Topics is the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Wheat Variety&nbsp;Guide 2022. It has been renamed, it was formerly called the Wheat Variety Disease &amp; Insect Ratings.&nbsp;&nbsp;And lastly Colorado State University has a wheat variety database that provides complete access to variety trial&nbsp;results&nbsp;in Colorado and several other Great Plains states&nbsp;including Kansas. The database also includes private company trial data. You can look at single location trial data, multiple location trial data&nbsp;and do Head-to-Head Comparisons&nbsp;of varieties. The link to the Colorado&nbsp;Wheat Variety Decision tool is also under the Hot Topics section on our web site.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;farmers&nbsp;to find all of those useful decision&nbsp;aid tools in helping you to choose a possible new wheat variety to plant this Fall. Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or simply type into your internet browser, Cottonwood Extension,&nbsp;then click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics.&nbsp;Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Wheat variety selection resources  

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Typically, wheat growers will keep back enough of their wheat seed to plant again, but also they may be looking to replace a variety in an effort to reduce seed borne diseases, and to improve genetics for&nbsp;various factors including but not limited to&nbsp;yield and disease prevention.&nbsp;

Each year many county agents put out wheat variety demonstration plots and conduct field days to view and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of varieties and wheat production issues. Most demonstration plots are also harvested. &nbsp;

To see the full yield results and&nbsp;details of the cultural practices go to our web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;This demonstration wheat plot&nbsp;should not be used&nbsp;solely&nbsp;for making your variety selection decisions, it is more for showing and talking about the varieties each year at the field day. &nbsp;

Instead I would highly encourage growers to make your variety selection decisions based on the K-State Agricultural Experiment Stations replicated wheat performance tests. They are randomized replicated trials,&nbsp;meaning each variety is randomly planted in 4 different spots in the field, all seed is either foundation or registered. Replicated field trials will account for or smooth out the variability within a field, and thus are more accurate. These results from the&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;Agricultural Experiment Stations can also be found on our web site. &nbsp;

Yield should not be the only consideration in your selection, and multiple years of data should be considered.&nbsp;Some other important considerations are stripe &amp; leaf rust resistance, drought tolerance, winter hardiness, straw strength, shattering reputation, maturity and test weight. Each grower may differ some in what is most important to them and may add other considerations not mentioned. &nbsp;A good resource is “Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings– MF991” publication that is updated yearly,&nbsp;it will be&nbsp;posted on our web site as well, click onto Crops and Livestock, and look under Hot Topics.&nbsp;

Many thanks to&nbsp;Neil Gottschalk &amp; Brandon Riedel for putting out the wheat demonstration plot. And to the&nbsp;following businesses for sponsoring the field day meal – Bank of Hays,&nbsp;Bieker Insurance&nbsp;Agency,&nbsp;Carrico&nbsp;Implement, Commerce Bank, Emprise Bank,&nbsp;Farm Bureau Financial Services, Danny Dinkel, First Kansas Bank,&nbsp;Golden Belt Bank, Golden Belt Coop, Gorham State Bank, High Plains Farm Credit,&nbsp;Kippes&nbsp;Insurance Agency,&nbsp;LDI, Midland Marketing,&nbsp;Nutrien&nbsp;Ag Solutions, Radke Implement,&nbsp;Sunflower Bank, United Ag and A &amp; A Coors. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657739999131.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictTypically, wheat growers will keep back enough of their wheat seed to plant again, but also they may be looking to replace a variety in an effort to reduce seed borne diseases, and to improve genetics for&nbsp;various factors including but not limited to&nbsp;yield and disease prevention.&nbsp;Each year many county agents put out wheat variety demonstration plots and conduct field days to view and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of varieties and wheat production issues. Most demonstration plots are also harvested. &nbsp;To see the full yield results and&nbsp;details of the cultural practices go to our web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;This demonstration wheat plot&nbsp;should not be used&nbsp;solely&nbsp;for making your variety selection decisions, it is more for showing and talking about the varieties each year at the field day. &nbsp;Instead I would highly encourage growers to make your variety selection decisions based on the K-State Agricultural Experiment Stations replicated wheat performance tests. They are randomized replicated trials,&nbsp;meaning each variety is randomly planted in 4 different spots in the field, all seed is either foundation or registered. Replicated field trials will account for or smooth out the variability within a field, and thus are more accurate. These results from the&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;Agricultural Experiment Stations can also be found on our web site. &nbsp;Yield should not be the only consideration in your selection, and multiple years of data should be considered.&nbsp;Some other important considerations are stripe &amp; leaf rust resistance, drought tolerance, winter hardiness, straw strength, shattering reputation, maturity and test weight. Each grower may differ some in what is most important to them and may add other considerations not mentioned. &nbsp;A good resource is “Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings– MF991” publication that is updated yearly,&nbsp;it will be&nbsp;posted on our web site as well, click onto Crops and Livestock, and look under Hot Topics.&nbsp;Many thanks to&nbsp;Neil Gottschalk &amp; Brandon Riedel for putting out the wheat demonstration plot. And to the&nbsp;following businesses for sponsoring the field day meal – Bank of Hays,&nbsp;Bieker Insurance&nbsp;Agency,&nbsp;Carrico&nbsp;Implement, Commerce Bank, Emprise Bank,&nbsp;Farm Bureau Financial Services, Danny Dinkel, First Kansas Bank,&nbsp;Golden Belt Bank, Golden Belt Coop, Gorham State Bank, High Plains Farm Credit,&nbsp;Kippes&nbsp;Insurance Agency,&nbsp;LDI, Midland Marketing,&nbsp;Nutrien&nbsp;Ag Solutions, Radke Implement,&nbsp;Sunflower Bank, United Ag and A &amp; A Coors. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657740018752.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

CAMPBELL: Ellis County wheat variety demonstration plot

&nbsp;By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Summer temperatures have arrived, if you are planning herbicide applications, here are some things to consider when applying herbicides during hot weather;&nbsp;provided by Sarah Lancaster,&nbsp;Extension Weed Specialist.

Heat or drought stress slows plant growth processes.&nbsp;This is especially important for systemic herbicides such as glyphosate and grass-killing herbicides like clethodim (Select) or&nbsp;quizalofop(Assure). As temperatures increase above 85°F, many plants begin to slow or stop metabolic processes that move herbicides throughout the plant. Notable exceptions to this rule are HPPD-inhibiting herbicides like&nbsp;Callisto&nbsp;or Balance&nbsp;Flexx. Palmer amaranth plants are able to overcome applications of these herbicides when applied at high temperatures (90°F and greater).

Management:&nbsp;In general, applying systemic herbicides early in the morning, after plants have had a chance to recover from heat stress, will give the best chance for the herbicide to reach the active site and effectively kill weeds.

Leaves change in response to heat.&nbsp;In order to prevent water loss, plant cuticles become waxier in response to heat or drought stress. The greater wax content makes it more difficult for water-based spray solutions to penetrate the plant. In addition, the leaf angle of many plants changes in response to heat or drought stress. Often, this results in less herbicide contacting the leaf surface to enter the plant.

Management:&nbsp;Using maximum labeled rates of herbicides and surfactants can help get more spray solution into the plant, increasing effectiveness. Spraying during the cooler parts of the day will reduce the&nbsp;impact of altered leaf angle.&nbsp;

Crop response to foliar applied, non-translocated herbicides is greater in hot temperatures.&nbsp;When applied in hot, humid conditions, contact herbicides, such as Cobra, Liberty, or Reflex will likely result in greater foliar injury to crops, but also&nbsp;greater weed control.

Management:&nbsp;If possible, postpone application of these herbicides if temperatures are over 90°F. If weed size requires immediate herbicide application, reduce the rate of herbicide and adjuvant, and apply later in the day, when the air temperature will decrease after application.

Herbicide volatility increases with high temperatures and low humidity.&nbsp;Herbicides in group four, such as dicamba and 2,4-D are prone to volatility, which means the herbicide becomes a&nbsp;vapor and can move long distances with slight breezes. Volatility of these herbicides increases as temperature rise above 60°F and is greatest at temperatures above 90°F.

Management:&nbsp;Avoid applying these herbicides when temperatures are over 90°F. This may occur during morning or late afternoon hours, when temperature inversions are likely to occur. Herbicides should not be sprayed during inversions, when small spray droplets can become trapped in a layer of cooler air near the earth’s&nbsp;surface.Use&nbsp;larger spray droplets to reduce evaporation, which can be accomplished by reducing spray pressure or increasing nozzle orifice size.

Stacy Campbell 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 him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657034270364.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictSummer temperatures have arrived, if you are planning herbicide applications, here are some things to consider when applying herbicides during hot weather;&nbsp;provided by Sarah Lancaster,&nbsp;Extension Weed Specialist.Heat or drought stress slows plant growth processes.&nbsp;This is especially important for systemic herbicides such as glyphosate and grass-killing herbicides like clethodim (Select) or&nbsp;quizalofop(Assure). As temperatures increase above 85°F, many plants begin to slow or stop metabolic processes that move herbicides throughout the plant. Notable exceptions to this rule are HPPD-inhibiting herbicides like&nbsp;Callisto&nbsp;or Balance&nbsp;Flexx. Palmer amaranth plants are able to overcome applications of these herbicides when applied at high temperatures (90°F and greater).Management:&nbsp;In general, applying systemic herbicides early in the morning, after plants have had a chance to recover from heat stress, will give the best chance for the herbicide to reach the active site and effectively kill weeds.Leaves change in response to heat.&nbsp;In order to prevent water loss, plant cuticles become waxier in response to heat or drought stress. The greater wax content makes it more difficult for water-based spray solutions to penetrate the plant. In addition, the leaf angle of many plants changes in response to heat or drought stress. Often, this results in less herbicide contacting the leaf surface to enter the plant.Management:&nbsp;Using maximum labeled rates of herbicides and surfactants can help get more spray solution into the plant, increasing effectiveness. Spraying during the cooler parts of the day will reduce the&nbsp;impact of altered leaf angle.&nbsp;Crop response to foliar applied, non-translocated herbicides is greater in hot temperatures.&nbsp;When applied in hot, humid conditions, contact herbicides, such as Cobra, Liberty, or Reflex will likely result in greater foliar injury to crops, but also&nbsp;greater weed control.Management:&nbsp;If possible, postpone application of these herbicides if temperatures are over 90°F. If weed size requires immediate herbicide application, reduce the rate of herbicide and adjuvant, and apply later in the day, when the air temperature will decrease after application. Herbicide volatility increases with high temperatures and low humidity.&nbsp;Herbicides in group four, such as dicamba and 2,4-D are prone to volatility, which means the herbicide becomes a&nbsp;vapor and can move long distances with slight breezes. Volatility of these herbicides increases as temperature rise above 60°F and is greatest at temperatures above 90°F.Management:&nbsp;Avoid applying these herbicides when temperatures are over 90°F. This may occur during morning or late afternoon hours, when temperature inversions are likely to occur. Herbicides should not be sprayed during inversions, when small spray droplets can become trapped in a layer of cooler air near the earth’s&nbsp;surface.Use&nbsp;larger spray droplets to reduce evaporation, which can be accomplished by reducing spray pressure or increasing nozzle orifice size.Stacy Campbell 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 him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Herbicide applications and high temperatures

The Ellis Police Department released more details Friday
afternoon into the disappearance of a 53-year-old Ellis woman.

According to Ellis Chief of Police Avery Smith, the body of
53-year-old Twila Wilson was found just after 9:30 a.m. Friday approximately
1,000 feet to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing.

Wilson was initially reported missing just after 7 a.m. Friday
after she failed to show up for work.

Smith said that they believe that she was hit by the train
as the was walking along the tracks. An autopsy was performed and he said the
cause and manner of Wilson’s death is still under investigation.

Office of the Chief of Police On 07/01/2022 at 0709, The Ellis Police Department was
notified of a possible missing person. Twila Wilson, 53, of Ellis was reported
missing after not showing up for work. Twila’s vehicle was located in the 900
block of Cottonwood Street along with her cell phone. Law Enforcement then
began searching several possible locations in an attempt to check Twila’s
welfare.

At 0932, Twila was located deceased approximately 1000 feet
to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing. At this time, it is
believed that Twila was struck by a train as she was walking along the tracks.
The 23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office was contacted and an autopsy was
performed. The cause and manner of death is still under investigation.

Our sincere condolences go out to the Wilson family as they
deal with this tragic situation and we pray they find peace in this difficult
time.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol,
23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office, and Hays Communications Center
assisted with this investigation.

No further information will be released at this time, as
this is an active investigation.

The Ellis County Sherrifs Department has called off the search for Twila Wilson.&nbsp;

Further details are expected from the department later today.

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a woman that walked away from her vehicle Friday morning in Ellis.

Twila Wilson, 54, was last seen around 5:15 a.m. at Caseys, 213 Washington, leaving behind her phone and purse.

She was described as 5 foot 3, 175 pounds with dark blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was wearing a gray T-shirt, black shorts and black shoes.

If seen, the public is asked to contact Ellis County dispatch at (785) 625-1011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656686095522.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Ellis Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Ellis Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: The Ellis Police Department released more details Friday
afternoon into the disappearance of a 53-year-old Ellis woman.According to Ellis Chief of Police Avery Smith, the body of
53-year-old Twila Wilson was found just after 9:30 a.m. Friday approximately
1,000 feet to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing.Wilson was initially reported missing just after 7 a.m. Friday
after she failed to show up for work.Smith said that they believe that she was hit by the train
as the was walking along the tracks. An autopsy was performed and he said the
cause and manner of Wilson’s death is still under investigation. Office of the Chief of Police On 07/01/2022 at 0709, The Ellis Police Department was
notified of a possible missing person. Twila Wilson, 53, of Ellis was reported
missing after not showing up for work. Twila’s vehicle was located in the 900
block of Cottonwood Street along with her cell phone. Law Enforcement then
began searching several possible locations in an attempt to check Twila’s
welfare. At 0932, Twila was located deceased approximately 1000 feet
to the west of the Cottonwood Street railroad crossing. At this time, it is
believed that Twila was struck by a train as she was walking along the tracks.
The 23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office was contacted and an autopsy was
performed. The cause and manner of death is still under investigation.Our sincere condolences go out to the Wilson family as they
deal with this tragic situation and we pray they find peace in this difficult
time.The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol,
23rd Judicial District Coroner’s Office, and Hays Communications Center
assisted with this investigation.No further information will be released at this time, as
this is an active investigation.Avery A. Smith Chief of Police------------------UPDATE 9:45 a.m.:The Ellis County Sherrifs Department has called off the search for Twila Wilson.&nbsp;Further details are expected from the department later today.Original story:The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a woman that walked away from her vehicle Friday morning in Ellis.Twila Wilson, 54, was last seen around 5:15 a.m. at Caseys, 213 Washington, leaving behind her phone and purse.She was described as 5 foot 3, 175 pounds with dark blonde hair and blue eyes.She was wearing a gray T-shirt, black shorts and black shoes.If seen, the public is asked to contact Ellis County dispatch at (785) 625-1011.

UPDATE: Ellis woman found dead near railroad tracks

Plant analysis is an excellent in-season “quality control” tool. It can be especially valuable for managing secondary and micronutrients that do not have high-quality, reliable soil tests available, and for providing insight into how efficiently you are using applied nutrients.

Plant analysis can be used by Kansas farmers in two basic ways: for diagnostic purposes, and for monitoring nutrient levels at a common growth stage. Diagnostics can be done any time and is especially valuable early in the season when corrective actions can easily be taken. Monitoring is generally done at the beginning of reproductive growth.

•Plants are less than 12 inches tall: Collect the whole plant; cut the plant off at ground level.•Plants more than 12 inches tall and until reproductive growth begins: Collect the top fully developed leaves (those which show leaf collars).•After reproductive growth starts: Collect the ear leaves (below the uppermost developing ear), samples should be collected at random from the field at silk emergence.

Plant analysis for nutrient monitoring&nbsp;- for general monitoring or quality control purposes, plant leaves should be collected as the plant enters reproductive growth. Sampling under stress conditions for monitoring purposes can give misleading results, and is not recommended. Stresses such as drought or saturated soils will generally limit nutrient uptake, and result in a general reduction in nutrient content in the plant.

What nutrients should be included in the plant analysis?&nbsp;In Kansas, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), chloride (Cl), and iron (Fe) are the nutrients most likely to be found deficient. Recently, questions have been raised concerning copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo), though widespread deficiencies of those micronutrients have not been found in the state. Normally the best values are the “bundles” or “packages” of tests offered through many of the labs. They can be as simple as N, P and K, or can be all the mineral elements considered essential to plants. K-State offers a package which includes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn.

What will you get back from the lab?&nbsp;The data returned from the lab will be reported as the concentration of nutrient elements, or potentially toxic elements, in the plants. Units reported will normally be in “percent” for the primary and secondary nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and&nbsp;Cl) and “ppm” (parts per million) for most of the micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B, Mo, and Al).

Most labs/agronomists compare plant nutrient concentrations to published&nbsp;sufficiency ranges. A sufficiency range is simply the range of concentrations normally found in healthy, productive plants during surveys. It can be thought of as the range of values optimum for plant growth. The medical profession uses a similar range of normal values to evaluate blood work. The sufficiency ranges change with plant age (generally being higher in young plants), vary between plant parts, and can differ between hybrids. A value slightly below the sufficiency range does not always mean the plant is deficient in that nutrient. It is an indication that the nutrient is relatively low. Values on the low end of the range are common in extremely high-yielding crops. However, if that nutrient is significantly below the sufficiency range, you should ask some serious questions about the availability and supply of that nutrient.

To read the full article on how to&nbsp;how best take and ship the plant leaves, more about plant stress and nutrient uptake, extreme levels of nutrients&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a></a>the&nbsp;range of&nbsp;nutrient contents considered “normal” or “sufficient” at two growth stages in corn&nbsp;go to &nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656344643819.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictPlant analysis is an excellent in-season “quality control” tool. It can be especially valuable for managing secondary and micronutrients that do not have high-quality, reliable soil tests available, and for providing insight into how efficiently you are using applied nutrients.Plant analysis can be used by Kansas farmers in two basic ways: for diagnostic purposes, and for monitoring nutrient levels at a common growth stage. Diagnostics can be done any time and is especially valuable early in the season when corrective actions can easily be taken. Monitoring is generally done at the beginning of reproductive growth.General sampling guidelines:•Plants are less than 12 inches tall: Collect the whole plant; cut the plant off at ground level.•Plants more than 12 inches tall and until reproductive growth begins: Collect the top fully developed leaves (those which show leaf collars).•After reproductive growth starts: Collect the ear leaves (below the uppermost developing ear), samples should be collected at random from the field at silk emergence.Plant analysis for nutrient monitoring&nbsp;- for general monitoring or quality control purposes, plant leaves should be collected as the plant enters reproductive growth. Sampling under stress conditions for monitoring purposes can give misleading results, and is not recommended. Stresses such as drought or saturated soils will generally limit nutrient uptake, and result in a general reduction in nutrient content in the plant.What nutrients should be included in the plant analysis?&nbsp;In Kansas, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), chloride (Cl), and iron (Fe) are the nutrients most likely to be found deficient. Recently, questions have been raised concerning copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo), though widespread deficiencies of those micronutrients have not been found in the state. Normally the best values are the “bundles” or “packages” of tests offered through many of the labs. They can be as simple as N, P and K, or can be all the mineral elements considered essential to plants. K-State offers a package which includes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn.What will you get back from the lab?&nbsp;The data returned from the lab will be reported as the concentration of nutrient elements, or potentially toxic elements, in the plants. Units reported will normally be in “percent” for the primary and secondary nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and&nbsp;Cl) and “ppm” (parts per million) for most of the micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B, Mo, and Al).Most labs/agronomists compare plant nutrient concentrations to published&nbsp;sufficiency ranges. A sufficiency range is simply the range of concentrations normally found in healthy, productive plants during surveys. It can be thought of as the range of values optimum for plant growth. The medical profession uses a similar range of normal values to evaluate blood work. The sufficiency ranges change with plant age (generally being higher in young plants), vary between plant parts, and can differ between hybrids. A value slightly below the sufficiency range does not always mean the plant is deficient in that nutrient. It is an indication that the nutrient is relatively low. Values on the low end of the range are common in extremely high-yielding crops. However, if that nutrient is significantly below the sufficiency range, you should ask some serious questions about the availability and supply of that nutrient.To read the full article on how to&nbsp;how best take and ship the plant leaves, more about plant stress and nutrient uptake, extreme levels of nutrients&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a></a>the&nbsp;range of&nbsp;nutrient contents considered “normal” or “sufficient” at two growth stages in corn&nbsp;go to &nbsp;<a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>

CAMPBELL: Plant analysis for testing nutrient levels in corn

In&nbsp;about&nbsp;one month, the Ellis County Fair will be up and going. If you have never bothered to come out to the fair I would ask that you give it a try, just once.&nbsp;Who knows you might see a long-forgotten friend or even the next-door neighbor.&nbsp;And have a good visit,&nbsp;while eating some of the county fair cuisine and listening to some music on the Midway. There are several free events and entertainment to take in each year and as always,&nbsp;you can wander around at your leisure and see the exhibits that 4-Hers and the general public have made and grown. If you have young children or grandkids&nbsp;the poultry, rabbits and livestock are always a hit and it might bring back some memories of your own of days gone by.&nbsp;

​There will be flyers and brochures&nbsp;distributed&nbsp;around&nbsp;town in local businesses highlighting the fair events.&nbsp;Local media outlets will be advertising the fair, and the Ellis County Fair Board has a&nbsp;web site&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ellisco.net/">www.ellisco.net&nbsp;</a>then hold your cursor on the Government tab.&nbsp;

One of the&nbsp;culminating&nbsp;events to cap off the fair is always the 4-H&nbsp;Premium&nbsp;Livestock Sale in which the 4-Hers sell their Market Animals and Champion Food items to the public.&nbsp;If you have never experienced fresh home fed beef, pork, mutton,&nbsp;poultryand even rabbit and goat you are missing something.&nbsp;The champion baked items are always a&nbsp;delight.

Anyone whether you are a business owner or individual can come out to the fair and support the local 4-Hers by purchasing,&nbsp;partnering with&nbsp;others&nbsp;to purchase&nbsp;or adding money onto any sale&nbsp;animal&nbsp;or baked good.&nbsp;If you just want to support a 4-Her and don’t want or need the fresh meat, no problem.&nbsp;You can bid on the animal and pay a premium price at the sale for the animal and the animal is still the responsibility of the 4-Her.

​If you think about it,&nbsp;everyone is a winner in this situation. The buyer can have abasket full of baked goods or a&nbsp;freezer full of fresh meat that has been raised with some&nbsp;extra&nbsp;TLC and&nbsp;also receive recognition for supporting our youth!

The youth of the county can use this money towards eventual college&nbsp;tuition, the purchase of an&nbsp;automobile;&nbsp;school clothes&nbsp;the next project animal and feed, etc. I think you&nbsp;can&nbsp;see where this is going,&nbsp;in other words--the hard-earned money by the kids will show back up in the county and state&nbsp;economy. Sounds like&nbsp;local and state economic stimulus as well as making you feel good&nbsp;about&nbsp;supporting the&nbsp;efforts of the&nbsp;youth of Ellis County!

​&nbsp;The Ellis County 4-H Livestock Sale will be held on&nbsp;Saturday, July 23rd&nbsp;at 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;A livestock purchasers’&nbsp;meal will be provided at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;If you need more information on the sale contact the Ellis County&nbsp;Fair Board&nbsp;President Jill Pfannenstiel 785-639-2177&nbsp;or&nbsp;Vice-President&nbsp;Justin Scheck&nbsp;785-650-9969.&nbsp;As with everything else purchasing animal projects and feeding them has increased in price for the 4-Hers as well. So please come and support the youth of Ellis County!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581374358501.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictIn&nbsp;about&nbsp;one month, the Ellis County Fair will be up and going. If you have never bothered to come out to the fair I would ask that you give it a try, just once.&nbsp;Who knows you might see a long-forgotten friend or even the next-door neighbor.&nbsp;And have a good visit,&nbsp;while eating some of the county fair cuisine and listening to some music on the Midway. There are several free events and entertainment to take in each year and as always,&nbsp;you can wander around at your leisure and see the exhibits that 4-Hers and the general public have made and grown. If you have young children or grandkids&nbsp;the poultry, rabbits and livestock are always a hit and it might bring back some memories of your own of days gone by.&nbsp;​There will be flyers and brochures&nbsp;distributed&nbsp;around&nbsp;town in local businesses highlighting the fair events.&nbsp;Local media outlets will be advertising the fair, and the Ellis County Fair Board has a&nbsp;web site&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ellisco.net/">www.ellisco.net&nbsp;</a>then hold your cursor on the Government tab.&nbsp;One of the&nbsp;culminating&nbsp;events to cap off the fair is always the 4-H&nbsp;Premium&nbsp;Livestock Sale in which the 4-Hers sell their Market Animals and Champion Food items to the public.&nbsp;If you have never experienced fresh home fed beef, pork, mutton,&nbsp;poultryand even rabbit and goat you are missing something.&nbsp;The champion baked items are always a&nbsp;delight.Anyone whether you are a business owner or individual can come out to the fair and support the local 4-Hers by purchasing,&nbsp;partnering with&nbsp;others&nbsp;to purchase&nbsp;or adding money onto any sale&nbsp;animal&nbsp;or baked good.&nbsp;If you just want to support a 4-Her and don’t want or need the fresh meat, no problem.&nbsp;You can bid on the animal and pay a premium price at the sale for the animal and the animal is still the responsibility of the 4-Her.​If you think about it,&nbsp;everyone is a winner in this situation. The buyer can have abasket full of baked goods or a&nbsp;freezer full of fresh meat that has been raised with some&nbsp;extra&nbsp;TLC and&nbsp;also receive recognition for supporting our youth!The youth of the county can use this money towards eventual college&nbsp;tuition, the purchase of an&nbsp;automobile;&nbsp;school clothes&nbsp;the next project animal and feed, etc. I think you&nbsp;can&nbsp;see where this is going,&nbsp;in other words--the hard-earned money by the kids will show back up in the county and state&nbsp;economy. Sounds like&nbsp;local and state economic stimulus as well as making you feel good&nbsp;about&nbsp;supporting the&nbsp;efforts of the&nbsp;youth of Ellis County!​&nbsp;The Ellis County 4-H Livestock Sale will be held on&nbsp;Saturday, July 23rd&nbsp;at 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;A livestock purchasers’&nbsp;meal will be provided at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;If you need more information on the sale contact the Ellis County&nbsp;Fair Board&nbsp;President Jill Pfannenstiel 785-639-2177&nbsp;or&nbsp;Vice-President&nbsp;Justin Scheck&nbsp;785-650-9969.&nbsp;As with everything else purchasing animal projects and feeding them has increased in price for the 4-Hers as well. So please come and support the youth of Ellis County!&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Supporting 4-H youth and agriculture 

On this episode of the Post Podcast Cottonwood Extension District agent, Stacy Campbell shares information about the upcoming Ellis County Fair.

<div><iframe title="As harvest continues Ellis County Fair preparations underway" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hsbkp-1259bd3-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Cottonwood Extension District agent, Stacy Campbell shares information about the upcoming Ellis County Fair. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: As harvest continues Ellis County Fair preparations underway

No two years are the same in farming, and this year’s wheat crop has seen its’ fair share of challenges. However, we are fortunate in Ellis County to have some fields that may have good wheat! If you are&nbsp;one of those, consider&nbsp;entering&nbsp;your best wheat&nbsp;into the Ellis County Fair Open Class – Market Wheat Show.&nbsp;

Entries&nbsp;are&nbsp;fast and easy,&nbsp;fill up a&nbsp;provided&nbsp;bag of your best wheat while unloading at the elevator,&nbsp;or at&nbsp;your bins at&nbsp;home. Return&nbsp;a crop data card after harvest to either the elevator,&nbsp;or&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension&nbsp;District&nbsp;-&nbsp;HaysOffice at&nbsp;601 Main.

Entries must be combine run and shall not be cleaned in any way. Each exhibitor will be limited to one entry for each class. The classes are hard red winter wheat, hard white winter wheat and other varieties or hybrids.&nbsp;

Samples will be sent to the Kansas Grain Inspection Service. Samples will be analyzed and judged on the following criteria based solely on a points system: Variety, Mill &amp; Bake – 250; Protein – 225; Test Weight – 200; Dockage – 200; Crop Data Card – 25; Shrunken &amp; Broken – 100 with a total possible of 1,000 points.&nbsp;

Cash and ribbons will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd&nbsp;place winners, not to mention bragging rights!

Entries are due to the elevator or&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension Office by&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;July&nbsp;1st.

If you have questions call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension&nbsp;Office&nbsp;at 785-628-9430.

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictNo two years are the same in farming, and this year’s wheat crop has seen its’ fair share of challenges. However, we are fortunate in Ellis County to have some fields that may have good wheat! If you are&nbsp;one of those, consider&nbsp;entering&nbsp;your best wheat&nbsp;into the Ellis County Fair Open Class – Market Wheat Show.&nbsp;Entries&nbsp;are&nbsp;fast and easy,&nbsp;fill up a&nbsp;provided&nbsp;bag of your best wheat while unloading at the elevator,&nbsp;or at&nbsp;your bins at&nbsp;home. Return&nbsp;a crop data card after harvest to either the elevator,&nbsp;or&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension&nbsp;District&nbsp;-&nbsp;HaysOffice at&nbsp;601 Main.Entries must be combine run and shall not be cleaned in any way. Each exhibitor will be limited to one entry for each class. The classes are hard red winter wheat, hard white winter wheat and other varieties or hybrids.&nbsp;Samples will be sent to the Kansas Grain Inspection Service. Samples will be analyzed and judged on the following criteria based solely on a points system: Variety, Mill &amp; Bake – 250; Protein – 225; Test Weight – 200; Dockage – 200; Crop Data Card – 25; Shrunken &amp; Broken – 100 with a total possible of 1,000 points.&nbsp;Cash and ribbons will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd&nbsp;place winners, not to mention bragging rights!Entries are due to the elevator or&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension Office by&nbsp;Friday,&nbsp;July&nbsp;1st.If you have questions call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension&nbsp;Office&nbsp;at 785-628-9430.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Farmers can enter wheat for prizes, cash at Ellis County Fair

The history of celebrating Father’s Day dates back 50 years ago, when President Nixon made it an official holiday. Much earlier (around 1910) a young lady named Sonora Smart Dodd, of Spokane, Washington, is given credit for originating the holiday. Her father was a Civil War veteran, who raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth. I know how much work it was to raise three kids in a&nbsp;two-parent&nbsp;family, so it is hard to&nbsp;imagine how it would be in a single parent home.&nbsp;

A gradual cultural shift of permissiveness toward single parenting can sometimes give&nbsp;theimpression that fathers don’t really matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fathers play an important role in the development of their children and families. Studies show that children with involved fathers are more successful in school, more ambitious, more self-confident with their identity, self-protective and self-reliant, less likely to drop out of school and less susceptible to peer pressure.&nbsp;

It is so refreshing to see fathers who have become more involved with their families beyond the role of breadwinner. I saw it in my husband, John, and now in our son and son-in-law, Adam and Art. Taking the time to develop and nurture relationships with children pays off big in the end. Children with active fathers develop skills they can carry into adulthood. Self-esteem soars when dads are active participants in their children’s lives. Children come with their own unique personalities, temperaments and developmental timetables and dadas are an essential link to a child’s well-being.&nbsp;

Here's hoping that all of you reading this will take time to acknowledge the father or father figure who has had an impact on your life. A simple phone call or spending an afternoon working on a project together can be the most meaningful gift of all!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The history of celebrating Father’s Day dates back 50 years ago, when President Nixon made it an official holiday. Much earlier (around 1910) a young lady named Sonora Smart Dodd, of Spokane, Washington, is given credit for originating the holiday. Her father was a Civil War veteran, who raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth. I know how much work it was to raise three kids in a&nbsp;two-parent&nbsp;family, so it is hard to&nbsp;imagine how it would be in a single parent home.&nbsp;A gradual cultural shift of permissiveness toward single parenting can sometimes give&nbsp;theimpression that fathers don’t really matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fathers play an important role in the development of their children and families. Studies show that children with involved fathers are more successful in school, more ambitious, more self-confident with their identity, self-protective and self-reliant, less likely to drop out of school and less susceptible to peer pressure.&nbsp;It is so refreshing to see fathers who have become more involved with their families beyond the role of breadwinner. I saw it in my husband, John, and now in our son and son-in-law, Adam and Art. Taking the time to develop and nurture relationships with children pays off big in the end. Children with active fathers develop skills they can carry into adulthood. Self-esteem soars when dads are active participants in their children’s lives. Children come with their own unique personalities, temperaments and developmental timetables and dadas are an essential link to a child’s well-being.&nbsp;Here's hoping that all of you reading this will take time to acknowledge the father or father figure who has had an impact on your life. A simple phone call or spending an afternoon working on a project together can be the most meaningful gift of all!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may&nbsp;contact her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Celebrating Dad’s Day

I have seen a graphic several times recently that states:

When a flashlight grows dim or quits working, Do you just throw it away? Of course not. You change the batteries.

When a person messes up or finds themselves in a dark place, Do you cast them aside? Of course not. You help them change their batteries.

Some need AA…..attention and affection; Some need AAA….attention, affection and acceptance; Some need C….Compassion; Some need D….Direction.&nbsp;

And if they still don’t seem to shine; simply sit with them quietly and share your light.

I really appreciate this message on many levels. I have experienced those times when my own light feels pretty&nbsp;dim&nbsp;and I am grateful for those&nbsp;who shared a change of perspective with me or simply sat with me in the dusk.

At other times, I recognize that dark place in others and hope that I have shared a bit of sunlight of my own with them.

One of the key components of 4-H is a sense of belonging. From club leaders to fellow 4-H members, we work to share a sense of community, kindness, and respect to one another. It doesn’t mean that we always get along or agree but that we can empathize with another person.

I also know that it is important for each of us to recharge our batteries&nbsp;in order toshare our light with others. That may mean curling up with a good book, an afternoon of laughter&nbsp;with&nbsp;friends, or time in nature. Whatever helps you to recharge, I hope that you will make time for that and help those around you to recognize the need&nbsp;and time for a recharge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I have seen a graphic several times recently that states:When a flashlight grows dim or quits working, Do you just throw it away? Of course not. You change the batteries.When a person messes up or finds themselves in a dark place, Do you cast them aside? Of course not. You help them change their batteries.Some need AA…..attention and affection; Some need AAA….attention, affection and acceptance; Some need C….Compassion; Some need D….Direction.&nbsp;And if they still don’t seem to shine; simply sit with them quietly and share your light.I really appreciate this message on many levels. I have experienced those times when my own light feels pretty&nbsp;dim&nbsp;and I am grateful for those&nbsp;who shared a change of perspective with me or simply sat with me in the dusk.At other times, I recognize that dark place in others and hope that I have shared a bit of sunlight of my own with them.One of the key components of 4-H is a sense of belonging. From club leaders to fellow 4-H members, we work to share a sense of community, kindness, and respect to one another. It doesn’t mean that we always get along or agree but that we can empathize with another person.I also know that it is important for each of us to recharge our batteries&nbsp;in order toshare our light with others. That may mean curling up with a good book, an afternoon of laughter&nbsp;with&nbsp;friends, or time in nature. Whatever helps you to recharge, I hope that you will make time for that and help those around you to recognize the need&nbsp;and time for a recharge.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Whatever helps you recharge ...

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Drought has significantly affected wheat in southwest Kansas, but the rains may have saved some of the wheat in northwest Kansas.

"Our neighbors in southwest Kansas have been in extreme drought, I think quite a few acres of wheat down there have just been abandoned, destroyed." said Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood District K-State Extension agent for agriculture.

"Fortunately here in our area, we have had a few rains. We're probably in a little better shape than in southwest Kansas. Some of our wheat looks like it is going to do pretty good, all things considered."

The Cottonwood District covers both Hays and Great Bend.

Ellis County is listed on the Kansas Drought Monitor as being in a moderate drought as of May 31. Great Bend has areas listed in both moderate and severe drought. Other sections of northwest Kansas are listed in extreme drought.

Rains are rarely consistent even within counties, so Campbell said soil and crop conditions can vary.

Campbell said farmers won't know wheat yields for sure until harvest. The first harvest in Ellis County usually starts about June 18 t 20. By June 24 harvest in this region should be in full swing, depending on weather, he said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f5b7f548-6f23-4b41-aa53-b6efa926e4bc">Campbell said in his weekly column the dry weather has resulted in shorter wheat. </a>Machines may need to be adjusted to most efficiently separate straw from heads, he said.

Nathan Leiker, 36, a farmer with crops in Rush and Ellis counties, said the fluctuating prices and drought should make for an interesting year.

He has concerns the drought may affect his wheat but was a little more optimistic for his fall crops. He said the fall crops look very promising in light of the rain over the last couple of weeks. He is growing corn, milo and wheat.

May rain will help fall crops, but Campbell said more will be needed to help the fall crops, especially dryland corn. He said the soil moisture profile is still not good.

With the drought conditions, Campbell anticipated some farmers will forgo corn for more drought-tolerant crops, such as milo.

Drought and the war in Ukraine have forced wheat prices up. As of May 27, Kansas hard red wheat for July was about $11 per bushel. That is compared to prices as low as $4 per bushel in 2020.

However, Campbell said much of the profit farmers may make due to the increase in the sale price will be eaten up by inflation.

Input prices for fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides and diesel, have all gone up two to two and half times compared to a year ago, he said.

"They do need a better price to still make some money," Campbell said.

Leiker said he thought he may make a profit on wheat this year, but the increases in production costs may wipe out any profit on next year's wheat.

He said the market is changing so fast that some farmers are trying to take advantage of high prices now to lock in sales. If farmers wait until the wheat is out of the fields, they may see prices drop, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654271601887.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay " />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDrought has significantly affected wheat in southwest Kansas, but the rains may have saved some of the wheat in northwest Kansas."Our neighbors in southwest Kansas have been in extreme drought, I think quite a few acres of wheat down there have just been abandoned, destroyed." said Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood District K-State Extension agent for agriculture."Fortunately here in our area, we have had a few rains. We're probably in a little better shape than in southwest Kansas. Some of our wheat looks like it is going to do pretty good, all things considered."The Cottonwood District covers both Hays and Great Bend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654272487890.png" alt="Kansas Drought Monitor map as of May 31 " />
 <figcaption>Kansas Drought Monitor map as of May 31 </figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County is listed on the Kansas Drought Monitor as being in a moderate drought as of May 31. Great Bend has areas listed in both moderate and severe drought. Other sections of northwest Kansas are listed in extreme drought.Rains are rarely consistent even within counties, so Campbell said soil and crop conditions can vary.Campbell said farmers won't know wheat yields for sure until harvest. The first harvest in Ellis County usually starts about June 18 t 20. By June 24 harvest in this region should be in full swing, depending on weather, he said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f5b7f548-6f23-4b41-aa53-b6efa926e4bc">Campbell said in his weekly column the dry weather has resulted in shorter wheat. </a>Machines may need to be adjusted to most efficiently separate straw from heads, he said.Nathan Leiker, 36, a farmer with crops in Rush and Ellis counties, said the fluctuating prices and drought should make for an interesting year.He has concerns the drought may affect his wheat but was a little more optimistic for his fall crops. He said the fall crops look very promising in light of the rain over the last couple of weeks. He is growing corn, milo and wheat.May rain will help fall crops, but Campbell said more will be needed to help the fall crops, especially dryland corn. He said the soil moisture profile is still not good.With the drought conditions, Campbell anticipated some farmers will forgo corn for more drought-tolerant crops, such as milo.Drought and the war in Ukraine have forced wheat prices up. As of May 27, Kansas hard red wheat for July was about $11 per bushel. That is compared to prices as low as $4 per bushel in 2020.However, Campbell said much of the profit farmers may make due to the increase in the sale price will be eaten up by inflation.Input prices for fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides and diesel, have all gone up two to two and half times compared to a year ago, he said."They do need a better price to still make some money," Campbell said.Leiker said he thought he may make a profit on wheat this year, but the increases in production costs may wipe out any profit on next year's wheat.He said the market is changing so fast that some farmers are trying to take advantage of high prices now to lock in sales. If farmers wait until the wheat is out of the fields, they may see prices drop, he said.

Wheat better than expected, but high input prices to cut into profits

The&nbsp;<a href="https://soilhealthnexus.org/soil-health-matrix-tool/">Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool</a>&nbsp;is a free tool that was recently developed by the Soil Health Nexus and a regional advisory team with support from&nbsp;<a href="https://northcentral.sare.org/">North Central&nbsp;Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE</a>). It is designed as a 101 tool to assess the effects of current and future management practices on soil health.

Producers who are looking to implement a new soil health practice on their operation can use this comparative tool to get an overall feel for practices that benefit soil health and which management decisions may be the best fit for their operation.

The tool includes four practices – tillage, manure, cover crops, and crop rotation – and two complementary practices – controlled traffic and managed grazing – and eight soil health indicators.

Users can select their current practices and then select any future planned practices that they are currently considering implementing on their operation. From there, users can explore their soil health score for their current practices and compare those with the scores for future planned practices they are considering.

The tool provides three scores: an indicator, practice, and an overall score. The indicator scores are based on how a practice affects each of the soil health indicators and the practice score is the score for a particular practice across all the soil health indicators. The overall score is the average of all the indicator scores allowing users to easily compare how different combinations of practices impact soil health.

It is important to note that the score values are not meant to serve as quantitative values producers can use on the farm. Instead, they are directional scores – that result from averaging the scores of research and extension representatives from across the region. The tool is designed to be a conversation starter between producers and their extension educator and allow producers to explore different implementation options to find the choice that makes the most sense to them.

The tool also includes a future considerations table that breaks down the equipment, time and labor, skill level, and cost for implementing new practices. Additionally, the table highlights any ecosystem services a new soil health practice will provide, such as groundwater protection and pollinator habitat,

You can access the tool by visiting the&nbsp;<a href="https://soilhealthnexus.org/soil-health-matrix-tool/">Soil Health Nexus website</a>. There are two versions of the tool: a downloadable Excel version that can be accessed by scrolling to the bottom of the page and the web-based version located directly on the website.

The tool is currently in the pilot phase and the team is looking for feedback on how to refine the tool and improve its function. A&nbsp;<a href="https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6lfi7Ihy5qLSE9o">short 5-minute survey</a>&nbsp;is accessible on the Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool webpage and thoughts, feedback, and suggestions are encouraged.

For additional information or answers to your questions, you can contact DeAnn Presley, K-State Soil Management Specialist at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dean@ksu.edu">deann@ksu.edu</a>. Presley was on the team that developed this tool.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654531681187.jpeg" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe&nbsp;<a href="https://soilhealthnexus.org/soil-health-matrix-tool/">Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool</a>&nbsp;is a free tool that was recently developed by the Soil Health Nexus and a regional advisory team with support from&nbsp;<a href="https://northcentral.sare.org/">North Central&nbsp;Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE</a>). It is designed as a 101 tool to assess the effects of current and future management practices on soil health.Producers who are looking to implement a new soil health practice on their operation can use this comparative tool to get an overall feel for practices that benefit soil health and which management decisions may be the best fit for their operation.The tool includes four practices – tillage, manure, cover crops, and crop rotation – and two complementary practices – controlled traffic and managed grazing – and eight soil health indicators.Users can select their current practices and then select any future planned practices that they are currently considering implementing on their operation. From there, users can explore their soil health score for their current practices and compare those with the scores for future planned practices they are considering.The tool provides three scores: an indicator, practice, and an overall score. The indicator scores are based on how a practice affects each of the soil health indicators and the practice score is the score for a particular practice across all the soil health indicators. The overall score is the average of all the indicator scores allowing users to easily compare how different combinations of practices impact soil health.It is important to note that the score values are not meant to serve as quantitative values producers can use on the farm. Instead, they are directional scores – that result from averaging the scores of research and extension representatives from across the region. The tool is designed to be a conversation starter between producers and their extension educator and allow producers to explore different implementation options to find the choice that makes the most sense to them.The tool also includes a future considerations table that breaks down the equipment, time and labor, skill level, and cost for implementing new practices. Additionally, the table highlights any ecosystem services a new soil health practice will provide, such as groundwater protection and pollinator habitat,You can access the tool by visiting the&nbsp;<a href="https://soilhealthnexus.org/soil-health-matrix-tool/">Soil Health Nexus website</a>. There are two versions of the tool: a downloadable Excel version that can be accessed by scrolling to the bottom of the page and the web-based version located directly on the website.The tool is currently in the pilot phase and the team is looking for feedback on how to refine the tool and improve its function. A&nbsp;<a href="https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6lfi7Ihy5qLSE9o">short 5-minute survey</a>&nbsp;is accessible on the Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool webpage and thoughts, feedback, and suggestions are encouraged.For additional information or answers to your questions, you can contact DeAnn Presley, K-State Soil Management Specialist at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dean@ksu.edu">deann@ksu.edu</a>. Presley was on the team that developed this tool.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Soil health matrix decision tool

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell shares information about the upcoming Wheat Plot Field Day.

<div><iframe title="Extension district prepares for Wheat Plot Field Day" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yb9jj-12366c8-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell shares information about the upcoming Wheat Plot Field Day.

🎙Post Podcast: Extension district prepares for Wheat Plot Field Day

During my 32-plus-year Extension career, my goal has always been to provide educational programs that help improve a persons’ quality of life and lead by example.&nbsp;The focus of my column today is to review important bicycle safety rules and encourage families to participate in upcoming bike events that are planned in our area.

The fact that school is out means you will see more young riders heading to their summer activities on bicycles. Instead of making in-person visits to the elementary schools in the area&nbsp;the past couple of years we created a short video that highlights bicycle safety rules. You can access it at the following link:<a href="https://youtu.be/vdaRPTky1SE">https://youtu.be/vdaRPTky1SE</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;I hope you will take a few minutes and share the video with your kids or grandkids. In the video you will see my husband, John, and I in our hi-vis jackets and helmets. &nbsp;

While I feel wearing an approved bicycle helmet is a must, I see a lot of cyclists going without that protection. Statistics show that the number of head injuries is reduced drastically when a properly fitted helmet is worn. Make sure all riders are fitted with a bike helmet and that you review the rules with young riders.&nbsp;Bicyclists need to ride with traffic, and acknowledge traffic signals. &nbsp;Some dangers to watch for include motorists backing from a parking stall or someone opening their car door in your traffic lane.&nbsp;

Two upcoming bicycle events are planned in Ellinwood and Great Bend to share bicycle safety tips as well as having fun. The community of Ellinwood will have a Bicycle Rodeo for kids of all ages on Saturday, June 11th. Information will be out soon via social media with the details. I know we will be bringing 25 helmets to be given away on a first come first served basis.&nbsp;

Another event, the “Family Fun Bike Ride” is in it’s second year as an activity at the Barton County Fair. Come to the runway just west of the Armory Saturday, July 9th, at 7:30 AM.&nbsp;Again, we will have bicycle helmets for riders of all ages available at no cost. You can watch for more details about this fun event on our Cottonwood website.

Every Friday night during the summer there is a community bike ride in Great Bend that leaves from the Jack Kilby bandshell area at 6:00 PM. We go at a relaxed pace and do a loop around Vet’s park. Consider joining us!

I hope you will make participating in one of these bike events a priority this summer. Bicycling a&nbsp;great&nbsp;family&nbsp;activity in the&nbsp;months to come!&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>During my 32-plus-year Extension career, my goal has always been to provide educational programs that help improve a persons’ quality of life and lead by example.&nbsp;The focus of my column today is to review important bicycle safety rules and encourage families to participate in upcoming bike events that are planned in our area.The fact that school is out means you will see more young riders heading to their summer activities on bicycles. Instead of making in-person visits to the elementary schools in the area&nbsp;the past couple of years we created a short video that highlights bicycle safety rules. You can access it at the following link:<a href="https://youtu.be/vdaRPTky1SE">https://youtu.be/vdaRPTky1SE</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;I hope you will take a few minutes and share the video with your kids or grandkids. In the video you will see my husband, John, and I in our hi-vis jackets and helmets. &nbsp;While I feel wearing an approved bicycle helmet is a must, I see a lot of cyclists going without that protection. Statistics show that the number of head injuries is reduced drastically when a properly fitted helmet is worn. Make sure all riders are fitted with a bike helmet and that you review the rules with young riders.&nbsp;Bicyclists need to ride with traffic, and acknowledge traffic signals. &nbsp;Some dangers to watch for include motorists backing from a parking stall or someone opening their car door in your traffic lane.&nbsp;Two upcoming bicycle events are planned in Ellinwood and Great Bend to share bicycle safety tips as well as having fun. The community of Ellinwood will have a Bicycle Rodeo for kids of all ages on Saturday, June 11th. Information will be out soon via social media with the details. I know we will be bringing 25 helmets to be given away on a first come first served basis.&nbsp;Another event, the “Family Fun Bike Ride” is in it’s second year as an activity at the Barton County Fair. Come to the runway just west of the Armory Saturday, July 9th, at 7:30 AM.&nbsp;Again, we will have bicycle helmets for riders of all ages available at no cost. You can watch for more details about this fun event on our Cottonwood website.Every Friday night during the summer there is a community bike ride in Great Bend that leaves from the Jack Kilby bandshell area at 6:00 PM. We go at a relaxed pace and do a loop around Vet’s park. Consider joining us!I hope you will make participating in one of these bike events a priority this summer. Bicycling a&nbsp;great&nbsp;family&nbsp;activity in the&nbsp;months to come!&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna Krug is&nbsp;the District Director and Family and&nbsp;Consumer&nbsp;Science&nbsp;Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District.&nbsp;&nbsp;She may be reached at&nbsp;(620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Review bicycle safety rules with young riders​

Through the year’s agriculture, conservation and overall land management has gone through phases with each phase having its’ buzzwords, promoters, detractors, research objectives - well, you get the point. Some promoters will always feel like they’ve just unleashed the silver bullet to cure all the planet’s woes. Spoiler alert, none of them have! For the most part each phase has brought some improvements and certainly more tools for farmers, ranchers and land managers to consider and use. But no one is the cure all panacea that will work for everyone.

The newest buzzword is “soil health”. Soil health is a broad category for a lot of different things that are actually quite important. In searching for a good definition of soil health, and there are many out there. I found some that were way out there. Others were restrictive and may work for certain soils in certain ecosystems, some were very vague. Many definitions were tailored for a very specific form of agriculture, i.e. no-till, organic, natural, etc.

One of the top choices came from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at USDA. Quoting from their web site, “Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” They go on to point out that soil isn’t just some sterile rooting medium but is rather a living functioning ecosystem of its’ own.

Many people don’t realize how alive soil is! There is so much life in the soil, much of it invisible to the naked eye. Bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and many other organisms make up a valuable part of the soil mass and we often only see hints of it.

Mt. St. Helens volcano that blew in 1980 changed the landscape. Twenty-nine years later when a colleague of mine visited it, what he saw was “just scattered plants starting to grow, much of it looked like the landscape of a

barren planet”. When that volcano erupted it flash fried all living things and then buried it under feet, tens of feet, of ash. There was instantly a sterile environment. If a seed fell, that sterile medium was missing all those soil organisms that make plant life possible. We cannot underestimate the impact, the necessity of soil organisms!

In the end, defining soil health is fairly easy. Measuring it is another story however. There are many soil organisms that have not been discovered yet, that are important, or we know they are there but we don’t know what they do. We truly have so much we need to learn. Perhaps the best measure of soil health is by how well plants grow, by how productive the soil is, or by how sustainable the practices. Soil health is likely something we measure indirectly.

Soil health can, and does, change over time. How we farm, how we garden, how we tend our lawn, can all impact that soil health. We can compact soil with heavy equipment. We can tear it up and turn it over with construction or recreation. The plants we grow on it, the nutrients we add to it, the organic matter we allow to develop in it, even the rainfall or irrigation it receives, are all things that can improve or hurt soil health. If you haven’t yet heard about soil health, you eventually will. I doubt that we’ll come up with a simple way of measuring soil health in my life time. But we need to remember that soil health isn’t an end goal but an ongoing journey.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653404075959.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Through the year’s agriculture, conservation and overall land management has gone through phases with each phase having its’ buzzwords, promoters, detractors, research objectives - well, you get the point. Some promoters will always feel like they’ve just unleashed the silver bullet to cure all the planet’s woes. Spoiler alert, none of them have! For the most part each phase has brought some improvements and certainly more tools for farmers, ranchers and land managers to consider and use. But no one is the cure all panacea that will work for everyone.The newest buzzword is “soil health”. Soil health is a broad category for a lot of different things that are actually quite important. In searching for a good definition of soil health, and there are many out there. I found some that were way out there. Others were restrictive and may work for certain soils in certain ecosystems, some were very vague. Many definitions were tailored for a very specific form of agriculture, i.e. no-till, organic, natural, etc.One of the top choices came from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at USDA. Quoting from their web site, “Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” They go on to point out that soil isn’t just some sterile rooting medium but is rather a living functioning ecosystem of its’ own.Many people don’t realize how alive soil is! There is so much life in the soil, much of it invisible to the naked eye. Bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and many other organisms make up a valuable part of the soil mass and we often only see hints of it.Mt. St. Helens volcano that blew in 1980 changed the landscape. Twenty-nine years later when a colleague of mine visited it, what he saw was “just scattered plants starting to grow, much of it looked like the landscape of abarren planet”. When that volcano erupted it flash fried all living things and then buried it under feet, tens of feet, of ash. There was instantly a sterile environment. If a seed fell, that sterile medium was missing all those soil organisms that make plant life possible. We cannot underestimate the impact, the necessity of soil organisms!In the end, defining soil health is fairly easy. Measuring it is another story however. There are many soil organisms that have not been discovered yet, that are important, or we know they are there but we don’t know what they do. We truly have so much we need to learn. Perhaps the best measure of soil health is by how well plants grow, by how productive the soil is, or by how sustainable the practices. Soil health is likely something we measure indirectly.Soil health can, and does, change over time. How we farm, how we garden, how we tend our lawn, can all impact that soil health. We can compact soil with heavy equipment. We can tear it up and turn it over with construction or recreation. The plants we grow on it, the nutrients we add to it, the organic matter we allow to develop in it, even the rainfall or irrigation it receives, are all things that can improve or hurt soil health. If you haven’t yet heard about soil health, you eventually will. I doubt that we’ll come up with a simple way of measuring soil health in my life time. But we need to remember that soil health isn’t an end goal but an ongoing journey.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Soil health

Have you ever had a day where things just weren’t going the way you wanted? I know I sure have and just a couple of weeks ago, I acted like…. well, a brat, to a colleague. I all but stomped my foot in frustration and growled at someone who that I shouldn’t have. The frustration at the situation was very real but my reaction was more than it needed to be.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Have you ever had a day where things just weren’t going the way you wanted? I know I sure have and just a couple of weeks ago, I acted like…. well, a brat, to a colleague. I all but stomped my foot in frustration and growled at someone who that I shouldn’t have. The frustration at the situation was very real but my reaction was more than it needed to be.The 4-H motto is Learning by Doing and that applies to every aspect of life. Youth aren’t always going to make the best decisions; actually, many adults I know don’t always make the best decisions. However, our goal should always be to fairly evaluate the facts and our reaction. If we are fair in evaluating ourselves, we need to look at: do I have all the facts? Did I over-react? Will this really matter in 10 days or 10 years? What can I learn today to apply tomorrow?Depending on the appropriateness of our reaction, we may need to own our mistake and apologize. In my case, that involved a heart-felt apology delivered with a box of cookies.I encourage youth to stop and think about their actions and reactions. As leaders of youth, it is important to model behaviors which include apologizing when needed as well as giving them the space to learn and adjust. I encourage you to think about a situation recently that you might have handled differently and consider what you would change or if you need to make amends with someone.Each of us are a work in progress but the goal is always progress!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.