I just noticed that May was designated as Older Americans Month, so I’ll take advantage of the last day of the month to share some information from Erin Yelland, our Adult Development and Aging specialist at KSU. We are hearing a lot these days about how our seniors may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Let’s take a closer look and share some ways to combat this.

Loneliness is a feeling or experience that some people might have. It can occur when you do not have as much social interaction as you would like or even after a major life transition – such as divorce, death, a move, or even quarantine due to COVID19. Social isolation is when someone has little contact with other people on a regular basis. &nbsp;

So, what are some ways to combat loneliness and social isolation?&nbsp;

Connecting can be difficult during COVID19 but here are some easy ideas. Pick up the phone and call your friends, step outside and chat with neighbors, mail a letter, connect via video calls, send silly pictures, and try to have fun from afar.

Give me a call for some excellent fact sheets from our Keys to Embracing Aging resources. I am happy to share.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574802720194.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I just noticed that May was designated as Older Americans Month, so I’ll take advantage of the last day of the month to share some information from Erin Yelland, our Adult Development and Aging specialist at KSU. We are hearing a lot these days about how our seniors may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Let’s take a closer look and share some ways to combat this.Loneliness is a feeling or experience that some people might have. It can occur when you do not have as much social interaction as you would like or even after a major life transition – such as divorce, death, a move, or even quarantine due to COVID19. Social isolation is when someone has little contact with other people on a regular basis. &nbsp;So, what are some ways to combat loneliness and social isolation?&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Focus on your sense of purpose</li><li>Maintain your sense of belonging</li><li>Connect with community groups, family members and friends.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Connecting can be difficult during COVID19 but here are some easy ideas. Pick up the phone and call your friends, step outside and chat with neighbors, mail a letter, connect via video calls, send silly pictures, and try to have fun from afar.Give me a call for some excellent fact sheets from our Keys to Embracing Aging resources. I am happy to share.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Happy Older Americans month

Spring branding and processing day is often a time when community members and families join together to administer vaccinations, castrate, implant calves and apply hide identification before summer pasture turnout.

But this spring’s COVID-19 pandemic may require some changes, said experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute. “It is critical to have the right labor on hand to help on processing day,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson, adding that families may need to manage that differently this year because of the COVID-19 human health challenge.

“This COVID-19 spring means that we may need to organize our labor into family groups to promote social distance between folks who don’t live together,” Larson said.

He also said that it is important for cow-calf producers to involve help that know how to best move around the animals.

“A few people that handle cattle well are way more helpful than a bunch of folks who don’t know what they are doing,” Larson said.

One way that cattle producers can inform themselves on good animal handling protocols is to complete the National Cattlemen’s Association’s Beef Quality Assurance trainings, said Brad White, K-State veterinarian and BCI director.

Bob Weaber, a beef cattle specialist with K-State Research and Extension, added that the training helps producers understand biological products and protocols,

“For example, modified live vaccines need to be protected from sunlight, so you’ll want to have a cooler for storage when you are working the calves,” Weaber said. “Also syringe maintenance is important. If you are using an automated syringe, make sure the tubes and gaskets are clean and in good shape.”

He also said this is the time to implant the calves.

“We know that through implanting there is an improved efficiency of gain and performance of calves and that is really valuable going into this fall with so much uncertainty in the markets,” Weaber said.

White added that while the calves are gathered up, go ahead and castrate the bulls to make them steers.

White added a note of caution:&nbsp;“As always, it is important to work with your veterinarian to come up with the right plan to fit the needs of your operation.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Spring branding and processing day is often a time when community members and families join together to administer vaccinations, castrate, implant calves and apply hide identification before summer pasture turnout.But this spring’s COVID-19 pandemic may require some changes, said experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute. “It is critical to have the right labor on hand to help on processing day,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson, adding that families may need to manage that differently this year because of the COVID-19 human health challenge.“This COVID-19 spring means that we may need to organize our labor into family groups to promote social distance between folks who don’t live together,” Larson said.He also said that it is important for cow-calf producers to involve help that know how to best move around the animals.“A few people that handle cattle well are way more helpful than a bunch of folks who don’t know what they are doing,” Larson said.One way that cattle producers can inform themselves on good animal handling protocols is to complete the National Cattlemen’s Association’s Beef Quality Assurance trainings, said Brad White, K-State veterinarian and BCI director.Bob Weaber, a beef cattle specialist with K-State Research and Extension, added that the training helps producers understand biological products and protocols,“For example, modified live vaccines need to be protected from sunlight, so you’ll want to have a cooler for storage when you are working the calves,” Weaber said. “Also syringe maintenance is important. If you are using an automated syringe, make sure the tubes and gaskets are clean and in good shape.”He also said this is the time to implant the calves.“We know that through implanting there is an improved efficiency of gain and performance of calves and that is really valuable going into this fall with so much uncertainty in the markets,” Weaber said.White added that while the calves are gathered up, go ahead and castrate the bulls to make them steers.White added a note of caution:&nbsp;“As always, it is important to work with your veterinarian to come up with the right plan to fit the needs of your operation.”Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Working the cattle amid COVID-19

All fertilizers are salts and can cause germination problems if too much is placed with the seed. Too much fertilizer may inhibit germination completely, which results in a loss of stand. In other instances, too much fertilizer placed with the seed may simply delay germination, or it may result in weak seedlings with poorly developed root systems. In either case, the affected seedlings will be at a competitive disadvantage and a loss of yield potential may result.

Several points should be kept in mind when evaluating seed-placed fertilizer.

Remember that these maximum amounts assume you’re not including any potash. If you are adding potash, the maximum amounts in the chart below would be reduced.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578070143255.png" alt="Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>All fertilizers are salts and can cause germination problems if too much is placed with the seed. Too much fertilizer may inhibit germination completely, which results in a loss of stand. In other instances, too much fertilizer placed with the seed may simply delay germination, or it may result in weak seedlings with poorly developed root systems. In either case, the affected seedlings will be at a competitive disadvantage and a loss of yield potential may result.Several points should be kept in mind when evaluating seed-placed fertilizer.<ol>
 <li>Soil between the seed and the fertilizer band provides a buffer.</li><li>The potential for injury from seed-applied fertilizer is greater for sandy and/or dry soils.</li><li>Certain types of fertilizers should never be applied with the seed, even at low rates. No urea-containing fertilizer (urea, UAN solution) should be placed in direct seed contact. The hydrolysis of urea to ammonia can result in ammonia toxicity to seedlings.</li><li>We suggest no seed placed fertilizer for soybeans, sunflowers, or dry beans.</li>
 </ol>Remember that these maximum amounts assume you’re not including any potash. If you are adding potash, the maximum amounts in the chart below would be reduced.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590081941507.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: How much fertilizer can safely be placed with seed?

Money Management is a skill that is learned at an early age. Parents play an important role in teaching children how to manage money. The best teacher is a parent who sets a good example. Take time during this summer break to do activities that will help children understand that family spending depends on your own family’s income, obligations, and values, not on what friends or neighbors spend.&nbsp;

Even pre-school aged children can begin to learn basic concepts about money. Here are some tips to help reinforce their learning.

As children get older, (6 to 12 year olds, you can add these learning opportunities.

And then there are the teenage years when you need to remind kids that money does not grow on a tree in the back yard.

I do have some great resources at the Extension Office that can help reinforce these money management practices. Give me a call or e-mail me and I will be happy to share!

Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director in the Cottonwood Extension District. You may contact her at: (620)793-1910 or <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/2019/11/1574802720194.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Money Management is a skill that is learned at an early age. Parents play an important role in teaching children how to manage money. The best teacher is a parent who sets a good example. Take time during this summer break to do activities that will help children understand that family spending depends on your own family’s income, obligations, and values, not on what friends or neighbors spend.&nbsp;Even pre-school aged children can begin to learn basic concepts about money. Here are some tips to help reinforce their learning.<ol>
 <li>Play store with your children. Let them buy and sell toys, food, or “pretend” items. You can use play money for this activity.</li><li>Help children understand that family members work to pay for family needs like housing, food, clothes, etc. A visit to the workplace helps children know what you do and why you have to be away from home.&nbsp;</li><li>Explain why they can’t buy everything. Talk about the difference between what people want and what they need.&nbsp;</li><li>Encourage children to buy some things to share with others – food, games, puzzles, balls, crayons, etc.</li><li>Introduce children to coins when they are old enough to count to 10. Talk about what different coins can buy.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>As children get older, (6 to 12 year olds, you can add these learning opportunities.<ol>
 <li>Give children a chance to make shopping decisions. Show them how to comparison shop.</li><li>Get children involved with family money management by making out monthly checks and addressing envelopes. Let them gather information before a major family purchase.</li><li>Provide opportunities for children to earn money.</li>
 </ol>And then there are the teenage years when you need to remind kids that money does not grow on a tree in the back yard.<ol>
 <li>Let teenagers manage their own money. Have them be responsible for paying many of their personal expenses, especially if they are “wants.”</li><li>Encourage teens to earn money by working at a part-time job. Make sure the number of hours worked still allows enough time for studying and social time with friends.&nbsp;</li><li>This is a great time to help young people understand when to use cash and when to use credit.</li><li>Encourage long-range planning related to education, career and the future.</li>
 </ol>I do have some great resources at the Extension Office that can help reinforce these money management practices. Give me a call or e-mail me and I will be happy to share!Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director in the Cottonwood Extension District. You may contact her at: (620)793-1910 or <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: Kids and cash

I have had several calls in the last few days of loose smut in wheat. It is not uncommon to find low levels of loose smut in wheat fields, and the symptoms will be obvious by this time of year.

It is easy to pick out plants with loose smut in a field. The spikelets of infected heads are completely black and sooty instead of the normal, healthy color. There is no grain. Instead, infected heads consist entirely of a mass of fungal spores.

Loose smut is a seedborne disease that is caused by the fungus Ustilago tritici. The fungus that causes loose smut survives as dormant mycelia within the embryo of an infected wheat seed. When the seed germinates, the fungus becomes active again. The fungus develops within the growing point and moves into the developing grain tissue as the wheat plants grow.

When the head emerges, there are masses of black spores on the spikelets instead of flowering parts. By harvest only an erect bare rachis remains. The spores are released into the air and can be blown onto healthy wheat heads were infection takes place at flowering or the early stages of kernel development. If the infection is successful, the fungus begins to grow within the developing wheat seed embryo.

Newly infected grain appears healthy in every way, but when it germinates the following season, the plant that grows from the infected seed will produce nothing but a dark mass of spores instead of healthy grain. The yield loss on infected heads is total. On a field-wide basis, the amount of yield loss is proportional to the percentage of infected heads.

Cool (60-70 degrees F, humid weather accompanied by light showers or heavy dews is most favorable for infection. Under favorable weather conditions, the wheat produced from a field with only one percent of the heads infected, can have seed with 10 percent or more infection of loose smut.

Once loose smut becomes evident in the field, it is far too late to control the disease. The best option at that point is seed treatment. If producers have a field that is infected with loose smut and plan to keep some of the grain back for seed, they should be sure to have the seed commercially treated with a systemic fungicide seed treatment such as Gaucho XT, Vibrance Extreme, and Stamina F3 Cereals. These fungicides provide excellent control of loose smut, but good coverage of the seed is very important to ensure that the maximum benefit of the treatment is realized.

Another option is to sell all the wheat from the infected field as grain and buy certified seed to plant in the fall. Certified seed in Kansas is allowed to have as much as 10 heads in 1,000 (or 1 percent) that are infected with loose smut. There is no requirement that this seed be treated in order to qualify as certified seed by the Kansas Crop Improvement Association, but it would be a good idea to buy treated seed. The cost of having seed treated with a standard low-rate fungicide seed treatment for loose smut is relatively low. Costs are higher if the seed treatment also includes an insecticide.

There are no varieties that are highly resistant to all races of loose smut.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589563013343.png" alt="Loose smut in wheat. Photo by Erick DeWolf, K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Loose smut in wheat. Photo by Erick DeWolf, K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>I have had several calls in the last few days of loose smut in wheat. It is not uncommon to find low levels of loose smut in wheat fields, and the symptoms will be obvious by this time of year.It is easy to pick out plants with loose smut in a field. The spikelets of infected heads are completely black and sooty instead of the normal, healthy color. There is no grain. Instead, infected heads consist entirely of a mass of fungal spores.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578070143255.png" alt="Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Loose smut is a seedborne disease that is caused by the fungus Ustilago tritici. The fungus that causes loose smut survives as dormant mycelia within the embryo of an infected wheat seed. When the seed germinates, the fungus becomes active again. The fungus develops within the growing point and moves into the developing grain tissue as the wheat plants grow.When the head emerges, there are masses of black spores on the spikelets instead of flowering parts. By harvest only an erect bare rachis remains. The spores are released into the air and can be blown onto healthy wheat heads were infection takes place at flowering or the early stages of kernel development. If the infection is successful, the fungus begins to grow within the developing wheat seed embryo.Newly infected grain appears healthy in every way, but when it germinates the following season, the plant that grows from the infected seed will produce nothing but a dark mass of spores instead of healthy grain. The yield loss on infected heads is total. On a field-wide basis, the amount of yield loss is proportional to the percentage of infected heads.Cool (60-70 degrees F, humid weather accompanied by light showers or heavy dews is most favorable for infection. Under favorable weather conditions, the wheat produced from a field with only one percent of the heads infected, can have seed with 10 percent or more infection of loose smut.Once loose smut becomes evident in the field, it is far too late to control the disease. The best option at that point is seed treatment. If producers have a field that is infected with loose smut and plan to keep some of the grain back for seed, they should be sure to have the seed commercially treated with a systemic fungicide seed treatment such as Gaucho XT, Vibrance Extreme, and Stamina F3 Cereals. These fungicides provide excellent control of loose smut, but good coverage of the seed is very important to ensure that the maximum benefit of the treatment is realized.Another option is to sell all the wheat from the infected field as grain and buy certified seed to plant in the fall. Certified seed in Kansas is allowed to have as much as 10 heads in 1,000 (or 1 percent) that are infected with loose smut. There is no requirement that this seed be treated in order to qualify as certified seed by the Kansas Crop Improvement Association, but it would be a good idea to buy treated seed. The cost of having seed treated with a standard low-rate fungicide seed treatment for loose smut is relatively low. Costs are higher if the seed treatment also includes an insecticide.There are no varieties that are highly resistant to all races of loose smut.Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Loose smut in wheat – causes and treatments

Lauren Fick, Horticulture Agent for the K-State Research &amp; Extension office in the Cottonwood District, talks about tree blight. Tree blight can be detrimental to the health of the tree and, if left unchecked, could result in a need for tree removal.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8OQZviDqtSc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lauren Fick, Horticulture Agent for the K-State Research &amp; Extension office in the Cottonwood District, talks about tree blight. Tree blight can be detrimental to the health of the tree and, if left unchecked, could result in a need for tree removal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Green and Growing: Tree blight

As I begin my 32nd year as an Extension Educator here in Central Kansas I am excited to share information about some great resource materials available to you. Through the years, people in my position have been known as home demonstration agents, home economics agents and most recently Family and Consumer Science (FCS) agents. Our goal through all of those title changes has remained the same; to bring unbiased research based information to families that can help improve their quality of life.&nbsp;

Through the end of May, I hope you will visit the Cottonwood Extension District FaceBook page each weekday and find a tip related to healthy living. The days of the week have a theme; Mindful Moment Monday, Taco’bout Cooking Skills Tuesday, Working Together Wednesday, Thrifty Thursday, and Friends &amp; Family Friday. Many of the posts will contain a link to a fact sheet that follows the theme. When you click on the #FCSTime2Shine that appears on each post, you will be able to see posts from our colleagues from across the state. Some agents have added fun videos to their posts.

My two posts this past week highlighted the Everyday Mindfulness fact sheet on Monday and a fact sheet titled, “When Your Income Drops: Sharpening Survival Skills” on Thrifty Thursday. Both of these fact sheets contain great information we can use to help us through these uncertain times.&nbsp;

Berny, from the Hays office, and I will be trading off making the daily posts. If you do not have a way to connect to the internet to receive these materials, we will be happy to share a copy of the fact sheets if you give us a call. My number at the Great Bend office is: (620)793-1910 and the Hays office is (785)628-9430.&nbsp;

So look for our Cottonwood Extension District FaceBook page and open up a wealth of knowledge!

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 <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583253738760.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>As I begin my 32nd year as an Extension Educator here in Central Kansas I am excited to share information about some great resource materials available to you. Through the years, people in my position have been known as home demonstration agents, home economics agents and most recently Family and Consumer Science (FCS) agents. Our goal through all of those title changes has remained the same; to bring unbiased research based information to families that can help improve their quality of life.&nbsp;Through the end of May, I hope you will visit the Cottonwood Extension District FaceBook page each weekday and find a tip related to healthy living. The days of the week have a theme; Mindful Moment Monday, Taco’bout Cooking Skills Tuesday, Working Together Wednesday, Thrifty Thursday, and Friends &amp; Family Friday. Many of the posts will contain a link to a fact sheet that follows the theme. When you click on the #FCSTime2Shine that appears on each post, you will be able to see posts from our colleagues from across the state. Some agents have added fun videos to their posts.My two posts this past week highlighted the Everyday Mindfulness fact sheet on Monday and a fact sheet titled, “When Your Income Drops: Sharpening Survival Skills” on Thrifty Thursday. Both of these fact sheets contain great information we can use to help us through these uncertain times.&nbsp;Berny, from the Hays office, and I will be trading off making the daily posts. If you do not have a way to connect to the internet to receive these materials, we will be happy to share a copy of the fact sheets if you give us a call. My number at the Great Bend office is: (620)793-1910 and the Hays office is (785)628-9430.&nbsp;So look for our Cottonwood Extension District FaceBook page and open up a wealth of knowledge!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 <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: FCS Time2Shine campaign is now

SALINA - The Smoky Hill Education Service, along with the Kansas State Dept. of Education,&nbsp; and <a href="https://www.character.org/">Character.org</a> announce the 2020 Kansas Schools of Character recipients in a virtual ceremony May 12.

USD 271 Stockton Grade School was recognized as an Honorable Mention School of Character and for a Shifting School Culture.&nbsp;

Stockton Grade School is one of the original <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/School-Redesign/Mercury-7">Mercury 7 redesign design schools</a>&nbsp;in Kansas and social-emotional development has been one of their key initiatives.

Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Character, which include providing
 students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.

In Schools of Character, adults embrace their critical role as models. Teachers work together as professionals
 - along with parents and community members as partners - to positively shape the social, emotional, and character development of the young people entrusted to them each day. Students in these schools feel safe, respected, and connected to those around them,
 allowing them to thrive academically and socially and be motivated to give back to their communities.


<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E72&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Complete
 High School Maize&nbsp;- USD 266 - Maize, Kansas</a>

Honorable Mention School of Character

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E73&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Beloit
 Elementary School - USD 273 - Beloit, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E74&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Stockton
 Elementary School - USD 271 - Stockton, Kansas</a>

Shifting School Culture Recognition

Recognizes schools and districts that have developed and implemented an SECD initiative or program for
 at least one year and are transforming the school culture, district culture, or both - as well as growing student SECD skills. These initiatives or programs must support the KS SECD Standards and the school or district KESA goals, the Redesign Principles,
 or a combination of the above.&nbsp;

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E75&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Beloit
 Elementary School - USD 273 - Beloit, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E76&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Cottonwood
 Elementary School - USD 305 - Salina, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E77&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">David
 Brewer Elementary School - USD 453 - Leavenworth, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E78&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Fowler
 Grade School - USD 225 - Fowler, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E79&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Fowler
 Junior/Senior High School - USD 225 - Fowler, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7A&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Lakeside
 Elementary School - USD 250 - Pittsburg, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7B&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Stockton
 Grade School - USD 271 - Stockton, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7C&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Sunset
 Elementary School - USD 373 - Newton, Kansas</a>

Recognizes schools and districts that are implementing new initiatives or are enhancing existing initiatives
 that will strengthen the social, emotional and character development skills in their students and school climate. Initiatives must support at least one of the KS SECD Standards strands and support one or more of the KESA 5R’s,&nbsp;the Redesign Principles, or both.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7D&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Caldwell
 Elementary School - USD 360 - Caldwell, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7E&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Green
 Springs Elementary School - USD 233 - Olathe, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7F&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Lakeside
 Elementary School - USD 250 - Pittsburg, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E80&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Lakeside
 Elementary School - USD 272 - Cawker City, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E81&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Marais
 des Cygnes Valley District - USD 456 - Melvern, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E82&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Olathe
 West High School - USD 233 - Olathe, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E83&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Spring
 Valley Elementary School - USD 475 - Junction City, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E84&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Trail
 Ridge Middle School - USD 231 - Gardner, Kansas</a>

<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E85&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Whittier
 Elementary School - USD 465 - Winfield, Kansas</a>

The <a href="https://www.smokyhill.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/About%20Us%7CHistory%20/%20Benefits%20/%20Organization">Smoky Hill Education Service Center</a> was organized July 1, 1990. It is a consortium of more than 50 school districts in 25-counties, formed to cooperatively provide a variety of educational services to its participating members in a more cost-efficient and beneficial manner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589321137653.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHESCSALINA - The Smoky Hill Education Service, along with the Kansas State Dept. of Education,&nbsp; and <a href="https://www.character.org/">Character.org</a> announce the 2020 Kansas Schools of Character recipients in a virtual ceremony May 12.USD 271 Stockton Grade School was recognized as an Honorable Mention School of Character and for a Shifting School Culture.&nbsp;Stockton Grade School is one of the original <a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/School-Redesign/Mercury-7">Mercury 7 redesign design schools</a>&nbsp;in Kansas and social-emotional development has been one of their key initiatives.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5A_k6dLMEG8"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson announces the State Schools of Character and honorable mentions.</figcaption>
 </figure>Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Character, which include providing
 students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.In Schools of Character, adults embrace their critical role as models. Teachers work together as professionals
 - along with parents and community members as partners - to positively shape the social, emotional, and character development of the young people entrusted to them each day. Students in these schools feel safe, respected, and connected to those around them,
 allowing them to thrive academically and socially and be motivated to give back to their communities.
State School of Character<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E72&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Complete
 High School Maize&nbsp;- USD 266 - Maize, Kansas</a>Honorable Mention School of Character<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E73&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Beloit
 Elementary School - USD 273 - Beloit, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E74&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Stockton
 Elementary School - USD 271 - Stockton, Kansas</a><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4q6LeAM8NHw"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Tiger Touchstones - Confidence, Creativity, Honesty, Integrity, Responsibility, and Respect - are the guiding light for professional decision making and to establish student and staff norms and expectations at Stockton Grade School.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Shifting School Culture RecognitionRecognizes schools and districts that have developed and implemented an SECD initiative or program for
 at least one year and are transforming the school culture, district culture, or both - as well as growing student SECD skills. These initiatives or programs must support the KS SECD Standards and the school or district KESA goals, the Redesign Principles,
 or a combination of the above.&nbsp;<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E75&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Beloit
 Elementary School - USD 273 - Beloit, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E76&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Cottonwood
 Elementary School - USD 305 - Salina, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E77&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">David
 Brewer Elementary School - USD 453 - Leavenworth, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E78&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Fowler
 Grade School - USD 225 - Fowler, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E79&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Fowler
 Junior/Senior High School - USD 225 - Fowler, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7A&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Lakeside
 Elementary School - USD 250 - Pittsburg, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7B&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Stockton
 Grade School - USD 271 - Stockton, Kansas</a><figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IjiznTSIJuQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption>As a way to build relationships, Community Groups were started in the spring of 2018 and meet one day a week for 30 minutes with Kindergarten through 5th grade.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7C&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Sunset
 Elementary School - USD 373 - Newton, Kansas</a>Enhanced Spotlight RecognitionRecognizes schools and districts that are implementing new initiatives or are enhancing existing initiatives
 that will strengthen the social, emotional and character development skills in their students and school climate. Initiatives must support at least one of the KS SECD Standards strands and support one or more of the KESA 5R’s,&nbsp;the Redesign Principles, or both.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7D&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Caldwell
 Elementary School - USD 360 - Caldwell, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7E&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Green
 Springs Elementary School - USD 233 - Olathe, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E7F&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Lakeside
 Elementary School - USD 250 - Pittsburg, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E80&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Lakeside
 Elementary School - USD 272 - Cawker City, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E81&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Marais
 des Cygnes Valley District - USD 456 - Melvern, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E82&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Olathe
 West High School - USD 233 - Olathe, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E83&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Spring
 Valley Elementary School - USD 475 - Junction City, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E84&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Trail
 Ridge Middle School - USD 231 - Gardner, Kansas</a><a href="http://smokyhill.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=A589E85&amp;e=10613DE&amp;c=8B935&amp;t=0&amp;l=&amp;email=znrqnUK8%2Fegc4YJegG2pUISoqms6IaH4&amp;seq=1" target="_blank">Whittier
 Elementary School - USD 465 - Winfield, Kansas</a>The <a href="https://www.smokyhill.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/About%20Us%7CHistory%20/%20Benefits%20/%20Organization">Smoky Hill Education Service Center</a> was organized July 1, 1990. It is a consortium of more than 50 school districts in 25-counties, formed to cooperatively provide a variety of educational services to its participating members in a more cost-efficient and beneficial manner.

🎥 Stockton school wins state 'School of Character' honors

I have had several calls lately with producers asking questions about cutting their wheat for hay or silage. Below is an article from K-State Research and Extension’s eUpdate that discusses the forage quality and pricing if you decide to go that route. As always, if you have a question, you can always contact us by calling the office at 620-793-1910 or emailing at aboor@ksu.edu.

Freezing conditions during April over some parts of Kansas potentially caused some damage in winter wheat, and with the passage of time, the level of damage is becoming more clear.&nbsp; As a result, producers facing reduced grain yields must soon decide whether to keep the wheat crop for grain or make a forage such as wheat hay or silage.

Comparing net returns to grain versus forage at this stage, however, requires market prices for wheat hay and silage, which aren’t always readily available.&nbsp; So how do you put a value on these forage products?&nbsp; This article updates a 2018 eUpdate article to provide some current estimates of wheat forage values as producers consider their options moving forward.&nbsp; The earlier article has more details on harvest concerns and relative feedstuff values.

It must also be mentioned that insured wheat growers should check first with their crop insurance agent before harvesting a forage crop to determine insurance requirements and document potential grain yield losses.&nbsp; Sometimes producers may be required to leave small areas of uncut wheat to provide a way to estimate grain yields.&nbsp; Insurance agents can also inform producers of any other restrictions which may apply. &nbsp;

The approach for pricing these wheat forage products will be to derive a silage or hay price using feed value comparisons to a feedstuff for which more reliable price information exists.&nbsp; A good candidate for a proxy feedstuff in Kansas is alfalfa hay, with prices reported weekly across the entire state and for a range of quality levels.&nbsp;

Alfalfa hay rated as “good” quality will have 58-60 percent total digestible nutrients (TDN) and 18-20 percent crude protein. According to USDA Ag Marketing Service reports, “fair/good” grinding alfalfa in southwest Kansas is currently selling for around $150-170 / ton, as a reference point.&nbsp; Wheat silage made from wheat at “early-head stage” maturity contains just over 15% Crude Protein and 73% TDN, on a dry matter basis.

Using an alfalfa hay price of $160/ton and the value of energy in alfalfa hay, a comparable wheat silage price based solely on energy would figure out to about $70 per ton as fed ($199/ton dry matter basis, assuming the silage is 35 percent dry matter.&nbsp; A similar calculation based solely on protein content would suggest a wheat silage price of about $50/ton as fed (about $143/ton dry matter basis). These results, based on rather simplistic calculations, might be viewed as upper and lower bounds on wheat silage prices, from a feed value perspective.&nbsp;

For wheat hay, Watson, indicated that wheat hay harvested at the dough stage would have 56-62 percent TDN and 8-10 percent crude protein, on a dry matter basis.&nbsp; So, wheat hay has almost as high an energy content as alfalfa hay, but significantly lower protein.&nbsp; Wheat hay priced solely on energy, relative to alfalfa, would figure out to about $155 per ton as fed.&nbsp; However, a similar calculation based solely on protein content would suggest a wheat hay price of only about $69/ton as fed.&nbsp; This is a rather wide range and could be considered as upper and lower bounds on the wheat hay value.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Given this wide range, this same approach based on relative feeding values is also estimated with a comparison to forage sorghum hay, which is closer in nutrient content to wheat hay and may provide a more meaningful range of price estimates. Using a TDN value of 57% and a crude protein value of 8% for forage sorghum hay, along with an edge-of-the-field price of $110 ton, we get suggested wheat hay prices in the range of $110 to $124 per ton.

Ultimately, of course, market prices are determined by buyers and sellers.&nbsp; However, the discussion above provides a couple of perspectives on how interested parties might approach the problem.&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 for K-State Research and Extension." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research and Extension.</figcaption>
 </figure>I have had several calls lately with producers asking questions about cutting their wheat for hay or silage. Below is an article from K-State Research and Extension’s eUpdate that discusses the forage quality and pricing if you decide to go that route. As always, if you have a question, you can always contact us by calling the office at 620-793-1910 or emailing at aboor@ksu.edu.Freezing conditions during April over some parts of Kansas potentially caused some damage in winter wheat, and with the passage of time, the level of damage is becoming more clear.&nbsp; As a result, producers facing reduced grain yields must soon decide whether to keep the wheat crop for grain or make a forage such as wheat hay or silage.Comparing net returns to grain versus forage at this stage, however, requires market prices for wheat hay and silage, which aren’t always readily available.&nbsp; So how do you put a value on these forage products?&nbsp; This article updates a 2018 eUpdate article to provide some current estimates of wheat forage values as producers consider their options moving forward.&nbsp; The earlier article has more details on harvest concerns and relative feedstuff values.It must also be mentioned that insured wheat growers should check first with their crop insurance agent before harvesting a forage crop to determine insurance requirements and document potential grain yield losses.&nbsp; Sometimes producers may be required to leave small areas of uncut wheat to provide a way to estimate grain yields.&nbsp; Insurance agents can also inform producers of any other restrictions which may apply. &nbsp;Pricing wheat silage and wheat hayThe approach for pricing these wheat forage products will be to derive a silage or hay price using feed value comparisons to a feedstuff for which more reliable price information exists.&nbsp; A good candidate for a proxy feedstuff in Kansas is alfalfa hay, with prices reported weekly across the entire state and for a range of quality levels.&nbsp;Alfalfa hay rated as “good” quality will have 58-60 percent total digestible nutrients (TDN) and 18-20 percent crude protein. According to USDA Ag Marketing Service reports, “fair/good” grinding alfalfa in southwest Kansas is currently selling for around $150-170 / ton, as a reference point.&nbsp; Wheat silage made from wheat at “early-head stage” maturity contains just over 15% Crude Protein and 73% TDN, on a dry matter basis.Using an alfalfa hay price of $160/ton and the value of energy in alfalfa hay, a comparable wheat silage price based solely on energy would figure out to about $70 per ton as fed ($199/ton dry matter basis, assuming the silage is 35 percent dry matter.&nbsp; A similar calculation based solely on protein content would suggest a wheat silage price of about $50/ton as fed (about $143/ton dry matter basis). These results, based on rather simplistic calculations, might be viewed as upper and lower bounds on wheat silage prices, from a feed value perspective.&nbsp;For wheat hay, Watson, indicated that wheat hay harvested at the dough stage would have 56-62 percent TDN and 8-10 percent crude protein, on a dry matter basis.&nbsp; So, wheat hay has almost as high an energy content as alfalfa hay, but significantly lower protein.&nbsp; Wheat hay priced solely on energy, relative to alfalfa, would figure out to about $155 per ton as fed.&nbsp; However, a similar calculation based solely on protein content would suggest a wheat hay price of only about $69/ton as fed.&nbsp; This is a rather wide range and could be considered as upper and lower bounds on the wheat hay value.&nbsp; &nbsp;Given this wide range, this same approach based on relative feeding values is also estimated with a comparison to forage sorghum hay, which is closer in nutrient content to wheat hay and may provide a more meaningful range of price estimates. Using a TDN value of 57% and a crude protein value of 8% for forage sorghum hay, along with an edge-of-the-field price of $110 ton, we get suggested wheat hay prices in the range of $110 to $124 per ton.Ultimately, of course, market prices are determined by buyers and sellers.&nbsp; However, the discussion above provides a couple of perspectives on how interested parties might approach the problem.&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 aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Grain versus silage

By BERNY UNRUH Cottonwood Extension District Agent

The date to enroll for the free online ServSafe Food Safety Handler training has been extended to May 31. The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation stepped up to offer the free training as a response to the crisis that restaurants are faced with concerning COVID-19. 

The ServSafe program is a national certification program designed to teach safe handling practices to foodservice employees and others who handle and serve food to the public. Because everyone is concerned about the safety of our family and friends, anyone preparing and serving food in the public setting (restaurants, caterers, health care centers or nursing homes) is encouraged to enroll now. 

More information can be found here: <a href="https://www.servsafe.com/Landing-Pages/Free-Courses?fbclid=IwAR18oyZg32iwsY_4UBeRf0tOG2_G6XYlF-mpvVoE0YLIui8RMys_d3JaQkc">https://www.servsafe.com/Landing-Pages/Free-Courses</a>

The free offer includes ServSafe Food Handler training and assessment. It does not include food manager training courses. A profile must be set up if the employee does not already have one and then the course “ServSafe Food Handler online course and exam” must be selected and added to the cart. The course is available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Employees will have one year to launch and complete the course and test.&nbsp;

&nbsp;ServSafe provides training for the food service and restaurant industry to ensure that guests are provided a safe food dining experience. Family and Consumer Science Extension Agents normally offer the class for a charge each year but those classes have been cancelled. If you do have questions about the food managers course or proctor testing you may contact the Extension Office or ServSafe online.&nbsp;

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

By BERNY UNRUH Cottonwood Extension District AgentThe date to enroll for the free online ServSafe Food Safety Handler training has been extended to May 31. The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation stepped up to offer the free training as a response to the crisis that restaurants are faced with concerning COVID-19. The ServSafe program is a national certification program designed to teach safe handling practices to foodservice employees and others who handle and serve food to the public. Because everyone is concerned about the safety of our family and friends, anyone preparing and serving food in the public setting (restaurants, caterers, health care centers or nursing homes) is encouraged to enroll now. More information can be found here: <a href="https://www.servsafe.com/Landing-Pages/Free-Courses?fbclid=IwAR18oyZg32iwsY_4UBeRf0tOG2_G6XYlF-mpvVoE0YLIui8RMys_d3JaQkc">https://www.servsafe.com/Landing-Pages/Free-Courses</a>The free offer includes ServSafe Food Handler training and assessment. It does not include food manager training courses. A profile must be set up if the employee does not already have one and then the course “ServSafe Food Handler online course and exam” must be selected and added to the cart. The course is available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Employees will have one year to launch and complete the course and test.&nbsp;&nbsp;ServSafe provides training for the food service and restaurant industry to ensure that guests are provided a safe food dining experience. Family and Consumer Science Extension Agents normally offer the class for a charge each year but those classes have been cancelled. If you do have questions about the food managers course or proctor testing you may contact the Extension Office or ServSafe online.&nbsp;	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

Extension's free food safety training date extended

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Let’s go to a farm show. We’ll see lots of vendors, hear speakers with the latest information, and learn about various products. But wait, we can’t do that. There’s a pandemic and a stay-at-home order in place.

What if we could participate in a farm show and do so virtually and safely, from the comfort of our homes? Today we’ll learn about a community which accomplished exactly that.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is one of the agriculture and natural resources agents for the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District, serving Barton and Ellis counties. She grew up in Dodge City, earned an animal science degree, and got a job as a zookeeper for rare breeds of livestock at the Sedgwick County Zoo before joining extension. Her extension position enabled Alicia and her husband to move to her husband’s hometown of Hoisington in Barton County. Hoisington is a rural community of 2,706 people. Now, that’s rural.

Alicia’s duties included lining up speakers for the annual Great Bend farm and ranch show which attracts thousands of people to Great Bend each spring. She was assisted by Jared Petersilie, the agriculture extension agent in the neighboring Walnut Creek District. Because of the interest in growing industrial hemp, the name of the 2020 show was changed to the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo.

Then came the coronavirus, followed by stay-at-home orders. Alicia and Jared had already lined up the speakers but reluctantly notified the planners that they could no longer participate.

In March, two weeks before the scheduled beginning of the expo in early April, Alicia got another request. The expo organizers wanted to make this a virtual expo. Could the speakers present their programs after all? Alicia decided to give it a try.

How in the world does someone conduct a virtual expo? The planners in Great Bend worked with a company with the domain name,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.virtualfarmexpo.com/">www.virtualfarmexpo.com</a>. In a matter of a couple of weeks, they managed to organize the event so that it could function online.

Alicia contacted her K-State speakers and found that they were willing. The original idea was that they would pre-record presentations to be presented during the expo, but it turned out that live Zoom presentations worked even better. This allowed for real-time interaction with the participants.

On April 8, 9 and 10 – the originally scheduled dates – the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo was conducted virtually. Participants got online, viewed the exhibits, and interacted with the speakers through their electronic devices.

The K-State speakers included Jason Griffin, an industrial hemp researcher at the John C. Pair Horticulture Center near Haysville; wheat specialist Romulo Lollato in Manhattan; and grain marketing economist Dan O’Brien in Colby. All were able to present their research results, share their screens with viewers, and respond to questions.

The presentations were live and also recorded. “We broke these into segments by crop,” Alicia said. “That way if a producer was interested specifically in grain sorghum, for example, they didn’t have to listen to an hour on other crops to get the 10 minutes that they wanted.”

What about the exhibits? The organizers created a screen image which looked like a booth one would see at the farm show. Exhibitors were able to populate that screen with their own pictures, information and videos, which rotated online during the show. It was an ingenious way to share the information while doing so safely and remotely. The K-State booth, for example, included links to extension publications and generated more than 1,000 views.

This was accomplished in a remarkably short time frame. “It was stressful, but it was fun,” Alicia said.

“At last year’s state extension conference, we were asked to innovate. I didn’t realize we would be forced to do it so quickly," she said with a smile. “We do have to find new ways to reach the public.”

It’s time to leave this virtual farm show. We commend Alicia Boor and all those who made a difference by using technology in this way. They were able to make “virtual” a reality.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588772194734.png" alt="Screen Shot 2020-05-06 at 8.36.17 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2020-05-06 at 8.36.17 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentLet’s go to a farm show. We’ll see lots of vendors, hear speakers with the latest information, and learn about various products. But wait, we can’t do that. There’s a pandemic and a stay-at-home order in place.What if we could participate in a farm show and do so virtually and safely, from the comfort of our homes? Today we’ll learn about a community which accomplished exactly that.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is one of the agriculture and natural resources agents for the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District, serving Barton and Ellis counties. She grew up in Dodge City, earned an animal science degree, and got a job as a zookeeper for rare breeds of livestock at the Sedgwick County Zoo before joining extension. Her extension position enabled Alicia and her husband to move to her husband’s hometown of Hoisington in Barton County. Hoisington is a rural community of 2,706 people. Now, that’s rural.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor</figcaption>
 </figure>Alicia’s duties included lining up speakers for the annual Great Bend farm and ranch show which attracts thousands of people to Great Bend each spring. She was assisted by Jared Petersilie, the agriculture extension agent in the neighboring Walnut Creek District. Because of the interest in growing industrial hemp, the name of the 2020 show was changed to the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo.Then came the coronavirus, followed by stay-at-home orders. Alicia and Jared had already lined up the speakers but reluctantly notified the planners that they could no longer participate.In March, two weeks before the scheduled beginning of the expo in early April, Alicia got another request. The expo organizers wanted to make this a virtual expo. Could the speakers present their programs after all? Alicia decided to give it a try.How in the world does someone conduct a virtual expo? The planners in Great Bend worked with a company with the domain name,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.virtualfarmexpo.com/">www.virtualfarmexpo.com</a>. In a matter of a couple of weeks, they managed to organize the event so that it could function online.Alicia contacted her K-State speakers and found that they were willing. The original idea was that they would pre-record presentations to be presented during the expo, but it turned out that live Zoom presentations worked even better. This allowed for real-time interaction with the participants.On April 8, 9 and 10 – the originally scheduled dates – the Great Bend Farm, Ranch &amp; Hemp Expo was conducted virtually. Participants got online, viewed the exhibits, and interacted with the speakers through their electronic devices.The K-State speakers included Jason Griffin, an industrial hemp researcher at the John C. Pair Horticulture Center near Haysville; wheat specialist Romulo Lollato in Manhattan; and grain marketing economist Dan O’Brien in Colby. All were able to present their research results, share their screens with viewers, and respond to questions.The presentations were live and also recorded. “We broke these into segments by crop,” Alicia said. “That way if a producer was interested specifically in grain sorghum, for example, they didn’t have to listen to an hour on other crops to get the 10 minutes that they wanted.”What about the exhibits? The organizers created a screen image which looked like a booth one would see at the farm show. Exhibitors were able to populate that screen with their own pictures, information and videos, which rotated online during the show. It was an ingenious way to share the information while doing so safely and remotely. The K-State booth, for example, included links to extension publications and generated more than 1,000 views.This was accomplished in a remarkably short time frame. “It was stressful, but it was fun,” Alicia said.“At last year’s state extension conference, we were asked to innovate. I didn’t realize we would be forced to do it so quickly," she said with a smile. “We do have to find new ways to reach the public.”It’s time to leave this virtual farm show. We commend Alicia Boor and all those who made a difference by using technology in this way. They were able to make “virtual” a reality.

Now That’s Rural: Alicia Boor, Great Bend virtual farm show

Since we are still limiting our contact with larger groups I am postponing our Healthy Community Potluck that should have been scheduled this month. But I can still bring you the message that I was planning to share and that is “Med instead of Meds.” I had the opportunity to participate in a professional development class on the K-State campus back in February by the same title. A vivacious instructor from North Carolina, shared her passion for healthy cooking in our hands on lab.&nbsp;

So what exactly is “Med Instead of Meds”? The first Med stands for the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle. With an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, whole grains, nuts and unsaturated fat, you can imagine consuming a plate of food that is both colorful and full of fiber. Lifestyle choices related to the Mediterranean way of life include: eating a light breakfast, long extended lunch including a nap, daily physical exercise, and consuming fresh plant based foods that are grown locally.

Combining this approach to a healthy diet with lifestyle choices that also support health is our goal. By consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, we are providing the nutrients our bodies need to maintain and even regain health. That is where the word “Meds” comes into play. Meds, short for medicine, can save our lives in some cases. However, if the underlying cause of a health concern is related to consuming a diet high in fat or added sugar, perhaps we need to take a closer look at what we put on our plates.&nbsp;

Are we consuming five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits every day? Are we choosing to eat at least three ounces of whole grains and is our source of protein lean? An easy way to follow the Mediterranean diet is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store where all of the fresh foods are found. Less time spent in the aisles that have highly processed food choices is another good rule to follow.

Consider preparing this Mushroom Brown Rice Pilaf as a nutritious dish to complement your healthy menu. Ingredients:

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and brown onion and mushrooms for about five minutes. Add one cup brown rice and stir to coat grains in the oil. Add two cups broth, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Cooking time for whole grain rice varies according to the variety of rice; check package directions. You can make a pilaf like this with any grain – not just rice. Simply vary the amount of broth and the cooking time according to the different grain. In a hurry? Try bulgur or quinoa, which both cook in under 15 minutes.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574802720194.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Since we are still limiting our contact with larger groups I am postponing our Healthy Community Potluck that should have been scheduled this month. But I can still bring you the message that I was planning to share and that is “Med instead of Meds.” I had the opportunity to participate in a professional development class on the K-State campus back in February by the same title. A vivacious instructor from North Carolina, shared her passion for healthy cooking in our hands on lab.&nbsp;So what exactly is “Med Instead of Meds”? The first Med stands for the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle. With an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, whole grains, nuts and unsaturated fat, you can imagine consuming a plate of food that is both colorful and full of fiber. Lifestyle choices related to the Mediterranean way of life include: eating a light breakfast, long extended lunch including a nap, daily physical exercise, and consuming fresh plant based foods that are grown locally.Combining this approach to a healthy diet with lifestyle choices that also support health is our goal. By consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, we are providing the nutrients our bodies need to maintain and even regain health. That is where the word “Meds” comes into play. Meds, short for medicine, can save our lives in some cases. However, if the underlying cause of a health concern is related to consuming a diet high in fat or added sugar, perhaps we need to take a closer look at what we put on our plates.&nbsp;Are we consuming five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits every day? Are we choosing to eat at least three ounces of whole grains and is our source of protein lean? An easy way to follow the Mediterranean diet is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store where all of the fresh foods are found. Less time spent in the aisles that have highly processed food choices is another good rule to follow.Consider preparing this Mushroom Brown Rice Pilaf as a nutritious dish to complement your healthy menu. Ingredients:<ol>
 <li>½ large onion, chopped</li><li>1 cup sliced mushrooms (4-5 mushrooms)</li><li>1 Tablespoon olive oil</li><li>1 cup brown rice</li><li>2 cups vegetable broth</li>
 </ol>Heat the oil in a large saucepan and brown onion and mushrooms for about five minutes. Add one cup brown rice and stir to coat grains in the oil. Add two cups broth, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Cooking time for whole grain rice varies according to the variety of rice; check package directions. You can make a pilaf like this with any grain – not just rice. Simply vary the amount of broth and the cooking time according to the different grain. In a hurry? Try bulgur or quinoa, which both cook in under 15 minutes.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Med instead of meds

Have you wondered how much rain or snow has fallen? Have you noticed that what was reported at the official National Weather Service Cooperative site does not match what you observed at your location? There is a volunteer organization that is working to answer both questions: <a href="https://cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>. Now is a great time to join this network as Kansans are spending more time at home due to COVID-19.

CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, nonprofit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail, and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, the aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education, and research applications. CoCoRaHS has been active in Kansas since 2004. More observers are always very welcome.

Each time a storm — rain, hail, or snow — crosses your area, volunteers take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible. These precipitation reports are recorded on the website, <a href="https://cocorahs.org/">https://cocorahs.org/</a>. The data are then displayed and organized for the end users to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards. For example, Manhattan was able to document the highest rainfall amount during the Labor Day 2018 flood, thanks to a CoCoRaHS observer.

No rain is still an important observation

Volunteers also report when it DOES NOT rain. Documenting the fact that a part of the county missed a precipitation event helps improve our understanding of drought conditions. That information is also useful in improving radar and satellite rainfall estimates.

CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals. The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water, insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor &amp; recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit the website and use the data.

One of the neat things about participating in this network is coming away with the feeling that you have made an important contribution that helps others. By providing your daily observation, you help to fill in a piece of the weather puzzle that affects many across your area in one way or another.

To join CoCoRaHS, just go to the website CoCoRaHS.org and click “Join Now."

If you have questions about the program, contact Mary Knapp at Kansas State University by email at mknapp@ksu.edu or phone at 785-313-1562.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District</figcaption>
 </figure>Have you wondered how much rain or snow has fallen? Have you noticed that what was reported at the official National Weather Service Cooperative site does not match what you observed at your location? There is a volunteer organization that is working to answer both questions: <a href="https://cocorahs.org/">CoCoRaHS</a>. Now is a great time to join this network as Kansans are spending more time at home due to COVID-19.<h2>What is CoCoRaHS?</h2>CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, nonprofit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail, and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, the aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education, and research applications. CoCoRaHS has been active in Kansas since 2004. More observers are always very welcome.Each time a storm — rain, hail, or snow — crosses your area, volunteers take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible. These precipitation reports are recorded on the website, <a href="https://cocorahs.org/">https://cocorahs.org/</a>. The data are then displayed and organized for the end users to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards. For example, Manhattan was able to document the highest rainfall amount during the Labor Day 2018 flood, thanks to a CoCoRaHS observer.<h2>No rain is still an important observation</h2>Volunteers also report when it DOES NOT rain. Documenting the fact that a part of the county missed a precipitation event helps improve our understanding of drought conditions. That information is also useful in improving radar and satellite rainfall estimates.<h2>Who uses the CoCoRaHS data?</h2>CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals. The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water, insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor &amp; recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit the website and use the data.One of the neat things about participating in this network is coming away with the feeling that you have made an important contribution that helps others. By providing your daily observation, you help to fill in a piece of the weather puzzle that affects many across your area in one way or another.To join CoCoRaHS, just go to the website CoCoRaHS.org and click “Join Now."If you have questions about the program, contact Mary Knapp at Kansas State University by email at mknapp@ksu.edu or phone at 785-313-1562.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District, which includes Barton and Ellis counties, for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: CoCoRaHS helps gauge local weather

Is there a difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing?&nbsp; Yes, there is! The following information is just the basics, so please visit the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) website for more detailed information.&nbsp;

Whether at home or at work, a surface must first be cleaned. When we teach the Employee Food Handlers Class through ServSafe and the National Restaurant Association, the students are taught that “cleaning” removes food and other types of soil from a surface such as a countertop or plate. Then, sanitizing reduces the number of pathogens on the clean surface to a safe level. The cleaning and sanitizing process is a five-step process: 1. Scrape or remove food from the surface 2. Wash the surface with soap and water 3. Rinse the surface 4. Sanitize the surface 5. Allow the surface to air dry.&nbsp;

Sanitizing and disinfecting are different things. Disinfection uses a higher concentration of bleach than sanitizing.

For general kitchen sanitizing, a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach per gallon of lukewarm (not hot) water is the usual recommendation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Only use bleach when it is appropriate for the surface. It is very important to read the label on the bottle you are using. Some bleach is used only for laundry and not for disinfecting. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.

Disinfecting refers to using chemicals, for example, EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection. For disinfecting, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces. To prepare a bleach solution for disinfecting mix 5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water OR if you need a smaller amount, 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Homemade cleaning solutions made with bleach&nbsp;should&nbsp;be remade&nbsp;after&nbsp;24 hours.

&nbsp;Again, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 5 minutes on the surfaces where it is appropriate to use bleach. Some disinfectant wipes say on the label to leave the area wet until dry. Please read the label! Wear gloves when working with bleach and other disinfectants. It is also important to allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Always keep chemicals and cleaning products out of the reach of children and in a locked cupboard.

For additional information visit the cdc.gov website or call the Extension office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Is there a difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing?&nbsp; Yes, there is! The following information is just the basics, so please visit the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) website for more detailed information.&nbsp;Whether at home or at work, a surface must first be cleaned. When we teach the Employee Food Handlers Class through ServSafe and the National Restaurant Association, the students are taught that “cleaning” removes food and other types of soil from a surface such as a countertop or plate. Then, sanitizing reduces the number of pathogens on the clean surface to a safe level. The cleaning and sanitizing process is a five-step process: 1. Scrape or remove food from the surface 2. Wash the surface with soap and water 3. Rinse the surface 4. Sanitize the surface 5. Allow the surface to air dry.&nbsp;Sanitizing and disinfecting are different things. Disinfection uses a higher concentration of bleach than sanitizing.For general kitchen sanitizing, a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach per gallon of lukewarm (not hot) water is the usual recommendation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Only use bleach when it is appropriate for the surface. It is very important to read the label on the bottle you are using. Some bleach is used only for laundry and not for disinfecting. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.Disinfecting refers to using chemicals, for example, EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection. For disinfecting, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces. To prepare a bleach solution for disinfecting mix 5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water OR if you need a smaller amount, 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Homemade cleaning solutions made with bleach&nbsp;should&nbsp;be remade&nbsp;after&nbsp;24 hours.&nbsp;Again, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 5 minutes on the surfaces where it is appropriate to use bleach. Some disinfectant wipes say on the label to leave the area wet until dry. Please read the label! Wear gloves when working with bleach and other disinfectants. It is also important to allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Always keep chemicals and cleaning products out of the reach of children and in a locked cupboard.For additional information visit the cdc.gov website or call the Extension office.&nbsp;	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing

As we turn the calendar to May I was reminded that Pilot Club members were going to join me in visiting each elementary school in Barton County. Pilot Club had bicycle helmets to present at every school as part of their brain injury awareness project. During our visit I would share the rules of riding a bicycle complete with hand signals and safe riding practices. I hope that since the school year was cut short that we will be able to make a visit to the schools next fall to share our message.&nbsp;

The beautiful spring weather we have had lately has been great for bicycling. I have bike commuted to the office for many years and try to run our close-to-home errands by bike whenever possible. It only takes five minutes longer to ride to work and there are several benefits. The health benefits of exercise and savings at the pump are the main ones that come to mind.

As you and your family members dust off your bicycles for another season, do not forget to purchase a helmet to wear when riding. More than 60 percent of deaths attributed to bicycle accidents are caused by head injuries. Safety experts suggest that as many as 75 percent of the bicycle related fatalities involving children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet.

Consider a helmet a necessity, rather than an extra. Without a helmet, riders who sustain an injury are 14 times more likely to become a fatality. Choose a helmet that is specifically designed for bicycling, rather and a multi-sports helmet. Choose one that meets or exceeds safety standards established by the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission. Make sure the helmet fits, rather than one a child will grow into. Replace the helmet if an accident occurs or if the helmet is badly jarred or cracked.

While we are on the subject of safe bicycling, please remind the riders in your family of the following rules of the road:

Many parents ask at what age a child is old enough to ride in the street rather than on the sidewalk. There is not a one-size-fits-all age. A child’s maturity and riding ability are factors. Other factors to consider are the size of the community, traffic patterns and congestion, and whether it is a residential area or a business district. a smaller community can seem peaceful and safe, but may have periods when safety is compromised – for example, after a ball game, during a community festival, or at harvest time.

Last but not least, make sure that you perform periodic bicycle maintenance on the families’ bikes. Checking tire pressure and condition, lubricating key places, checking brakes, pedals, lights or reflectors is also recommended.

I hope you will celebrate National Bike Month by riding as much as you can!

Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583253738760.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>As we turn the calendar to May I was reminded that Pilot Club members were going to join me in visiting each elementary school in Barton County. Pilot Club had bicycle helmets to present at every school as part of their brain injury awareness project. During our visit I would share the rules of riding a bicycle complete with hand signals and safe riding practices. I hope that since the school year was cut short that we will be able to make a visit to the schools next fall to share our message.&nbsp;The beautiful spring weather we have had lately has been great for bicycling. I have bike commuted to the office for many years and try to run our close-to-home errands by bike whenever possible. It only takes five minutes longer to ride to work and there are several benefits. The health benefits of exercise and savings at the pump are the main ones that come to mind.As you and your family members dust off your bicycles for another season, do not forget to purchase a helmet to wear when riding. More than 60 percent of deaths attributed to bicycle accidents are caused by head injuries. Safety experts suggest that as many as 75 percent of the bicycle related fatalities involving children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet.Consider a helmet a necessity, rather than an extra. Without a helmet, riders who sustain an injury are 14 times more likely to become a fatality. Choose a helmet that is specifically designed for bicycling, rather and a multi-sports helmet. Choose one that meets or exceeds safety standards established by the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission. Make sure the helmet fits, rather than one a child will grow into. Replace the helmet if an accident occurs or if the helmet is badly jarred or cracked.While we are on the subject of safe bicycling, please remind the riders in your family of the following rules of the road:<ol>
 <li>Ride with the traffic, rather than facing traffic.</li><li>Use the bicycle lane or ride next to the curb.</li><li>Obey traffic signals.</li><li>Stay alert and keep your mind on your riding.</li>
 </ol>Many parents ask at what age a child is old enough to ride in the street rather than on the sidewalk. There is not a one-size-fits-all age. A child’s maturity and riding ability are factors. Other factors to consider are the size of the community, traffic patterns and congestion, and whether it is a residential area or a business district. a smaller community can seem peaceful and safe, but may have periods when safety is compromised – for example, after a ball game, during a community festival, or at harvest time.Last but not least, make sure that you perform periodic bicycle maintenance on the families’ bikes. Checking tire pressure and condition, lubricating key places, checking brakes, pedals, lights or reflectors is also recommended.I hope you will celebrate National Bike Month by riding as much as you can!Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;

KRUG: May is bike month

Learning to identify poison ivy is vital if you wish to avoid the rash that accompanies exposure.&nbsp; Unfortunately, poison ivy can make identification difficult because it occurs in three forms: an erect woody shrub, a groundcover that creeps along the ground, and a woody vine that will climb trees.&nbsp;



When poison ivy climbs, it forms numerous aerial roots that give the vine the appearance of a fuzzy rope. The leaves of poison ivy also vary. Though the compound leaf always has three leaflets, the leaf margins may be toothed, incised, lobed or smooth. 

The size of the leaves also can vary, although usually the middle leaflet is larger than the other two. Also, the middle leaflet is the only one with a long stalk; the other two are closely attached to the petiole (leaf stem). 

The number of leaves gives rise to the saying: "Leaves of three, let it be!" Poison ivy is often confused with Virginia creeper or Woodbine. Each of these vines, however, has five leaflets rather than three.

There are three methods commonly used to eradicate poison ivy. These include pulling or grubbing out the plants by hand, cutting off the vine, and then treating the cut stump or the regrowth, and spraying the plants directly. 

The method used depends somewhat on the plant's growth form.&nbsp;

If the plant is growing as a groundcover, direct spray or grubbing the plant out is often used. If grubbing, wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. The soil must be moist for grubbing to work well. Wash the clothes and yourself immediately after you finish. It might also be a good idea to rinse the washing machine.&nbsp;



If the plant is in the shrub form, direct spray is the most common control method. If the plant is a woody vine that has climbed a tree, the preferred method is to cut the plant off at the base and treat the sprouts after they emerge. 

Some triclopyr herbicides also have instructions on treating a freshly cut stump directly. Triclopyr (Brush-B-Gon Poison Ivy Killer, Brush Killer Stump Killer) is most often used for poison ivy control. Other herbicides that can be used include glyphosate (Roundup; Killzall Weed and Grass Killer; Nutgrass, Poison Ivy and Vine Killer) or dicamba. Poison ivy is tough. Repeat applications may be necessary.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588003925233.png" alt="Poison Ivy has three large, distinctive leaves. Most people use a saying “leaves of three, let it be” to help identify poison ivy." />
 <figcaption>Poison Ivy has three large, distinctive leaves. Most people use a saying “leaves of three, let it be” to help identify poison ivy.</figcaption>
 </figure>Learning to identify poison ivy is vital if you wish to avoid the rash that accompanies exposure.&nbsp; Unfortunately, poison ivy can make identification difficult because it occurs in three forms: an erect woody shrub, a groundcover that creeps along the ground, and a woody vine that will climb trees.&nbsp;
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>
When poison ivy climbs, it forms numerous aerial roots that give the vine the appearance of a fuzzy rope. The leaves of poison ivy also vary. Though the compound leaf always has three leaflets, the leaf margins may be toothed, incised, lobed or smooth. The size of the leaves also can vary, although usually the middle leaflet is larger than the other two. Also, the middle leaflet is the only one with a long stalk; the other two are closely attached to the petiole (leaf stem). The number of leaves gives rise to the saying: "Leaves of three, let it be!" Poison ivy is often confused with Virginia creeper or Woodbine. Each of these vines, however, has five leaflets rather than three.

There are three methods commonly used to eradicate poison ivy. These include pulling or grubbing out the plants by hand, cutting off the vine, and then treating the cut stump or the regrowth, and spraying the plants directly. The method used depends somewhat on the plant's growth form.&nbsp;

If the plant is growing as a groundcover, direct spray or grubbing the plant out is often used. If grubbing, wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. The soil must be moist for grubbing to work well. Wash the clothes and yourself immediately after you finish. It might also be a good idea to rinse the washing machine.&nbsp;

If the plant is in the shrub form, direct spray is the most common control method. If the plant is a woody vine that has climbed a tree, the preferred method is to cut the plant off at the base and treat the sprouts after they emerge. Some triclopyr herbicides also have instructions on treating a freshly cut stump directly. Triclopyr (Brush-B-Gon Poison Ivy Killer, Brush Killer Stump Killer) is most often used for poison ivy control. Other herbicides that can be used include glyphosate (Roundup; Killzall Weed and Grass Killer; Nutgrass, Poison Ivy and Vine Killer) or dicamba. Poison ivy is tough. Repeat applications may be necessary.&nbsp;Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Poison ivy identification and control

TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly appointed Allen Roth, Hays, to the Kansas Water Authority.

The water authority advises the governor, the Legislature and the director of the Kansas Water Office (KWO) on water policy issues
 — including the approval of the Kansas Water Plan and revisions, federal contracts, administration regulations and legislation proposed by the KWO.

“The Kansas Water Authority is comprised of such an important and knowledgeable group of individuals,” Kelly said. “Allen has demonstrated
 a commitment to our state’s natural resources as a producer and with his service to conservation and extension districts, and is an ideal candidate to join this board.”

Roth farms full-time near Hays and has a bachelor’s and master’s in computer science from Kansas State University. 

He has served 18 years on the Ellis County&nbsp;Conservation
 District Board of Supervisors, six years on the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts Board of Directors as well as the Smoky Hill – Saline Regional Advisory Committee since its inception, and on the Cottonwood Extension District Board of Directors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588089531234.jpeg" alt="Allen P. Roth (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Allen P. Roth (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov.TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly appointed Allen Roth, Hays, to the Kansas Water Authority.The water authority advises the governor, the Legislature and the director of the Kansas Water Office (KWO) on water policy issues
 — including the approval of the Kansas Water Plan and revisions, federal contracts, administration regulations and legislation proposed by the KWO.“The Kansas Water Authority is comprised of such an important and knowledgeable group of individuals,” Kelly said. “Allen has demonstrated
 a commitment to our state’s natural resources as a producer and with his service to conservation and extension districts, and is an ideal candidate to join this board.”Roth farms full-time near Hays and has a bachelor’s and master’s in computer science from Kansas State University. He has served 18 years on the Ellis County&nbsp;Conservation
 District Board of Supervisors, six years on the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts Board of Directors as well as the Smoky Hill – Saline Regional Advisory Committee since its inception, and on the Cottonwood Extension District Board of Directors.

Hays man appointed to Kansas Water Authority

Three years ago, I enjoyed piloting a series of programs targeting our senior population titled, Keys to Embracing Aging. Each month for a year I brought a new topic complete with a well written fact sheet to a consistent audience of around twenty seniors. It is time to bring out those fact sheets again but this time, instead of just focusing on seniors, I’m calling it “Keys to Embracing Life.”

Today I’m sharing information from the Positive Attitude fact sheet. It’s no secret that the connection between mind and body is strong. An overall positive attitude, including an upbeat outlook on life, can affect overall happiness, health, and well-being. Similar to good health practices such as eating well and getting plenty of exercise, a positive attitude should be a habit that starts early in life.

A positive attitude can impact mental health and physical functioning, including the ability to fight disease and infection. Attitude can also affect relationships, social networks, and help make success in life more likely. The bottom line, being more positive across the lifespan causes less stress and enables people to live healthier, happy lives.

Dr. Martin Seligman, the creator of positive psychology, believes that happiness helps provide a sense of purpose in life because it is something that you can create and nurture. He identified seven habits of happy people. Happy people:

We all know people who are positive and almost always have a smile on their face. Our five-year-old grandson, Bo, is one happy kid. If the weather is nice, Bo and his mom will be practicing hitting or catching a baseball, or shooting baskets at their driveway basketball goal. After a recent rainy day, Bo and his two sisters, went on a worm hunt. It was such a success that a weekend fishing trip is planned. Our daughter, Kristen, sent a picture of three smiling kids with their gallon pail almost half full of worms.

Everyone has an occasional bad day, but in general, a positive attitude and happy outlook can help pull you through life’s challenges. Having an upbeat and proactive outlook on life over time can also contribute to better health and optimal aging, including longevity.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583253738760.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Three years ago, I enjoyed piloting a series of programs targeting our senior population titled, Keys to Embracing Aging. Each month for a year I brought a new topic complete with a well written fact sheet to a consistent audience of around twenty seniors. It is time to bring out those fact sheets again but this time, instead of just focusing on seniors, I’m calling it “Keys to Embracing Life.”Today I’m sharing information from the Positive Attitude fact sheet. It’s no secret that the connection between mind and body is strong. An overall positive attitude, including an upbeat outlook on life, can affect overall happiness, health, and well-being. Similar to good health practices such as eating well and getting plenty of exercise, a positive attitude should be a habit that starts early in life.A positive attitude can impact mental health and physical functioning, including the ability to fight disease and infection. Attitude can also affect relationships, social networks, and help make success in life more likely. The bottom line, being more positive across the lifespan causes less stress and enables people to live healthier, happy lives.Dr. Martin Seligman, the creator of positive psychology, believes that happiness helps provide a sense of purpose in life because it is something that you can create and nurture. He identified seven habits of happy people. Happy people:<ol>
 <li>Build close relationships</li><li>Care for others</li><li>Engage in healthy, active lifestyles</li><li>Embrace spirituality</li><li>Practice positive thinking</li><li>Embrace a hobby or activity</li><li>Identify strengths</li>
 </ol>We all know people who are positive and almost always have a smile on their face. Our five-year-old grandson, Bo, is one happy kid. If the weather is nice, Bo and his mom will be practicing hitting or catching a baseball, or shooting baskets at their driveway basketball goal. After a recent rainy day, Bo and his two sisters, went on a worm hunt. It was such a success that a weekend fishing trip is planned. Our daughter, Kristen, sent a picture of three smiling kids with their gallon pail almost half full of worms.Everyone has an occasional bad day, but in general, a positive attitude and happy outlook can help pull you through life’s challenges. Having an upbeat and proactive outlook on life over time can also contribute to better health and optimal aging, including longevity.Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Keys to embracing life

If you have had problems with canes or stems of lilac and privet suddenly wilting, or ash trees that show borer holes in the trunk and larger branches, the ash/lilac borer may be to blame. 

This insect causes the base of infested lilac stems to swell and the bark to separate from the wood. A fine sawdust-like material is present around holes in the canes. Ash and mountain ash also are affected. The borer attacks the trunk, which may cause bark to swell and crack if there are repeated infestations.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


Ash/lilac borers overwinter as larvae in infested trees and shrubs. Moths generally begin to emerge in mid to late April. Emergence peaks in May, dwindles by mid to late June and ends by the first week of July. However, this varies by year. The moth has clear wings and resembles a wasp. There is one generation per year.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


Public and commercially managed properties often use pheromone traps to determine the presence of adults. Spray treatments are started seven to 10 days after capture of the first moths.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>If you have had problems with canes or stems of lilac and privet suddenly wilting, or ash trees that show borer holes in the trunk and larger branches, the ash/lilac borer may be to blame. This insect causes the base of infested lilac stems to swell and the bark to separate from the wood. A fine sawdust-like material is present around holes in the canes. Ash and mountain ash also are affected. The borer attacks the trunk, which may cause bark to swell and crack if there are repeated infestations.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ash/lilac borers overwinter as larvae in infested trees and shrubs. Moths generally begin to emerge in mid to late April. Emergence peaks in May, dwindles by mid to late June and ends by the first week of July. However, this varies by year. The moth has clear wings and resembles a wasp. There is one generation per year.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Public and commercially managed properties often use pheromone traps to determine the presence of adults. Spray treatments are started seven to 10 days after capture of the first moths.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Sprays also can be timed using phenology, the practice of timing one event by another. The first spray for ash/lilac borer should be applied when the Vanhoutte spirea is in full to late bloom. This is often about the third week in April but can be as early as late March and as late as mid-May. Apply a second spray four weeks after the first. To see a photo of Vanhoutte spirea, go to:&nbsp;<a href="http://plantsci.missouri.edu/ps2210/list9/spix_van.htm">http://plantsci.missouri.edu/ps2210/list9/spix_van.htm</a>&nbsp;.
&nbsp;
Thoroughly treat the trunk and larger limbs of ash or the lower portion of the stems of lilac or privet. Heavily infested ash should be cut and burned during the fall and winter. Infested stems of lilac or privet should be removed as well.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Bifenthrin or permethrin (Hi-Yield Garden, Pet, and Livestock Insect Control and 38 Plus Turf, Termite and Ornamental Insect Control) are labeled for control. Though there are a number of homeowner products that contain one or the other of these two active ingredients, the permethrin products listed above are the only ones I've found that specifically lists the ash/lilac borer on the label with directions for control.&nbsp;Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;