By the time this news column is published, I will have returned from a vacation that included some fun in the sun with an occasional Zoom meeting to keep me connected to what was going on at work.&nbsp;During my time away from the office, I finished up an on-line course titled, “Reframing Aging.” The instructors were passionate about helping us see how important it is to recognize the contributions of older residents in our community. I enjoyed sharing stories in the break out rooms about the many times I have enlisted the help of older adults to teach sewing or fiber arts workshops to young people.&nbsp;In our fast-paced world, it is important that basic life skills are passed on and don’t become a lost art. I’m looking forward to sharing more of what I learned from the Reframing Aging class in future columns.

The last three days of our road trip were spent in Ames Iowa, to share a session with Extension Educators there about how to teach fermentation workshops. One of the participants had heard my on-line presentation at a national meeting last fall, so it was a pleasant surprise to be invited to teach an in-person class at their professional development meeting. Now that I have a few hands-on fermentation workshops under my belt, I have some interesting stories to share.

The process of how to ferment vegetables is a popular topic and a wide variety of fermentation kits on the market make it safe and easy to accomplish. Fermentation is the oldest form of food preservation, with stories of it’s&nbsp;start, well over 7000 years ago. The fact sheet I wrote two years ago, titled, “Taking a New Look at Fermented Foods” is available to download from the K-State Research and Extension bookstore. It highlights the process as well as the&nbsp;health benefits including a small amount of fermented food in your diet can provide.

As I return to the office and turn the&nbsp;calendar to May I invite you to take a look at the upcoming programs in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;Visit our website at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Cottonwood@ksu.edu">Cottonwood@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;to check out&nbsp;our May newsletter which includes these&nbsp;fun learning opportunities.

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&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 &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>By the time this news column is published, I will have returned from a vacation that included some fun in the sun with an occasional Zoom meeting to keep me connected to what was going on at work.&nbsp;During my time away from the office, I finished up an on-line course titled, “Reframing Aging.” The instructors were passionate about helping us see how important it is to recognize the contributions of older residents in our community. I enjoyed sharing stories in the break out rooms about the many times I have enlisted the help of older adults to teach sewing or fiber arts workshops to young people.&nbsp;In our fast-paced world, it is important that basic life skills are passed on and don’t become a lost art. I’m looking forward to sharing more of what I learned from the Reframing Aging class in future columns.The last three days of our road trip were spent in Ames Iowa, to share a session with Extension Educators there about how to teach fermentation workshops. One of the participants had heard my on-line presentation at a national meeting last fall, so it was a pleasant surprise to be invited to teach an in-person class at their professional development meeting. Now that I have a few hands-on fermentation workshops under my belt, I have some interesting stories to share.The process of how to ferment vegetables is a popular topic and a wide variety of fermentation kits on the market make it safe and easy to accomplish. Fermentation is the oldest form of food preservation, with stories of it’s&nbsp;start, well over 7000 years ago. The fact sheet I wrote two years ago, titled, “Taking a New Look at Fermented Foods” is available to download from the K-State Research and Extension bookstore. It highlights the process as well as the&nbsp;health benefits including a small amount of fermented food in your diet can provide.As I return to the office and turn the&nbsp;calendar to May I invite you to take a look at the upcoming programs in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;Visit our website at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Cottonwood@ksu.edu">Cottonwood@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;to check out&nbsp;our May newsletter which includes these&nbsp;fun learning opportunities.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Extension programs provide fun learning

By STACY CAMPEBLL Cottonwood Extension District

In this video from K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University soil scientist Deann Presley says dry weather in Kansas presents an opportunity to work on farm ponds.&nbsp;

“Many of our ponds need periodic cleaning out of the old sediment that might get brought down by livestock or natural processes,” she said.&nbsp;

She urges landowners to consider draining their ponds,&nbsp;or in many cases if they are already dry. To&nbsp;scrape&nbsp;the bottom and compacting the soil before&nbsp;mother nature fills them up again.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Presley suggests a minimum 30% clay in the soil, though she adds, “40% is even better.”&nbsp;To find out how much clay content is in your pond. You can take&nbsp;some&nbsp;soil samples and bring them into your local K-State Research &amp; Extension Office,&nbsp;to be sent off for a soil texture test. For further information on how to&nbsp;best&nbsp;take&nbsp;these samples,&nbsp;she recommends to contact your local Extension Office for proper sampling instructions.&nbsp;

If a pond is leaking sometimes people think they&nbsp;need to use&nbsp;alternate-products to help seal them. Before taking that more expensive step, first take a soil texture sample to see if you might just need to really compact the soil to prevent the leaking.&nbsp;If compaction is what you need, a&nbsp;sheepsfoot&nbsp;roller is needed.&nbsp;

“The importance of compaction cannot be over-stated,” Presley said. “Many people often think, ‘I have enough clay in the soil; I’ll roll on it for a while and it will be okay.’ But the&nbsp;sheepsfootroller is important” for proper compaction of the soil.&nbsp;

Another tip when cleaning out a pond&nbsp;that folks don’t always consider. Is to put the sediment&nbsp;you clean out of the pond,&nbsp;on the back side of the dam. If you put it around the pond&nbsp;it will eventually slide or erode back into the pond.&nbsp;

More information is available in&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/agronomy-eupdate-feb17">K-State’s Feb. 17 Agronomy&nbsp;eUpdate</a>&nbsp;or from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.&nbsp;

To find out the location and phone number of your local&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension statewide offices,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html</a>&nbsp;or simply type into your internet browser “K-State Research and Extension Statewide Locations”.&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.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mIp_-DzQqj0"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPEBLL Cottonwood Extension DistrictIn this video from K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University soil scientist Deann Presley says dry weather in Kansas presents an opportunity to work on farm ponds.&nbsp;“Many of our ponds need periodic cleaning out of the old sediment that might get brought down by livestock or natural processes,” she said.&nbsp;She urges landowners to consider draining their ponds,&nbsp;or in many cases if they are already dry. To&nbsp;scrape&nbsp;the bottom and compacting the soil before&nbsp;mother nature fills them up again.&nbsp;&nbsp;Presley suggests a minimum 30% clay in the soil, though she adds, “40% is even better.”&nbsp;To find out how much clay content is in your pond. You can take&nbsp;some&nbsp;soil samples and bring them into your local K-State Research &amp; Extension Office,&nbsp;to be sent off for a soil texture test. For further information on how to&nbsp;best&nbsp;take&nbsp;these samples,&nbsp;she recommends to contact your local Extension Office for proper sampling instructions.&nbsp;If a pond is leaking sometimes people think they&nbsp;need to use&nbsp;alternate-products to help seal them. Before taking that more expensive step, first take a soil texture sample to see if you might just need to really compact the soil to prevent the leaking.&nbsp;If compaction is what you need, a&nbsp;sheepsfoot&nbsp;roller is needed.&nbsp;“The importance of compaction cannot be over-stated,” Presley said. “Many people often think, ‘I have enough clay in the soil; I’ll roll on it for a while and it will be okay.’ But the&nbsp;sheepsfootroller is important” for proper compaction of the soil.&nbsp;Another tip when cleaning out a pond&nbsp;that folks don’t always consider. Is to put the sediment&nbsp;you clean out of the pond,&nbsp;on the back side of the dam. If you put it around the pond&nbsp;it will eventually slide or erode back into the pond.&nbsp;More information is available in&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/agronomy-eupdate-feb17">K-State’s Feb. 17 Agronomy&nbsp;eUpdate</a>&nbsp;or from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.&nbsp;To find out the location and phone number of your local&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension statewide offices,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html</a>&nbsp;or simply type into your internet browser “K-State Research and Extension Statewide Locations”.&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.

🎥 Dry weather provides chance to clean, compact farm ponds 

Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center is offering a "Let's Talk Water Science"&nbsp;summer camp for students who have completed grades 7, 8, or 9.

The event – set for Thursday, June 9, and Friday, June 10 – is being co-sponsored by the KWEC, the City of Hays Water Resources Department, Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment, and K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District (Barton and Ellis counties).

Students will get in the water and test the water quality (waders will be provided by the KWEC). Students will collect data on alkalinity, bacteria, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, pH, phosphates, temperature, and turbidity. Campers will also sample the water for aquatic invertebrates and use them to determine water quality.

The first day of camp will be spent at Frontier Park in Hays, and water testing will take place in Big Creek. In the afternoon, campers will tour the City of Hays Wastewater Treatment Plant. In any given year, approximately 25% of the treated water is beneficially used as irrigation water for multiple outdoor recreation facilities.

Day 2 will be spent at Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest wetland complex in the interior of the United States, and at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center near Great Bend. Students will repeat water quality tests and invertebrate sampling in the wetland and compare the results from the previous day. Benefits and functions of wetlands will be studied. The day will include a driving tour of the wetlands in search of wildlife. The 4-H Water Ambassador team will supplement daily activities with hands-on and interactive projects.

Participation is free, and transportation between Hays and Great Bend, as well as all necessary equipment, will be provided. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch and reusable water bottle for each day; snacks will be provided.

Camp will start at 10 a.m. at Frontier Park on June 9. Transportation from the Kansas Wetlands Education Center to Hays will leave at 8:45 a.m. Camp is dismissed at 3:15 p.m. Campers traveling back to the KWEC should return at 4:30 p.m.

The Friday camp will start at 10 a.m. at Cheyenne Bottoms. Transportation from Hays to Cheyenne Bottoms will leave at 8:45 a.m. from the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 601 Main St. Barton County campers can meet at the KWEC at 9:30 a.m. Camp is dismissed from the KWEC at 3:15 p.m. Campers traveling back to Hays should return at 4:30 p.m.

The KWEC, 592 NE K-156 Highway, is at the southeast side of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area northeast of Great Bend.

Registration is limited to 12 – six campers from Ellis County and six from Barton County. Registration deadline is May 27.

To register for an event or camp go to:&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDI4Fbv2aCJ7wVn3UMG-2B6d7EPIvnUo7uIbKANOQy6jAEsXA2_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemcaW3ZQkmBBPB6VX2tAxPb4ZaAYbMJwViPE5bmuVrSvTHDWyEz96nEbWyYgV-2BI3yxPrDN8tg-2BB-2BH41L1Sfd-2BSx80zji2J-2BIUYz1BFv8ShmhUheviwvkoswHHSKxOny2MNWpX8vvPqwzGd-2FBUi0OfhwQ-2FndvhYJNq9Yd9bUGvq2TRte87SLXXuQMZzJG-2FqfggeV10gcGYgFbGkgqtE0C1aK9Kwl-2FOE7HRfJR1mDh39DvyylDURhYdqSvL7oEw5oHUqJbCeMgoIcXoBFza7lrwgYA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/cqaCp862fH4QcP9p9</a>&nbsp;or email Mandy Kern at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amkern2@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">amkern2@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;for the link. For more information on the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMCDkFVbWlkuYggWR1l9m3niOQl9kmqWr-2FsCfzG-2FTJVW1Xdl_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemcaW3ZQkmBBPB6VX2tAxPb4ZaAYbMJwViPE5bmuVrSvTHDWyEz96nEbWyYgV-2BI3yxPrDN8tg-2BB-2BH41L1Sfd-2BSx6sux8g6xLKsSxkUh2hBVi-2B-2BN83yvz9vbp0yB-2BKXvgE0mYHV1Au7-2F8B9JzZWfgMlvIGdNxe4KAbsU0VqoG7by36624C5-2BAVzQBBO3swYUgqybhcG3DyCneB4iDN8Bzml1zlK-2FKTHyisEwlRgRyKQqc8nVaAy8PH1lhZwtwipnIP6K3kSDLpc8a-2FSaR5Oh4zxDA-3D-3D">https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650820679972.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center is offering a "Let's Talk Water Science"&nbsp;summer camp for students who have completed grades 7, 8, or 9.The event – set for Thursday, June 9, and Friday, June 10 – is being co-sponsored by the KWEC, the City of Hays Water Resources Department, Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment, and K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District (Barton and Ellis counties).Students will get in the water and test the water quality (waders will be provided by the KWEC). Students will collect data on alkalinity, bacteria, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, pH, phosphates, temperature, and turbidity. Campers will also sample the water for aquatic invertebrates and use them to determine water quality.The first day of camp will be spent at Frontier Park in Hays, and water testing will take place in Big Creek. In the afternoon, campers will tour the City of Hays Wastewater Treatment Plant. In any given year, approximately 25% of the treated water is beneficially used as irrigation water for multiple outdoor recreation facilities.Day 2 will be spent at Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest wetland complex in the interior of the United States, and at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center near Great Bend. Students will repeat water quality tests and invertebrate sampling in the wetland and compare the results from the previous day. Benefits and functions of wetlands will be studied. The day will include a driving tour of the wetlands in search of wildlife. The 4-H Water Ambassador team will supplement daily activities with hands-on and interactive projects.Participation is free, and transportation between Hays and Great Bend, as well as all necessary equipment, will be provided. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch and reusable water bottle for each day; snacks will be provided.Camp will start at 10 a.m. at Frontier Park on June 9. Transportation from the Kansas Wetlands Education Center to Hays will leave at 8:45 a.m. Camp is dismissed at 3:15 p.m. Campers traveling back to the KWEC should return at 4:30 p.m.The Friday camp will start at 10 a.m. at Cheyenne Bottoms. Transportation from Hays to Cheyenne Bottoms will leave at 8:45 a.m. from the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 601 Main St. Barton County campers can meet at the KWEC at 9:30 a.m. Camp is dismissed from the KWEC at 3:15 p.m. Campers traveling back to Hays should return at 4:30 p.m.The KWEC, 592 NE K-156 Highway, is at the southeast side of Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area northeast of Great Bend.Registration is limited to 12 – six campers from Ellis County and six from Barton County. Registration deadline is May 27.To register for an event or camp go to:&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtDI4Fbv2aCJ7wVn3UMG-2B6d7EPIvnUo7uIbKANOQy6jAEsXA2_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemcaW3ZQkmBBPB6VX2tAxPb4ZaAYbMJwViPE5bmuVrSvTHDWyEz96nEbWyYgV-2BI3yxPrDN8tg-2BB-2BH41L1Sfd-2BSx80zji2J-2BIUYz1BFv8ShmhUheviwvkoswHHSKxOny2MNWpX8vvPqwzGd-2FBUi0OfhwQ-2FndvhYJNq9Yd9bUGvq2TRte87SLXXuQMZzJG-2FqfggeV10gcGYgFbGkgqtE0C1aK9Kwl-2FOE7HRfJR1mDh39DvyylDURhYdqSvL7oEw5oHUqJbCeMgoIcXoBFza7lrwgYA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/cqaCp862fH4QcP9p9</a>&nbsp;or email Mandy Kern at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:amkern2@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">amkern2@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;for the link. For more information on the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtMCDkFVbWlkuYggWR1l9m3niOQl9kmqWr-2FsCfzG-2FTJVW1Xdl_-2FnwFlkKVzcKMOkDYhP8GUyFUplsqhIzQPvqFQr864lE6mcAzErX0FzZi5JGU6rvvK6MLOuHK4jhl5V61fmGkhToZRMbpEKBDAFMZ0jElT3tJmz7vmG2Oh1wrxpMGOIemcaW3ZQkmBBPB6VX2tAxPb4ZaAYbMJwViPE5bmuVrSvTHDWyEz96nEbWyYgV-2BI3yxPrDN8tg-2BB-2BH41L1Sfd-2BSx6sux8g6xLKsSxkUh2hBVi-2B-2BN83yvz9vbp0yB-2BKXvgE0mYHV1Au7-2F8B9JzZWfgMlvIGdNxe4KAbsU0VqoG7by36624C5-2BAVzQBBO3swYUgqybhcG3DyCneB4iDN8Bzml1zlK-2FKTHyisEwlRgRyKQqc8nVaAy8PH1lhZwtwipnIP6K3kSDLpc8a-2FSaR5Oh4zxDA-3D-3D">https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/</a>.

KWEC to offer water science camp this summer

Kansas State University crop entomologist Jeff Whitworth said he has received numerous calls from farmers who are already seeing cowpea and pea aphids in their alfalfa fields.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The aphids, he said, are probably in every field in Kansas, but “we usually do not see this many of them this early.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

He said the cowpea aphid population density that producers are seeing now is more typical of June or July, usually with the second or third alfalfa cutting. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Alfalfa is a good host for beneficial insects, so when we see lady beetles over winter and they start going around feeding they’ll find some cowpea aphids or pea aphids because they arrive early in the season,” Whitworth said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Because of that, “I still have a hard time recommending treating for aphids, whether they’re cowpea aphids or pea aphids."

Whitworth said many producers worry about the honeydew on alfalfa plants that cowpea aphids produce. “If you’re really worried about them, I really don’t think there’s a specific percentage that creates the need for the aphids to be treated,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If a producer decides to treat for aphids, Whitworth said they may want to consider one of the new insecticides that are labeled for alfalfa aphids. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“If producers leave them untreated, I think the beneficial insects will find them and start helping to control them a little bit,” Whitworth said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Whitworth, spraying for alfalfa weevils will also kill the aphid populations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He said that a producer should choose to spray alfalfa weevils once the weevils are found on at least 50% of the alfalfa plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Whitworth said that the alfalfa plant does not need to be luscious on top when spraying alfalfa weevils because the treatment should still be effective in decreasing or eliminating alfalfa weevils from the field.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State University crop entomologist Jeff Whitworth said he has received numerous calls from farmers who are already seeing cowpea and pea aphids in their alfalfa fields.&nbsp;&nbsp;The aphids, he said, are probably in every field in Kansas, but “we usually do not see this many of them this early.”&nbsp;&nbsp;He said the cowpea aphid population density that producers are seeing now is more typical of June or July, usually with the second or third alfalfa cutting. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Alfalfa is a good host for beneficial insects, so when we see lady beetles over winter and they start going around feeding they’ll find some cowpea aphids or pea aphids because they arrive early in the season,” Whitworth said. &nbsp;&nbsp;Because of that, “I still have a hard time recommending treating for aphids, whether they’re cowpea aphids or pea aphids." Whitworth said many producers worry about the honeydew on alfalfa plants that cowpea aphids produce. “If you’re really worried about them, I really don’t think there’s a specific percentage that creates the need for the aphids to be treated,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;If a producer decides to treat for aphids, Whitworth said they may want to consider one of the new insecticides that are labeled for alfalfa aphids. &nbsp;&nbsp;“If producers leave them untreated, I think the beneficial insects will find them and start helping to control them a little bit,” Whitworth said.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Whitworth, spraying for alfalfa weevils will also kill the aphid populations. &nbsp;&nbsp;He said that a producer should choose to spray alfalfa weevils once the weevils are found on at least 50% of the alfalfa plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whitworth said that the alfalfa plant does not need to be luscious on top when spraying alfalfa weevils because the treatment should still be effective in decreasing or eliminating alfalfa weevils from the field.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

BOOR: Fighting aphids in alfalfa

​With Easter getting closer, it is time to share the best food safety practices when handling those&nbsp;ever-popular&nbsp;Easter Eggs. It seems no matter how old we are, there is something special about preparing hard cooked eggs and dying/decorating them for the family Easter Egg hunt. Read on for&nbsp;some great food safety reminders.

​After hard cooking eggs, dye them and return them to the refrigerator within 2 hours. If eggs are to be eaten, use a food-safe coloring. Wash your hands before and after handling eggs.

​Hard cooked eggs that have been lying on the ground can pick up bacteria, especially if the shells are cracked. If the shells crack, bacteria could contaminate the inside. Hide eggs in locations protected from dirt, moisture, pets, and other sources of bacteria. Hide and hunt for the eggs within 2 hours. Toss any of the eggs that have cracked&nbsp;during&nbsp;the Easter Egg hunt. The “found” eggs must be washed, re-refrigerated,&nbsp;and eaten within 7 days of cooking.

​The two-hour rule that I mentioned above is also the advice I give to anyone who is putting out a spread of food for a family celebration.&nbsp;Popular foods like salads and egg dishes should be kept cold, below 40&nbsp;degrees Fahrenheit, until ready to serve. Mayonnaise in salads is very acidic and likely not a foodborne illness issue, but it is the other ingredients, such as potatoes, eggs,&nbsp;chicken,&nbsp;or pasta that can allow bacteria to thrive if handled poorly or temperature abused.&nbsp;

​Another food safety tip is to read the label to know what type of ham you are purchasing, either fresh or ready-to-eat. Fresh ham labels will detail cooking instructions, and the label may state to cook thoroughly. Ready to eat ham can be served out of the package or reheated at an oven temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.&nbsp;

Whatever you have on your Easter dinner menu, I hope you have&nbsp;a Happy Easter celebration with your family!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​With Easter getting closer, it is time to share the best food safety practices when handling those&nbsp;ever-popular&nbsp;Easter Eggs. It seems no matter how old we are, there is something special about preparing hard cooked eggs and dying/decorating them for the family Easter Egg hunt. Read on for&nbsp;some great food safety reminders.​After hard cooking eggs, dye them and return them to the refrigerator within 2 hours. If eggs are to be eaten, use a food-safe coloring. Wash your hands before and after handling eggs.​Hard cooked eggs that have been lying on the ground can pick up bacteria, especially if the shells are cracked. If the shells crack, bacteria could contaminate the inside. Hide eggs in locations protected from dirt, moisture, pets, and other sources of bacteria. Hide and hunt for the eggs within 2 hours. Toss any of the eggs that have cracked&nbsp;during&nbsp;the Easter Egg hunt. The “found” eggs must be washed, re-refrigerated,&nbsp;and eaten within 7 days of cooking.​The two-hour rule that I mentioned above is also the advice I give to anyone who is putting out a spread of food for a family celebration.&nbsp;Popular foods like salads and egg dishes should be kept cold, below 40&nbsp;degrees Fahrenheit, until ready to serve. Mayonnaise in salads is very acidic and likely not a foodborne illness issue, but it is the other ingredients, such as potatoes, eggs,&nbsp;chicken,&nbsp;or pasta that can allow bacteria to thrive if handled poorly or temperature abused.&nbsp;​Another food safety tip is to read the label to know what type of ham you are purchasing, either fresh or ready-to-eat. Fresh ham labels will detail cooking instructions, and the label may state to cook thoroughly. Ready to eat ham can be served out of the package or reheated at an oven temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.&nbsp;Whatever you have on your Easter dinner menu, I hope you have&nbsp;a Happy Easter celebration with your family!Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District.&nbsp;You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.&nbsp;

KRUG: Play it safe with Easter eggs

UPDATED 10 a.m.&nbsp; Thursday

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Several K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts will be offering a Hazardous&nbsp;Occupation Safety Training in&nbsp;Agriculture or&nbsp;Tractor and Farm Safety Course&nbsp;on Saturday,&nbsp;April 30th&nbsp;from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Hill City at the Graham County Fairgrounds 4-H Building.&nbsp;

The United States Department of Labor requires youth 14 – 15 years of age attend this safety training in order to work on a farm for someone other than their parents.&nbsp; However, there are several cases where youth may be required to take the training even though they are working on the “family farm.”&nbsp; For instance, if the parent is a partner or member of a farm corporation or if the youth is legally employed by grandparents, the law requires youth participate in the course.&nbsp; Any employer who plans to hire youth under 16 years of age must make sure they attend this tractor and farm safety course.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Certification will be presented to participants who meet all of the following. Attend the entire session, complete all assignments, successfully complete tractor safety exam, safely demonstrate the ability to operate a tractor and all its controls according to safe operating procedures under the supervision of a parent or employer, youth ages 14-15 years (others will receive certification at the time they turn 14).&nbsp; There is a $10 fee to attend and&nbsp;RSVP is requested by Friday, April 22nd.&nbsp;Thank you to our lunch and refreshment sponsor, People’s State Bank!&nbsp;This program is being offered and taught by Extension Agents in the&nbsp;Cottonwood,&nbsp;Twin Creeks, Golden Prairie and Phillips/Rooks Extension Districts. &nbsp;To register contact any of the above Extension Districts by&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;<a></a>April 22 to register and pickup study materials before-hand.&nbsp;

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.

UPDATED 10 a.m.&nbsp; ThursdayBy STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictSeveral K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts will be offering a Hazardous&nbsp;Occupation Safety Training in&nbsp;Agriculture or&nbsp;Tractor and Farm Safety Course&nbsp;on Saturday,&nbsp;April 30th&nbsp;from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Hill City at the Graham County Fairgrounds 4-H Building.&nbsp;The United States Department of Labor requires youth 14 – 15 years of age attend this safety training in order to work on a farm for someone other than their parents.&nbsp; However, there are several cases where youth may be required to take the training even though they are working on the “family farm.”&nbsp; For instance, if the parent is a partner or member of a farm corporation or if the youth is legally employed by grandparents, the law requires youth participate in the course.&nbsp; Any employer who plans to hire youth under 16 years of age must make sure they attend this tractor and farm safety course.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certification will be presented to participants who meet all of the following. Attend the entire session, complete all assignments, successfully complete tractor safety exam, safely demonstrate the ability to operate a tractor and all its controls according to safe operating procedures under the supervision of a parent or employer, youth ages 14-15 years (others will receive certification at the time they turn 14).&nbsp; There is a $10 fee to attend and&nbsp;RSVP is requested by Friday, April 22nd.&nbsp;Thank you to our lunch and refreshment sponsor, People’s State Bank!&nbsp;This program is being offered and taught by Extension Agents in the&nbsp;Cottonwood,&nbsp;Twin Creeks, Golden Prairie and Phillips/Rooks Extension Districts. &nbsp;To register contact any of the above Extension Districts by&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;<a></a>April 22 to register and pickup study materials before-hand.&nbsp; 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.

UPDATE: Tractor and farm safety course scheduled this month

I recently had a neat opportunity to attend the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education&nbsp;awards banquet.&nbsp;In cooperation with members of the K-State&nbsp;Watershed staff, Hays Water Department, and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, a group of young people dove into a journey last year and that work of establishing a 4-H2O Ambassador program was recognized by KACEE.&nbsp;

Helping youth to find their spark is invigorating and provides opportunities to help make our world better in&nbsp;so&nbsp;many ways.&nbsp;Sparks are skills, talents, and interests that motivate a young person to change or improve themselves and the world around them by giving them a sense of direction and encouraging&nbsp;goal setting!

This&nbsp;program started in&nbsp;late&nbsp;2020&nbsp;with four young people from Barton and Ellis counties who spent two days learning about water treatment, management, and&nbsp;conservation. While increasing their knowledge&nbsp;of all things water, they also honed their presentation skills to prepare for working with the public at a variety of events.&nbsp;

Those initial four did a great job of helping at multiple events at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center and in Hays. They&nbsp;have family-friendly and youth-focused learning activities for these events.

In 2022, the first four returned and we added three additional youth to the group. They have been through two days of training and work diligently to improve their presentation skills for events. If you would like for the 4-H2O Ambassadors to speak to your group, contact the Cottonwood Extension District in either the Barton or Ellis County offices, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, or Holly Dickman with the City of Hays.&nbsp;We will open applications in the fall for a new class of Ambassadors and they don’t need to be enrolled in 4-H!

Programs like the 4-H2O Ambassadors are one of my favorite things about working in 4-H!&nbsp;4-H offers nearly 40 different project areas from Art to Woodworking and each area has the potential to create a spark. Some 4-H members may try a dozen different projects over a few years before finding 3 or 4 that really resonate.&nbsp;Others may find a couple of project areas that they are&nbsp;passionate about very early&nbsp;and&nbsp;work and learn in that area over eight to ten years.

Is there a young person in your world who is looking for their spark? If so, give me a call!

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>I recently had a neat opportunity to attend the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education&nbsp;awards banquet.&nbsp;In cooperation with members of the K-State&nbsp;Watershed staff, Hays Water Department, and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, a group of young people dove into a journey last year and that work of establishing a 4-H2O Ambassador program was recognized by KACEE.&nbsp;Helping youth to find their spark is invigorating and provides opportunities to help make our world better in&nbsp;so&nbsp;many ways.&nbsp;Sparks are skills, talents, and interests that motivate a young person to change or improve themselves and the world around them by giving them a sense of direction and encouraging&nbsp;goal setting!This&nbsp;program started in&nbsp;late&nbsp;2020&nbsp;with four young people from Barton and Ellis counties who spent two days learning about water treatment, management, and&nbsp;conservation. While increasing their knowledge&nbsp;of all things water, they also honed their presentation skills to prepare for working with the public at a variety of events.&nbsp;Those initial four did a great job of helping at multiple events at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center and in Hays. They&nbsp;have family-friendly and youth-focused learning activities for these events.In 2022, the first four returned and we added three additional youth to the group. They have been through two days of training and work diligently to improve their presentation skills for events. If you would like for the 4-H2O Ambassadors to speak to your group, contact the Cottonwood Extension District in either the Barton or Ellis County offices, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, or Holly Dickman with the City of Hays.&nbsp;We will open applications in the fall for a new class of Ambassadors and they don’t need to be enrolled in 4-H!Programs like the 4-H2O Ambassadors are one of my favorite things about working in 4-H!&nbsp;4-H offers nearly 40 different project areas from Art to Woodworking and each area has the potential to create a spark. Some 4-H members may try a dozen different projects over a few years before finding 3 or 4 that really resonate.&nbsp;Others may find a couple of project areas that they are&nbsp;passionate about very early&nbsp;and&nbsp;work and learn in that area over eight to ten years.Is there a young person in your world who is looking for their spark? If so, give me a call!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: 4-H20 Ambassador program

It is&nbsp;hard to believe that the first three months of 2022 are coming to a close.&nbsp;Today I want to focus on things that are happening in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Recently our Cottonwood Team met with more than twenty of our Program Development Committee members who help&nbsp;guide our work. At our dinner meeting we asked the question “What makes you STOP and consider attending an event/program?”&nbsp;Answers varied but the common theme was that programs should cover relevant topics that help improve a persons’ life in some way.&nbsp;The challenge in our&nbsp;ever-changing&nbsp;world is when to schedule educational events and whether the event will be held in person or available on-line.&nbsp;While we&nbsp;could not&nbsp;solve all the issues in our 2-hour meeting, we all came away with some great ideas of things to consider. In the months ahead look for our team of agents to try some&nbsp;innovative approaches.&nbsp;

Recent “Fermentation Workshops” held in both Great Bend and Hays attracted many participants who were new to Extension. It was fun to share the information from&nbsp;the fact sheet I wrote last year. Participants came away from the&nbsp;hands-on&nbsp;workshop with a quart of cabbage, which after three weeks, will become a tasty jar of sauerkraut. Learning about the health benefits of including a small amount of fermented food in the diet was a bonus.&nbsp;

Other Cottonwood team members have educational programs planned in their respective program areas.&nbsp;I hope you will take a minute to visit our Cottonwood website and follow the link to our monthly newsletter&nbsp;which&nbsp;contains flyers highlighting these opportunities.&nbsp;

Today&nbsp;I&nbsp;also&nbsp;want to bring you up to date on the three Extension Agent positions currently open in the Cottonwood Extension District. The position announcement/application process for the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Hays office will be&nbsp;posted on&nbsp;May 4th. Applications are due by June 1st&nbsp;and the date for interviews has been set for June 28th. The Family Community Wellness position in the Hays office will be announced later in the summer&nbsp;and the District Horticulture&nbsp;position will follow soon after.&nbsp;If you know of anyone who has the qualifications&nbsp;for these agent positions,&nbsp;plus a heart to serve the public, encourage them to apply.&nbsp;We also have a summer intern position in the Hays office&nbsp;open.&nbsp;We are&nbsp;looking for someone who has completed at least two years of college and would like to learn more about a career in Extension. The&nbsp;position description and&nbsp;application process is on our Cottonwood website.&nbsp;

Let me know how&nbsp;our team members&nbsp;in the Cottonwood Extension District, can best serve your needs!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach 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 &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>It is&nbsp;hard to believe that the first three months of 2022 are coming to a close.&nbsp;Today I want to focus on things that are happening in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Recently our Cottonwood Team met with more than twenty of our Program Development Committee members who help&nbsp;guide our work. At our dinner meeting we asked the question “What makes you STOP and consider attending an event/program?”&nbsp;Answers varied but the common theme was that programs should cover relevant topics that help improve a persons’ life in some way.&nbsp;The challenge in our&nbsp;ever-changing&nbsp;world is when to schedule educational events and whether the event will be held in person or available on-line.&nbsp;While we&nbsp;could not&nbsp;solve all the issues in our 2-hour meeting, we all came away with some great ideas of things to consider. In the months ahead look for our team of agents to try some&nbsp;innovative approaches.&nbsp;Recent “Fermentation Workshops” held in both Great Bend and Hays attracted many participants who were new to Extension. It was fun to share the information from&nbsp;the fact sheet I wrote last year. Participants came away from the&nbsp;hands-on&nbsp;workshop with a quart of cabbage, which after three weeks, will become a tasty jar of sauerkraut. Learning about the health benefits of including a small amount of fermented food in the diet was a bonus.&nbsp;Other Cottonwood team members have educational programs planned in their respective program areas.&nbsp;I hope you will take a minute to visit our Cottonwood website and follow the link to our monthly newsletter&nbsp;which&nbsp;contains flyers highlighting these opportunities.&nbsp;Today&nbsp;I&nbsp;also&nbsp;want to bring you up to date on the three Extension Agent positions currently open in the Cottonwood Extension District. The position announcement/application process for the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Hays office will be&nbsp;posted on&nbsp;May 4th. Applications are due by June 1st&nbsp;and the date for interviews has been set for June 28th. The Family Community Wellness position in the Hays office will be announced later in the summer&nbsp;and the District Horticulture&nbsp;position will follow soon after.&nbsp;If you know of anyone who has the qualifications&nbsp;for these agent positions,&nbsp;plus a heart to serve the public, encourage them to apply.&nbsp;We also have a summer intern position in the Hays office&nbsp;open.&nbsp;We are&nbsp;looking for someone who has completed at least two years of college and would like to learn more about a career in Extension. The&nbsp;position description and&nbsp;application process is on our Cottonwood website.&nbsp;Let me know how&nbsp;our team members&nbsp;in the Cottonwood Extension District, can best serve your needs!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Cottonwood Extension District update​

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

More than $600,000 worth of property was destroyed in a Friday evening fire west of Salina.

Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said this morning that a 38-year-old Saline County man was working on a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta in a building on his property in the 2500 block of Cottonwood Lane when the car caught fire.

A deputy, who was first on the scene, attempted to put the fire out with an extinguisher, Melander said. The fire, however, quickly spread and engulfed the large metal building. Firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 7 arrived and extinguished the blaze.

The Jetta, which belonged to a 64-year-old Salina woman, was destroyed. It was valued at $7,000, Melander said.

The 38-year-old man also lost property in the fire including the large metal building in which he was working, valued at $550,000, a 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle, valued at $3,500, an 85cc Kawasaki dirt bike, valued at $1,800 and various tools, valued at $75,000, according to Melander.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648489575524.jpeg" alt="The blaze destroyed the building and multiple items inside.&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The blaze destroyed the building and multiple items inside.&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostMore than $600,000 worth of property was destroyed in a Friday evening fire west of Salina.Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said this morning that a 38-year-old Saline County man was working on a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta in a building on his property in the 2500 block of Cottonwood Lane when the car caught fire.A deputy, who was first on the scene, attempted to put the fire out with an extinguisher, Melander said. The fire, however, quickly spread and engulfed the large metal building. Firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 7 arrived and extinguished the blaze.The Jetta, which belonged to a 64-year-old Salina woman, was destroyed. It was valued at $7,000, Melander said.The 38-year-old man also lost property in the fire including the large metal building in which he was working, valued at $550,000, a 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle, valued at $3,500, an 85cc Kawasaki dirt bike, valued at $1,800 and various tools, valued at $75,000, according to Melander.

Sheriff: $600,000 loss in rural Kansas fire 

Several K-State Research and Extension publications related to insect management in Kansas were recently updated and&nbsp;are available to the public.

These publications were prepared to help producers manage insect populations with the best available methods proven practical under Kansas conditions. They are revised annually and intended for use during the current calendar year. The user should know that pesticide label directions and restrictions are subject to change, and some may have changed since the date of publication.

Each fact sheet is available online&nbsp;using the links provided below, or by stopping in your local Extension Office for a paper copy.&nbsp;Also most of the time if you know the publication title or&nbsp;can even get&nbsp;close to it and type into your internet browser “KSU Wheat Insect Management” it should come up.&nbsp;

MF742 - Sorghum Insect Pest Management&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF742.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF742.pdf</a>

MF743 - Soybean Insect Pest Management&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF743.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF743.pdf</a>

MF745 - Wheat Insect Pest Management&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF745.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF745.pdf</a>

MF809 - Alfalfa Insect Pest Management&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.pdf</a>

MF810 – Corn Insect Pest Management -&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF810.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF810.pdf</a>

MF814 – Sunflower Insect Pest Management -&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF814.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF814.pdf</a>

MF2674 – Cotton Insect Pest Management -&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2674.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2674.pdf</a>

The economics of control should be considered in any pest management decision. Because costs vary greatly over time and are influenced by factors beyond the scope of this publication, product cost is not a consideration for including or omitting specific insecticide products in these recommendations. Growers should compare product price, safety, and availability when making treatment decisions. Growers also need to consider the impacts of insecticides on non-target organisms like pollinators and natural enemies. Rotating insecticide groups can help combat insecticide resistance issues by leveraging different modes of action. The user bears ultimate responsibility for correct pesticide use. For proper use, always read label directions carefully&nbsp;before applying pesticides. Remember, it is illegal to use a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with the label.

More information on pests covered in these publications is available <a href="http://www.entomology.k-state.edu/extension/insect-information/crop-pests/">HERE</a>.

<a></a>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 DistrictSeveral K-State Research and Extension publications related to insect management in Kansas were recently updated and&nbsp;are available to the public.These publications were prepared to help producers manage insect populations with the best available methods proven practical under Kansas conditions. They are revised annually and intended for use during the current calendar year. The user should know that pesticide label directions and restrictions are subject to change, and some may have changed since the date of publication.Each fact sheet is available online&nbsp;using the links provided below, or by stopping in your local Extension Office for a paper copy.&nbsp;Also most of the time if you know the publication title or&nbsp;can even get&nbsp;close to it and type into your internet browser “KSU Wheat Insect Management” it should come up.&nbsp;MF742 - Sorghum Insect Pest Management&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF742.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF742.pdf</a>MF743 - Soybean Insect Pest Management&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF743.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF743.pdf</a>MF745 - Wheat Insect Pest Management&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF745.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF745.pdf</a>MF809 - Alfalfa Insect Pest Management&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.pdf</a>MF810 – Corn Insect Pest Management -&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF810.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF810.pdf</a>MF814 – Sunflower Insect Pest Management -&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF814.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF814.pdf</a>MF2674 – Cotton Insect Pest Management -&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2674.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2674.pdf</a>The economics of control should be considered in any pest management decision. Because costs vary greatly over time and are influenced by factors beyond the scope of this publication, product cost is not a consideration for including or omitting specific insecticide products in these recommendations. Growers should compare product price, safety, and availability when making treatment decisions. Growers also need to consider the impacts of insecticides on non-target organisms like pollinators and natural enemies. Rotating insecticide groups can help combat insecticide resistance issues by leveraging different modes of action. The user bears ultimate responsibility for correct pesticide use. For proper use, always read label directions carefully&nbsp;before applying pesticides. Remember, it is illegal to use a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with the label.More information on pests covered in these publications is available <a href="http://www.entomology.k-state.edu/extension/insect-information/crop-pests/">HERE</a>.<a></a>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.

K-State publications on insect management updated for 2022

Before National Nutrition Month comes to an&nbsp;end,&nbsp;I want to&nbsp;share one more pep talk about making healthy food choices. The presentation I shared earlier this month about the Mediterranean and DASH diets&nbsp;turned out to be a popular topic.&nbsp;I will be sharing the same information in Ellis County as part of the Walk KS celebration&nbsp;on Thursday, May 26th, at noon. More details will be shared closer to the date.

National Nutrition Month, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, puts valuable and credible nutrition information at our fingertips. The focus is always to encourage people to make informed choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits.

Sometimes it can be tough&nbsp;to know exactly where to start; there are so many messages in the news and some&nbsp;messages contradict what was reported by a different source on a different day. One thing I have always appreciated with my connection to K-State Research and Extension is that I have access to up-to-date&nbsp;research-based&nbsp;information at the click of a mouse.

There are many excellent publications related to healthy food choices that are available on our K-State Research and Extension website. I helped update the “Healthy Choices when Eating Out” fact sheet a couple of years ago. Eating away from your home kitchen can create challenges, because many menu items have added fat or sugar and may be high in sodium. Becoming familiar with the terms of the way food is prepared can help you make healthier choices.&nbsp;

Another fact sheet I authored a few years ago is titled, “Healthy Cooking Styles.” Thisfact sheet highlights five different cooking styles that focus on creating tasty and healthy grain and vegetable dishes. Too often I hear&nbsp;people&nbsp;say how hard it is to eat healthy. In my mind it is not hard at all. And the health benefits you will notice by incorporating more whole grains and vegetables into your daily menus&nbsp;will&nbsp;help&nbsp;keep you motivated. Many people with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and various autoimmune diseases have been able to alleviate their symptoms by eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes,&nbsp;nuts,&nbsp;and seeds, and consuming fewer solid and added fats, added&nbsp;sugars,&nbsp;and refined grains.&nbsp;As a follow-up to the fact sheet, I&nbsp;created&nbsp;a 30-minute&nbsp;Extension Ed talk&nbsp;utube&nbsp;video about healthy cooking styles. You can find the link to it and other Extension Ed talks on our Cottonwood website.&nbsp;

If you would like a copy of&nbsp;any of the&nbsp;fact&nbsp;sheets&nbsp;I have&nbsp;mentioned in this article,&nbsp;simply&nbsp;drop by either&nbsp;of our&nbsp;Extension offices&nbsp;in Great Bend or Hays&nbsp;or look for&nbsp;them&nbsp;on the KSRE web site, following the link to the bookstore&nbsp;and search by title.

Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent&nbsp;-&nbsp;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 &amp; Consumer Science Agent - Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent - Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Before National Nutrition Month comes to an&nbsp;end,&nbsp;I want to&nbsp;share one more pep talk about making healthy food choices. The presentation I shared earlier this month about the Mediterranean and DASH diets&nbsp;turned out to be a popular topic.&nbsp;I will be sharing the same information in Ellis County as part of the Walk KS celebration&nbsp;on Thursday, May 26th, at noon. More details will be shared closer to the date.National Nutrition Month, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, puts valuable and credible nutrition information at our fingertips. The focus is always to encourage people to make informed choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits.Sometimes it can be tough&nbsp;to know exactly where to start; there are so many messages in the news and some&nbsp;messages contradict what was reported by a different source on a different day. One thing I have always appreciated with my connection to K-State Research and Extension is that I have access to up-to-date&nbsp;research-based&nbsp;information at the click of a mouse.There are many excellent publications related to healthy food choices that are available on our K-State Research and Extension website. I helped update the “Healthy Choices when Eating Out” fact sheet a couple of years ago. Eating away from your home kitchen can create challenges, because many menu items have added fat or sugar and may be high in sodium. Becoming familiar with the terms of the way food is prepared can help you make healthier choices.&nbsp;Another fact sheet I authored a few years ago is titled, “Healthy Cooking Styles.” Thisfact sheet highlights five different cooking styles that focus on creating tasty and healthy grain and vegetable dishes. Too often I hear&nbsp;people&nbsp;say how hard it is to eat healthy. In my mind it is not hard at all. And the health benefits you will notice by incorporating more whole grains and vegetables into your daily menus&nbsp;will&nbsp;help&nbsp;keep you motivated. Many people with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and various autoimmune diseases have been able to alleviate their symptoms by eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes,&nbsp;nuts,&nbsp;and seeds, and consuming fewer solid and added fats, added&nbsp;sugars,&nbsp;and refined grains.&nbsp;As a follow-up to the fact sheet, I&nbsp;created&nbsp;a 30-minute&nbsp;Extension Ed talk&nbsp;utube&nbsp;video about healthy cooking styles. You can find the link to it and other Extension Ed talks on our Cottonwood website.&nbsp;If you would like a copy of&nbsp;any of the&nbsp;fact&nbsp;sheets&nbsp;I have&nbsp;mentioned in this article,&nbsp;simply&nbsp;drop by either&nbsp;of our&nbsp;Extension offices&nbsp;in Great Bend or Hays&nbsp;or look for&nbsp;them&nbsp;on the KSRE web site, following the link to the bookstore&nbsp;and search by title.Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent&nbsp;-&nbsp;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: Healthy food choices can make a difference

I came across a picture a few days ago that had the caption, “We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.”

I am part of a group&nbsp;of agents across several states&nbsp;who are reading and discussing the book, “The Positive Shift” by Catherine A. Sanderson. The research included in this book has been a fascinating look at how we can adjust our outlook as not all of us wake up every day filled with energy and excitement about a new day. For some, each day can be a struggle to be or stay positive. The research, however, shows that we can improve our physical and mental health by working on our outlook.

The last two years have been filled with frustration, separation, anxiety, and loss. Loss of&nbsp;civility, loss of relationships, loss of time together. I shared some pretty somber thoughts about loss with my 4-H families a few weeks ago with the reminder to check on themselves, their neighbors, and&nbsp;their&nbsp;friends.&nbsp;

At a good friend’s funeral recently, the message included that our friend had selected the Garth Brooks song, “The Dance” for the father-daughter dance at his daughter’s wedding. Our pastor related the words of the chorus&nbsp;which state:

And now I'm glad I didn't know The way it all would end, the way it all would go Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain But I'd have had to miss the dance

I hope that your takeaway of the last few years is to truly cherish friends and family and listen to the music life gives you. Look for opportunities to be kind, be helpful, be community and choose your dance every day.

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>I came across a picture a few days ago that had the caption, “We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.”I am part of a group&nbsp;of agents across several states&nbsp;who are reading and discussing the book, “The Positive Shift” by Catherine A. Sanderson. The research included in this book has been a fascinating look at how we can adjust our outlook as not all of us wake up every day filled with energy and excitement about a new day. For some, each day can be a struggle to be or stay positive. The research, however, shows that we can improve our physical and mental health by working on our outlook.The last two years have been filled with frustration, separation, anxiety, and loss. Loss of&nbsp;civility, loss of relationships, loss of time together. I shared some pretty somber thoughts about loss with my 4-H families a few weeks ago with the reminder to check on themselves, their neighbors, and&nbsp;their&nbsp;friends.&nbsp;At a good friend’s funeral recently, the message included that our friend had selected the Garth Brooks song, “The Dance” for the father-daughter dance at his daughter’s wedding. Our pastor related the words of the chorus&nbsp;which state:And now I'm glad I didn't know The way it all would end, the way it all would go Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain But I'd have had to miss the danceI hope that your takeaway of the last few years is to truly cherish friends and family and listen to the music life gives you. Look for opportunities to be kind, be helpful, be community and choose your dance every day.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: Dancing to a better outcome

As our weather warms, alfalfa producers are reminded to eliminate weeds in their fields before&nbsp;alfalfa&nbsp;plants break dormancy. Herbicide selection is critical now if you need to&nbsp;spray weeds in alfalfa stands that are green and growing.

Herbicides for controlling winter annual weeds such as pennycress, mustards and shepherd's purse should be applied before alfalfa regrowth reaches 2 inches of height. If alfalfa shoots are green when sprayed, its growth may be set back a couple weeks.

Broadleaf weeds can lower yields, reduce hay quality and slow first-cutting alfalfa dry-down. Grassy weeds such as downy brome, cheatgrass and bromegrass can have even higher impact on lowering hay quality.&nbsp;

If your alfalfa variety is Roundup Ready, then glyphosate can be applied to the alfalfa almost any time without harming the fields. Fortunately, if you treat your alfalfa soon, you can have cleaner, healthier alfalfa at first cutting.

Before spraying these weeds, be sure they are causing economic damage to your crop.&nbsp;Spraying will provide a purer alfalfa stand but may reduce your overall total tonnage.&nbsp;

Our new&nbsp;2022&nbsp;Chemical Weed Control&nbsp;for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland&nbsp;guide,&nbsp;lists herbicides labelled to control weeds in alfalfa. To be most successful, apply herbicides before alfalfa shoots green up this spring to avoid&nbsp;alfalfa injury.&nbsp;If it does get late, use either Raptor or Pursuit, because they tend to cause less injury to your alfalfa.

As always with any weed control program it is best to time spraying when weeds are small, and to pay close attention to growth stage of alfalfa and label recommendations to&nbsp;avoid crop injury.

&nbsp;Replacing Thin Alfalfa&nbsp;- planting new fields of alfalfa is expensive.&nbsp;So many of us put off tearing up old fields and planting new ones. But is this&nbsp;the right thing to do?

Alfalfa stands usually reach peak production by year two or three.&nbsp;After this, yields tend to decline each year.&nbsp;By year four or five, yields are often much lower than their peak years, especially for dryland fields, because the subsurface moisture that plants were using during&nbsp;the&nbsp;early years is all gone.&nbsp;This is most noticeable during drought years when regrowth is almost zero after the first or second cutting. Yield decline in irrigated fields is slower but usually is a ton&nbsp;or more less&nbsp;by year five or six. In addition, thin stands with densities of less than 50 stems per square foot can open the door for weed encroachment.

So, should you try to squeeze another year out of your alfalfa stand? Calculate the costs. First, and most obvious, how will the lower yield of your old field compare to yields from a younger field? A second loss is the lost rotation benefit received by crops like corn that follow alfalfa in the rotation.&nbsp;Depending on the alfalfa stand poor (&lt;1 plant/ft2) vs. good (2-5 plants/ft2). Stand destruction with tillage can reduce&nbsp;your nitrogen fertilizer needs from&nbsp;0 (poor stand) to 80&nbsp;(good stand)&nbsp;pounds over the next couple years.&nbsp;If the stand is killed by spraying (no-till) then the nitrogen credit would be reduced by half. Much research has shown that corn after alfalfa often yields&nbsp;more than corn after corn, even after applying&nbsp;extra&nbsp;nitrogen.&nbsp;

This rotation benefit could be especially valuable this year if corn prices stay high.&nbsp;So if you have alfalfa fields that are past their prime, or maybe show winter damage this spring, this might be an excellent time to rotate those fields to a different crop and plant some new, higher yielding acres to alfalfa.

Both your alfalfa crop and the rotated crop could benefit.

Stacy Campbell is&nbsp;the Crop Production&nbsp;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.

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictAs our weather warms, alfalfa producers are reminded to eliminate weeds in their fields before&nbsp;alfalfa&nbsp;plants break dormancy. Herbicide selection is critical now if you need to&nbsp;spray weeds in alfalfa stands that are green and growing.Herbicides for controlling winter annual weeds such as pennycress, mustards and shepherd's purse should be applied before alfalfa regrowth reaches 2 inches of height. If alfalfa shoots are green when sprayed, its growth may be set back a couple weeks.Broadleaf weeds can lower yields, reduce hay quality and slow first-cutting alfalfa dry-down. Grassy weeds such as downy brome, cheatgrass and bromegrass can have even higher impact on lowering hay quality.&nbsp;If your alfalfa variety is Roundup Ready, then glyphosate can be applied to the alfalfa almost any time without harming the fields. Fortunately, if you treat your alfalfa soon, you can have cleaner, healthier alfalfa at first cutting.Before spraying these weeds, be sure they are causing economic damage to your crop.&nbsp;Spraying will provide a purer alfalfa stand but may reduce your overall total tonnage.&nbsp;Our new&nbsp;2022&nbsp;Chemical Weed Control&nbsp;for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland&nbsp;guide,&nbsp;lists herbicides labelled to control weeds in alfalfa. To be most successful, apply herbicides before alfalfa shoots green up this spring to avoid&nbsp;alfalfa injury.&nbsp;If it does get late, use either Raptor or Pursuit, because they tend to cause less injury to your alfalfa.As always with any weed control program it is best to time spraying when weeds are small, and to pay close attention to growth stage of alfalfa and label recommendations to&nbsp;avoid crop injury.&nbsp;Replacing Thin Alfalfa&nbsp;- planting new fields of alfalfa is expensive.&nbsp;So many of us put off tearing up old fields and planting new ones. But is this&nbsp;the right thing to do?Alfalfa stands usually reach peak production by year two or three.&nbsp;After this, yields tend to decline each year.&nbsp;By year four or five, yields are often much lower than their peak years, especially for dryland fields, because the subsurface moisture that plants were using during&nbsp;the&nbsp;early years is all gone.&nbsp;This is most noticeable during drought years when regrowth is almost zero after the first or second cutting. Yield decline in irrigated fields is slower but usually is a ton&nbsp;or more less&nbsp;by year five or six. In addition, thin stands with densities of less than 50 stems per square foot can open the door for weed encroachment.So, should you try to squeeze another year out of your alfalfa stand? Calculate the costs. First, and most obvious, how will the lower yield of your old field compare to yields from a younger field? A second loss is the lost rotation benefit received by crops like corn that follow alfalfa in the rotation.&nbsp;Depending on the alfalfa stand poor (&lt;1 plant/ft2) vs. good (2-5 plants/ft2). Stand destruction with tillage can reduce&nbsp;your nitrogen fertilizer needs from&nbsp;0 (poor stand) to 80&nbsp;(good stand)&nbsp;pounds over the next couple years.&nbsp;If the stand is killed by spraying (no-till) then the nitrogen credit would be reduced by half. Much research has shown that corn after alfalfa often yields&nbsp;more than corn after corn, even after applying&nbsp;extra&nbsp;nitrogen.&nbsp;This rotation benefit could be especially valuable this year if corn prices stay high.&nbsp;So if you have alfalfa fields that are past their prime, or maybe show winter damage this spring, this might be an excellent time to rotate those fields to a different crop and plant some new, higher yielding acres to alfalfa.Both your alfalfa crop and the rotated crop could benefit.Stacy Campbell is&nbsp;the Crop Production&nbsp;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: Alfalfa weeds and thinning stands 

Our office is buzzing with people who are pulling their Walk KS teams together and that is great news. This signature program at K-State Research &amp; Extension is set to begin March 27thand runs through May 21st. Registration for this program that emphasizes healthy living can be completed on-line. For a $10 registration fee, participants will receive a weekly newsletter, as well as a meal provided at&nbsp;no charge during&nbsp;the&nbsp;celebration held in late May.&nbsp;Registration information is available at either of our Extension offices&nbsp;at 3007 10th&nbsp;Street in Great Bend or 601 Main Street in Hays.&nbsp;​

​Walk KS is&nbsp;it is the perfect time to remind&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;to find a physical activity you enjoy and then make time in your schedule to do it! For me, that means getting back on the bike.&nbsp;When our office moved to a new location late last fall it&nbsp;increased&nbsp;my commuting time.&nbsp;I can log sixty minutes of&nbsp;exercise each day in fifteen-minute increments so that it is built into my normal routine.&nbsp;Even a few days off the routine of bike commuting to and from work makes me feel sluggish.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;I am anxious for&nbsp;Walk KS to&nbsp;begin!

​If you haven’t already&nbsp;pulled your&nbsp;team of six&nbsp;together, there is still time.&nbsp;Select a fun name that describes your team and when March&nbsp;27th&nbsp;rolls around start logging minutes exercised.&nbsp;If you prefer, you can sign up solo and log your minutes exercised online as well. Optional t-shirts may be ordered to help you get into the spirit of the program.&nbsp;People are always anxious to learn what colors the t-shirts are. This years’ t-shirt colors are a pretty&nbsp;heather clay or heather teal.&nbsp;Both are attractive with the Walk KS logo complete with sunflower.

​Walk Kansas Celebrations&nbsp;complete with a free lunch for Walk Kansas team members&nbsp;areset for&nbsp;Wednesday, May 25th,&nbsp;at&nbsp;noon at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Jack Kilby Square in Great Bend, and Thursday, May 26th, at noon&nbsp;at the Ellis County Extension Office meeting room.&nbsp;I’ll have more information about these&nbsp;fun and educational events&nbsp;as the dates&nbsp;draws near.

​So,&nbsp;let’s hope for some warmer weather so we can get back into the swing of things with Walk KS!

Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. &nbsp;You may reach 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 &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Our office is buzzing with people who are pulling their Walk KS teams together and that is great news. This signature program at K-State Research &amp; Extension is set to begin March 27thand runs through May 21st. Registration for this program that emphasizes healthy living can be completed on-line. For a $10 registration fee, participants will receive a weekly newsletter, as well as a meal provided at&nbsp;no charge during&nbsp;the&nbsp;celebration held in late May.&nbsp;Registration information is available at either of our Extension offices&nbsp;at 3007 10th&nbsp;Street in Great Bend or 601 Main Street in Hays.&nbsp;​​Walk KS is&nbsp;it is the perfect time to remind&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;to find a physical activity you enjoy and then make time in your schedule to do it! For me, that means getting back on the bike.&nbsp;When our office moved to a new location late last fall it&nbsp;increased&nbsp;my commuting time.&nbsp;I can log sixty minutes of&nbsp;exercise each day in fifteen-minute increments so that it is built into my normal routine.&nbsp;Even a few days off the routine of bike commuting to and from work makes me feel sluggish.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;I am anxious for&nbsp;Walk KS to&nbsp;begin!​If you haven’t already&nbsp;pulled your&nbsp;team of six&nbsp;together, there is still time.&nbsp;Select a fun name that describes your team and when March&nbsp;27th&nbsp;rolls around start logging minutes exercised.&nbsp;If you prefer, you can sign up solo and log your minutes exercised online as well. Optional t-shirts may be ordered to help you get into the spirit of the program.&nbsp;People are always anxious to learn what colors the t-shirts are. This years’ t-shirt colors are a pretty&nbsp;heather clay or heather teal.&nbsp;Both are attractive with the Walk KS logo complete with sunflower.​Walk Kansas Celebrations&nbsp;complete with a free lunch for Walk Kansas team members&nbsp;areset for&nbsp;Wednesday, May 25th,&nbsp;at&nbsp;noon at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Jack Kilby Square in Great Bend, and Thursday, May 26th, at noon&nbsp;at the Ellis County Extension Office meeting room.&nbsp;I’ll have more information about these&nbsp;fun and educational events&nbsp;as the dates&nbsp;draws near.​So,&nbsp;let’s hope for some warmer weather so we can get back into the swing of things with Walk KS!Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. &nbsp;You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Last call for Walk KS signups

If you have kids,&nbsp;you&nbsp;are&nbsp;well&nbsp;aware that&nbsp;it is&nbsp;spring break and that marks&nbsp;the end of another 9 weeks&nbsp;of school. Your students will be bringing home their report cards soon, and that reminds me of an article in the&nbsp;Working Mother&nbsp;magazine many years ago&nbsp;titled, “The Parent Report Card.” It seemed a bit awkward to ask my adolescent children&nbsp;at the time&nbsp;to grade me and their dad, on 25 different things&nbsp;but that is exactly what we did. Part of the value of the parent report card is that is brings out issues parents may not realize are important.&nbsp;

Things like “Understands my moods”, “Listens to my problems”, “Doesn’t scream at me when angry,” and&nbsp;“Treats all the kids in the family fairly” are graded A to F by each child in the family. I remember being surprised that my&nbsp;10-year-old&nbsp;son gave me a C when it came to “Lets&nbsp;me make my&nbsp;own decisions.”&nbsp;I’m thinking to myself, “Adam, you’re only 10, so you don’t have the skills to make all of you own decisions.” Still, it reminded me of the important job we have as parents, to gradually let our children gain skills to make more of their own decisions.

It is a good idea to make several copies of the “Parent Report Card” and allow time for&nbsp;each child in the family to grade both mom and dad and also let the parents grade themselves. As parents take the quiz and grade themselves, they may see how the perceptions of one generation can differ from those of the other.&nbsp;

Dr. Linda Berg-Cross, author of “The Parent Report Card,”&nbsp;cites a single father who was surprised to find himself with a low mark in “Helps me get up when I oversleep.” “I always make sure she gets up,” he said. “I gave myself an A.” When he asked his daughter why she had given him a D, she answered, “Because you yell at me, and I hate waking up that way.” Her advice as to how he might improve: “Just talk to me nicely.”

If you would like a copy of the “Parent Report Card,” give me a call or send me an e-mail and I will be happy to share.&nbsp;

Donna Krug is the District Director&nbsp;and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent&nbsp;for&nbsp;K-State Research &amp; Extension -&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &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 for K-State Research &amp; Extension - Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension - Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>If you have kids,&nbsp;you&nbsp;are&nbsp;well&nbsp;aware that&nbsp;it is&nbsp;spring break and that marks&nbsp;the end of another 9 weeks&nbsp;of school. Your students will be bringing home their report cards soon, and that reminds me of an article in the&nbsp;Working Mother&nbsp;magazine many years ago&nbsp;titled, “The Parent Report Card.” It seemed a bit awkward to ask my adolescent children&nbsp;at the time&nbsp;to grade me and their dad, on 25 different things&nbsp;but that is exactly what we did. Part of the value of the parent report card is that is brings out issues parents may not realize are important.&nbsp;Things like “Understands my moods”, “Listens to my problems”, “Doesn’t scream at me when angry,” and&nbsp;“Treats all the kids in the family fairly” are graded A to F by each child in the family. I remember being surprised that my&nbsp;10-year-old&nbsp;son gave me a C when it came to “Lets&nbsp;me make my&nbsp;own decisions.”&nbsp;I’m thinking to myself, “Adam, you’re only 10, so you don’t have the skills to make all of you own decisions.” Still, it reminded me of the important job we have as parents, to gradually let our children gain skills to make more of their own decisions.It is a good idea to make several copies of the “Parent Report Card” and allow time for&nbsp;each child in the family to grade both mom and dad and also let the parents grade themselves. As parents take the quiz and grade themselves, they may see how the perceptions of one generation can differ from those of the other.&nbsp;Dr. Linda Berg-Cross, author of “The Parent Report Card,”&nbsp;cites a single father who was surprised to find himself with a low mark in “Helps me get up when I oversleep.” “I always make sure she gets up,” he said. “I gave myself an A.” When he asked his daughter why she had given him a D, she answered, “Because you yell at me, and I hate waking up that way.” Her advice as to how he might improve: “Just talk to me nicely.”If you would like a copy of the “Parent Report Card,” give me a call or send me an e-mail and I will be happy to share.&nbsp;Donna Krug is the District Director&nbsp;and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent&nbsp;for&nbsp;K-State Research &amp; Extension -&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

KRUG: Is it time for a parent report card?

Agent Bernie Unruh recently said goodbye after three decades
with K-State Research and Extension.

While she had only been with the Cottonwood Extension District in Hays for
the last few years, she had been a longtime agent for the K-State-based organization,
including a previous stint in Hays.

"I definitely thought I was going to stay for five years
and help make a difference," Unruh said. "And you know, lots of the
programs are things that we're working on. But sometimes things do just come up,
and the time seemed right."

She is leaving the district to pursue an opportunity with
the Farm Service Agency in Barton County but said her appreciation for the Extension remains.

"Definitely have Extension in my heart," Unruh
said. "And I just have this desire not only to learn myself, but to help
others learn. Not everybody has an opportunity to go to college. My parents
didn't go to college. So, I was kind of the first one out of the house to head
to K-State and get my home economics education degree."

After college, Unruh said she went to work at the Extension district
in Effingham.

"Effingham actually has the FSA office, and it also has
the Extension office, then the courthouse houses the rest of the county offices,"
Unruh said. "So, we worked both in Atchison and Effingham, but it was a
great place to start. And I learned a lot from the ag agent at that time. ... He'd only been there 18 months, and so we really did boost the 4-H
program and learn new things."

She would then move to Ellis County for her first stint with
the extension district in Hays. And those connections made in the '80s live on.

"I've really enjoyed it. … Some of the young people who were
just graduating out of 4-H are in the workforce doing great things and so I love
to see them," she said. "I've kept up with those young people and seeing the
wonderful things that 4-H did for them."

While the connections have remained, she said the work of
the Extension districts has shifted with the times.

"One of my first projects that people will probably laugh
at now, but I had Elwin Holmes from K-State come out to Effingham," Unruh
said. "And we had a sewing machine workshop. And so, our older mechanical
sewing machines, we took them apart, he brought cleaning fluids and oil and
grease, and we put some machines back together. And he made sure that they were
running before the end of the day."

To this day, she said some in Effingham remember those
lessons.

"But that's not something we do anymore," Unruh
said. "We don't have as many diverse specialists at K-State, and so you
know, even in the family consumer science or at that time, it was home-ec, we
have fewer and fewer people who are able to come out and do programs out in our
community."

As times as focus has changed in the district, the desire to
foster learning and engagement grew.

"We started writing our programs, and then as time went
on, there were things that we definitely are focusing on health and wellness of
almost solely now," Unruh said. "We still are definitely wanting to
work with child development, family development, parenting classes, things like
that."

And the scope of wellness, she said, takes a variety of forms.

"It's not only just putting good food on our plate and
exercising. We need good mental health and good family relationships, good
community relationships," Unruh said.

"From my viewpoint, I just totally, really love to see
people taking the opportunity to learn — no matter what age you are," Unruh
said. "So, all ages, keep learning, find a book, get online. You know, you can
take lots of classes totally free. And you get to decide what you want to learn."

<div><iframe title="Cottonwood extension district agent says goodbye" 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=s5ric-11c109f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>JAMES BELL 
Hays PostAgent Bernie Unruh recently said goodbye after three decades
with K-State Research and Extension.While she had only been with the Cottonwood Extension District in Hays for
the last few years, she had been a longtime agent for the K-State-based organization,
including a previous stint in Hays."I definitely thought I was going to stay for five years
and help make a difference," Unruh said. "And you know, lots of the
programs are things that we're working on. But sometimes things do just come up,
and the time seemed right."She is leaving the district to pursue an opportunity with
the Farm Service Agency in Barton County but said her appreciation for the Extension remains.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Definitely have Extension in my heart," Unruh
said. "And I just have this desire not only to learn myself, but to help
others learn. Not everybody has an opportunity to go to college. My parents
didn't go to college. So, I was kind of the first one out of the house to head
to K-State and get my home economics education degree."After college, Unruh said she went to work at the Extension district
in Effingham."Effingham actually has the FSA office, and it also has
the Extension office, then the courthouse houses the rest of the county offices,"
Unruh said. "So, we worked both in Atchison and Effingham, but it was a
great place to start. And I learned a lot from the ag agent at that time. ... He'd only been there 18 months, and so we really did boost the 4-H
program and learn new things."She would then move to Ellis County for her first stint with
the extension district in Hays. And those connections made in the '80s live on."I've really enjoyed it. … Some of the young people who were
just graduating out of 4-H are in the workforce doing great things and so I love
to see them," she said. "I've kept up with those young people and seeing the
wonderful things that 4-H did for them."While the connections have remained, she said the work of
the Extension districts has shifted with the times."One of my first projects that people will probably laugh
at now, but I had Elwin Holmes from K-State come out to Effingham," Unruh
said. "And we had a sewing machine workshop. And so, our older mechanical
sewing machines, we took them apart, he brought cleaning fluids and oil and
grease, and we put some machines back together. And he made sure that they were
running before the end of the day."To this day, she said some in Effingham remember those
lessons."But that's not something we do anymore," Unruh
said. "We don't have as many diverse specialists at K-State, and so you
know, even in the family consumer science or at that time, it was home-ec, we
have fewer and fewer people who are able to come out and do programs out in our
community."As times as focus has changed in the district, the desire to
foster learning and engagement grew."We started writing our programs, and then as time went
on, there were things that we definitely are focusing on health and wellness of
almost solely now," Unruh said. "We still are definitely wanting to
work with child development, family development, parenting classes, things like
that."And the scope of wellness, she said, takes a variety of forms."It's not only just putting good food on our plate and
exercising. We need good mental health and good family relationships, good
community relationships," Unruh said.Key to that effort is learning."From my viewpoint, I just totally, really love to see
people taking the opportunity to learn — no matter what age you are," Unruh
said. "So, all ages, keep learning, find a book, get online. You know, you can
take lots of classes totally free. And you get to decide what you want to learn."

🎙 Cottonwood Extension District agent says goodbye

A couple of weeks ago, 4-H members across Barton County gathered for 4-H Club Day.&nbsp;This event provides opportunities for 4-H&nbsp;members&nbsp;to showcase their presentation skills while receiving feedback from a judge for areas of improvement. Youth participate in Project Talks (specific information about one of the 40 project areas), a Demonstration (shows how to do something), an Illustrated Talk (tells how to do something or about something), and Public or Extemporaneous Speaking. They also have an opportunity&nbsp;to showcase teamwork through skits or model meetings (Parliamentary procedure).&nbsp;Those with top placings will have the opportunity to compete at the Regional 4-H Club Day on March 11 in Great Bend.

I love watching the development of a youth who starts out as a little one in a Show and Tell presentation and, just a few years later, is taking on more complicated topics and challenging themselves with Public Speaking or Extemporaneous Speaking.&nbsp;

In addition to this opportunity, a group of youth across the Cottonwood Extension District are part of a team of water ambassadors, our 4-H2O Ambassadors!&nbsp;This group of 7 youth are provided training by a variety of partners including Cottonwood Extension 4-H, Hays Water Resources Department, KSU Watershed specialists, and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.&nbsp;The 4-H Water Ambassador program is a leadership opportunity for teens 13 and older, focusing on the importance of water quality, water conservation and water careers.&nbsp;If your organization would be interested in hearing from our water ambassadors, give me a call.

Another incredible opportunity that has been provided to one of our Cottonwood – Barton 4-H members is the chance to represent Kansas 4-H at an international level. Jayla Wyant was selected as one of the IFYE (International Foreign Youth Exchange) youth for 2022. She will be traveling to Japan this summer to stay with a host family, learn about youth development and experience a different culture.&nbsp;Jayla is fundraising for this trip as the costs are considerably more than a regular summer. If you are interested in supporting her fundraising efforts, please contact me at the Extension Office and I will have her family&nbsp;get&nbsp;in contact.&nbsp;

What incredible opportunities to learn through experiences!

<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>A couple of weeks ago, 4-H members across Barton County gathered for 4-H Club Day.&nbsp;This event provides opportunities for 4-H&nbsp;members&nbsp;to showcase their presentation skills while receiving feedback from a judge for areas of improvement. Youth participate in Project Talks (specific information about one of the 40 project areas), a Demonstration (shows how to do something), an Illustrated Talk (tells how to do something or about something), and Public or Extemporaneous Speaking. They also have an opportunity&nbsp;to showcase teamwork through skits or model meetings (Parliamentary procedure).&nbsp;Those with top placings will have the opportunity to compete at the Regional 4-H Club Day on March 11 in Great Bend.I love watching the development of a youth who starts out as a little one in a Show and Tell presentation and, just a few years later, is taking on more complicated topics and challenging themselves with Public Speaking or Extemporaneous Speaking.&nbsp;In addition to this opportunity, a group of youth across the Cottonwood Extension District are part of a team of water ambassadors, our 4-H2O Ambassadors!&nbsp;This group of 7 youth are provided training by a variety of partners including Cottonwood Extension 4-H, Hays Water Resources Department, KSU Watershed specialists, and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.&nbsp;The 4-H Water Ambassador program is a leadership opportunity for teens 13 and older, focusing on the importance of water quality, water conservation and water careers.&nbsp;If your organization would be interested in hearing from our water ambassadors, give me a call.Another incredible opportunity that has been provided to one of our Cottonwood – Barton 4-H members is the chance to represent Kansas 4-H at an international level. Jayla Wyant was selected as one of the IFYE (International Foreign Youth Exchange) youth for 2022. She will be traveling to Japan this summer to stay with a host family, learn about youth development and experience a different culture.&nbsp;Jayla is fundraising for this trip as the costs are considerably more than a regular summer. If you are interested in supporting her fundraising efforts, please contact me at the Extension Office and I will have her family&nbsp;get&nbsp;in contact.&nbsp;What incredible opportunities to learn through experiences!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: 4-H Club Day a hit — and life lesson

“Celebrate a World of Flavors” is the theme of National Nutrition Month 2022. What a perfect time to explore a couple of diets that encourage making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. It is no secret that cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death in the&nbsp;United States and around the world. Because this chronic disease is so prevalent, research is ongoing, and much is known about the causes of heart disease.&nbsp;

It is no mystery – poor dietary quality is the top risk factor, accounting for approximately half of&nbsp;cardiovascular disease&nbsp;deaths globally.&nbsp;The American Heart Association has shifted their 2030 goals from managing hear disease to preventing heart disease. The new AHA focus emphasizes support of healthful behavior changes – particularly healthy eating and physical activity – in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

Two well-researched dietary patterns have been shown to make a real difference in heart health: the DASH dietary pattern and the Mediterranean-style dietary pattern.&nbsp;I will be sharing in detail the benefits of both of these plans in educational programs set for next week. “Make a Med DASH to a Healthy Heart” will be presented Wednesday, March 9th, at 10:30 AM at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas. The same information will be shared during a Stop and Learn session at noon the same day, at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th&nbsp;Street.&nbsp;Ellis County residents can learn about the Mediterranean and DASH diet plans on Thursday, May 26th&nbsp;at a noon program at the Ellis County Extension office. This will be part of the Walk KS celebration. I’ll share more about this closer to the date.

During my presentation I will share specific steps to help you adopt a Mediterranean or DASH eating pattern. The focus of any healthy diet is to eat more nutrient dense foods and less refined or&nbsp;highly processed foods. A fact sheet written by two K-State Research and Extension Specialists will be shared during the presentations. Additional handouts from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the medinsteadofmeds.com website&nbsp;contain great information about this important topic. Both programs next Wednesday are free and open to everyone. I hope to see you soon!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her 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 and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Celebrate a World of Flavors” is the theme of National Nutrition Month 2022. What a perfect time to explore a couple of diets that encourage making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. It is no secret that cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death in the&nbsp;United States and around the world. Because this chronic disease is so prevalent, research is ongoing, and much is known about the causes of heart disease.&nbsp;It is no mystery – poor dietary quality is the top risk factor, accounting for approximately half of&nbsp;cardiovascular disease&nbsp;deaths globally.&nbsp;The American Heart Association has shifted their 2030 goals from managing hear disease to preventing heart disease. The new AHA focus emphasizes support of healthful behavior changes – particularly healthy eating and physical activity – in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.Two well-researched dietary patterns have been shown to make a real difference in heart health: the DASH dietary pattern and the Mediterranean-style dietary pattern.&nbsp;I will be sharing in detail the benefits of both of these plans in educational programs set for next week. “Make a Med DASH to a Healthy Heart” will be presented Wednesday, March 9th, at 10:30 AM at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas. The same information will be shared during a Stop and Learn session at noon the same day, at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th&nbsp;Street.&nbsp;Ellis County residents can learn about the Mediterranean and DASH diet plans on Thursday, May 26th&nbsp;at a noon program at the Ellis County Extension office. This will be part of the Walk KS celebration. I’ll share more about this closer to the date.During my presentation I will share specific steps to help you adopt a Mediterranean or DASH eating pattern. The focus of any healthy diet is to eat more nutrient dense foods and less refined or&nbsp;highly processed foods. A fact sheet written by two K-State Research and Extension Specialists will be shared during the presentations. Additional handouts from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the medinsteadofmeds.com website&nbsp;contain great information about this important topic. Both programs next Wednesday are free and open to everyone. I hope to see you soon!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: Mediterranean and DASH diets explored

In crop production we know that fertilizer is an important part of producing a good crop. We also know that it can be an expensive part of that crop production bill. Depending on the crop it can be 20 to nearly 50% of direct costs and 15 to 30% of total costs. This year it may be even higher. Compared to late last summer, fertilizer prices have risen steeply. Increases have ranged from 100% to over 200% depending on the type of fertilizer. (Homeowners and gardeners need to be prepared to see higher prices for their fertilizers also).&nbsp;While prices&nbsp;may&nbsp;have moderated slightly in recent weeks, we are still looking at fertilizer costs that may be nearly double what they were last year.

The first instinct for many is to blindly cut fertilizer application rates. While reducing application rates will definitely reduce how much you spend, it can also increase the cost per bushel as yields may very well drop. We are dealing with an economics principle known as the law of diminishing returns. The biggest response comes from the first pound of fertilizer applied. As you add more fertilizer the yield increases and the cost of production, per bushel, goes down, up to a point. You then get to the point where additional fertilizer doesn’t increase gain enough to justify the expense and cost per bushel starts to go back up. All of these factors depend on price of the fertilizer applied and value of the product produced.&nbsp;

As you make your fertility plans for any crop production this year, it is important NOT to make a knee jerk reaction on cutting fertilizer rates. Start with a good soil test so we can properly account for the nutrients that you already have in your fields. Some years I might encourage you to build soil nutrient levels for nutrients like phosphorus&nbsp;(P). This is not one of those years.&nbsp;

However, if you have been building&nbsp;P&nbsp;in your soil profile and have&nbsp;&gt;<a></a>20 ppm in the 0-6 inch&nbsp;soil profile.&nbsp;This is the year you could reap the benefits. By significantly cutting back P&nbsp;based on your yield goal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Once we know what’s in the soil, we can determine a cost appropriate fertilizer application rate that won’t break the bank, hopefully. High prices do not negate the plant’s biological need for proper nutrient levels for good growth and decent yields. Now is not the time of making irrational decisions. Now is the time to approach crop production with a keen management mind to get the best return on your dollar!

If you have any questions or need to&nbsp;utilize our soil sampling probes to take your own soil samples--give us a call or drop by the Cottonwood District&nbsp;Offices in Hays and Great Bend.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645724749655.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictIn crop production we know that fertilizer is an important part of producing a good crop. We also know that it can be an expensive part of that crop production bill. Depending on the crop it can be 20 to nearly 50% of direct costs and 15 to 30% of total costs. This year it may be even higher. Compared to late last summer, fertilizer prices have risen steeply. Increases have ranged from 100% to over 200% depending on the type of fertilizer. (Homeowners and gardeners need to be prepared to see higher prices for their fertilizers also).&nbsp;While prices&nbsp;may&nbsp;have moderated slightly in recent weeks, we are still looking at fertilizer costs that may be nearly double what they were last year. The first instinct for many is to blindly cut fertilizer application rates. While reducing application rates will definitely reduce how much you spend, it can also increase the cost per bushel as yields may very well drop. We are dealing with an economics principle known as the law of diminishing returns. The biggest response comes from the first pound of fertilizer applied. As you add more fertilizer the yield increases and the cost of production, per bushel, goes down, up to a point. You then get to the point where additional fertilizer doesn’t increase gain enough to justify the expense and cost per bushel starts to go back up. All of these factors depend on price of the fertilizer applied and value of the product produced.&nbsp;As you make your fertility plans for any crop production this year, it is important NOT to make a knee jerk reaction on cutting fertilizer rates. Start with a good soil test so we can properly account for the nutrients that you already have in your fields. Some years I might encourage you to build soil nutrient levels for nutrients like phosphorus&nbsp;(P). This is not one of those years.&nbsp;However, if you have been building&nbsp;P&nbsp;in your soil profile and have&nbsp;&gt;<a></a>20 ppm in the 0-6 inch&nbsp;soil profile.&nbsp;This is the year you could reap the benefits. By significantly cutting back P&nbsp;based on your yield goal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once we know what’s in the soil, we can determine a cost appropriate fertilizer application rate that won’t break the bank, hopefully. High prices do not negate the plant’s biological need for proper nutrient levels for good growth and decent yields. Now is not the time of making irrational decisions. Now is the time to approach crop production with a keen management mind to get the best return on your dollar!If you have any questions or need to&nbsp;utilize our soil sampling probes to take your own soil samples--give us a call or drop by the Cottonwood District&nbsp;Offices in Hays and Great Bend.&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.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

CAMPBELL: How much fertilizer can I afford? 

The Walk KS program has been a signature program for K-State Research and Extension for&nbsp;more than 20 years. In fact,&nbsp;I’m guessing that many of you reading&nbsp;this column have participated&nbsp;as a team member, tracking your minutes of exercise&nbsp;during the eight-week program. I have a&nbsp;dresser drawer full of colorful Walk KS T-shirts from every year and I wear them&nbsp;proudly.&nbsp;

Three years ago, when we were walking along a Florida beach with our son,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was wearing a Walk KS T-shirt when a lady came up to&nbsp;me&nbsp;excitedly and asked,&nbsp;“Where in Kansas are you from?”&nbsp;When I said&nbsp;Great Bend, she&nbsp;said to her husband,&nbsp;“Isn’t that where&nbsp;our new neighbors are from?”&nbsp;We found&nbsp;out her new neighbor had&nbsp;taught both of our&nbsp;sons&nbsp;in&nbsp;fifth&nbsp;grade&nbsp;many years&nbsp;earlier!&nbsp;What a small world!

Walk Kansas is a team-based&nbsp;program that will help you and others lead a healthier life. When you&nbsp;join this&nbsp;program,&nbsp;you can:

➢Bemore active with friends and family➢Make better nutrition choices➢Walk away your stress

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Walk KS program has been a signature program for K-State Research and Extension for&nbsp;more than 20 years. In fact,&nbsp;I’m guessing that many of you reading&nbsp;this column have participated&nbsp;as a team member, tracking your minutes of exercise&nbsp;during the eight-week program. I have a&nbsp;dresser drawer full of colorful Walk KS T-shirts from every year and I wear them&nbsp;proudly.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645734974921.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Three years ago, when we were walking along a Florida beach with our son,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was wearing a Walk KS T-shirt when a lady came up to&nbsp;me&nbsp;excitedly and asked,&nbsp;“Where in Kansas are you from?”&nbsp;When I said&nbsp;Great Bend, she&nbsp;said to her husband,&nbsp;“Isn’t that where&nbsp;our new neighbors are from?”&nbsp;We found&nbsp;out her new neighbor had&nbsp;taught both of our&nbsp;sons&nbsp;in&nbsp;fifth&nbsp;grade&nbsp;many years&nbsp;earlier!&nbsp;What a small world!Walk Kansas is a team-based&nbsp;program that will help you and others lead a healthier life. When you&nbsp;join this&nbsp;program,&nbsp;you can:➢Bemore active with friends and family➢Make better nutrition choices➢Walk away your stress&nbsp;​As a fitness&nbsp;challenge, Walk Kansas invites friends, neighbors,&nbsp;family,&nbsp;and co-workers to form teams of six to cover the equivalent of the&nbsp;423-mile&nbsp;distance from Kansas’ east to west borders during the eight-week program. &nbsp;A number of years ago, the reporting was simplified as participants turned in minutes of exercise each week.&nbsp;The goal is to encourage at least 30 minutes of aerobic heart-healthy&nbsp;physical activity five or more days a week. &nbsp;Knowing that others are counting on you to contribute can be a motivator. &nbsp;Other plusses for the program include encouragement and practical ideas for healthy living through newsletters,&nbsp;recipes,&nbsp;educational&nbsp;programs,&nbsp;and special events.​The cost to register&nbsp;for&nbsp;Walk KS is $10.&nbsp;This covers the&nbsp;cost&nbsp;to produce a weekly newsletter and the&nbsp;administration of the program. Registration also covers the&nbsp;cost of a box meal that will be provided at a Walk KS celebration event held at the Jack Kilby Square&nbsp;in Great Bend on&nbsp;Wednesday, May 25th.&nbsp;Ordering a t-shirt is optional&nbsp;and can be done on-line. This year the t-shirt colors are&nbsp;heather clay&nbsp;and heather teal.​​Our goal is to&nbsp;get everyone who is interested to register during the first three weeks in&nbsp;March.&nbsp;So, get your team organized, come up with a catchy team name and get those walking shoes dusted off. &nbsp;Walk KS 2022&nbsp;is just around the corner!Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension –&nbsp;Cottonwood District. &nbsp;You may reach her&nbsp;at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;