By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District, Hays&nbsp;

In dryland (rainfed) production in Kansas, winter wheat serves as the base crop, as wheat stubble provides excellent soil cover that minimizes wind and water erosion and stores water for row crops. 

Therefore, residue management and weed control after wheat harvest are critical to conserving plant-available water for corn, grain sorghum, and soybeans planted the following year. 

Increased adoption of conservation tillage practices is mostly attributed to reduced costs and the historically high efficacy of herbicides for weed control. 

However, repeated applications of these herbicides have resulted in the development of herbicide resistance in several weed species. 

Limited new herbicide options and the high cost of herbicide programs that include multiple sites of action present a major challenge in no-till crop production.&nbsp;

How Do Cover Crops Suppress Weeds?

Research in Kansas indicates that growing cover crops after wheat harvest can suppress weeds and serve as an essential component of integrated weed management in no-till systems.

Cover crops suppress weeds through competition for light and other resources, as well as through the release of allelopathic compounds. 

However, the ability of cover crops to suppress weeds is directly related to the amount of biomass produced, which depends on the cover crop species, planting time, seeding rate, termination time and method, and environmental conditions. 

In dryland regions where biomass production can be limited, grass cover crop species tend to produce more biomass and provide more effective weed suppression than legumes. 

For example, studies in southwest Kansas showed that winter triticale alone or triticale-hairy vetch mixed cover crops reduced kochia biomass by 98% compared to chemical fallow. 

However, monoculture winter pea or hairy vetch cover crops produced less biomass and had less effect on kochia biomass suppression. Studies in Trego County, KS, showed that oat-triticale-pea or oat-triticale cover crop mixtures provided 97% weed biomass suppression, and the decrease in weed biomass increased the efficacy of herbicide application to control weeds at the termination of cover crops.&nbsp;

Selecting and Managing Cover Crops

Because water availability may limit cover crop establishment in dryland regions, selecting productive, well-adapted species that can produce more biomass will be key to achieving the best weed suppression.

Biomass production from single, three-species, and multi-species cover crop mixtures tends to be similar. If weed suppression is the goal, planting grass cover crops like triticale, millets, or sorghum-sudangrass, alone or in simple mixtures that produce a high amount of biomass, may be the best option. 

Furthermore, the cost of simple mixtures or single-species cover crops is lower than that of more complex mixtures.

The challenge is growing cover crops that use less plant-available water so they don’t impact subsequent crop yields, but produce enough biomass for effective weed control. 

Using cover crops for forage provides economic benefits to offset revenue loss associated with potential decreased crop yields when cover crops are grown after wheat harvest ahead of a row crop. 

When grazing is desired, studies in western Kansas have shown that cover crops can be grazed without losing weed-suppression benefits. In that study, grazing or haying cover crops significantly reduced weed biomass compared with chemical fallow (which had received two herbicide applications) or standing cover crops (Figure 1).

Termination Timing and Weed Management&nbsp;

Growing cover crops for a longer period will increase biomass and may provide greater weed suppression benefits than an earlier termination date. However, late termination will increase water use by cover crops and may affect subsequent crop yields due to the increased biomass production. 

A later termination date for cover crops may result in cover crop species such as triticale, rye, and sudangrass going to seed and having volunteer plants in the next crop. 

Terminating cover crops at heading or soft dough will provide adequate weed suppression while also avoiding issues with volunteers from mature seed. 

The planting window for cover crops will depend on the targeted weeds and the individual producer's crop rotation. For example, spring- and summer-planted cover crops will provide better weed suppression of summer annual weeds such as Palmer amaranth. Still, fall-seeded cover crops are needed to suppress kochia.&nbsp;

· Cover crops after wheat harvest can provide significant weed suppression and reduce herbicide application costs.

· Weed suppression by cover crops is directly related to the amount of biomass produced.&nbsp;

· Grass cover crop species like triticale, millets, or sorghum-sudangrass, alone or in simple mixtures, produce higher amounts of biomass than legumes or complex mixtures.&nbsp;

· Grazing cover crops does not impact their weed suppression benefits.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District, Hays&nbsp;Introduction&nbsp;In dryland (rainfed) production in Kansas, winter wheat serves as the base crop, as wheat stubble provides excellent soil cover that minimizes wind and water erosion and stores water for row crops. Therefore, residue management and weed control after wheat harvest are critical to conserving plant-available water for corn, grain sorghum, and soybeans planted the following year. Increased adoption of conservation tillage practices is mostly attributed to reduced costs and the historically high efficacy of herbicides for weed control. However, repeated applications of these herbicides have resulted in the development of herbicide resistance in several weed species. Limited new herbicide options and the high cost of herbicide programs that include multiple sites of action present a major challenge in no-till crop production.&nbsp;How Do Cover Crops Suppress Weeds? Research in Kansas indicates that growing cover crops after wheat harvest can suppress weeds and serve as an essential component of integrated weed management in no-till systems. Cover crops suppress weeds through competition for light and other resources, as well as through the release of allelopathic compounds. However, the ability of cover crops to suppress weeds is directly related to the amount of biomass produced, which depends on the cover crop species, planting time, seeding rate, termination time and method, and environmental conditions. In dryland regions where biomass production can be limited, grass cover crop species tend to produce more biomass and provide more effective weed suppression than legumes. For example, studies in southwest Kansas showed that winter triticale alone or triticale-hairy vetch mixed cover crops reduced kochia biomass by 98% compared to chemical fallow. However, monoculture winter pea or hairy vetch cover crops produced less biomass and had less effect on kochia biomass suppression. Studies in Trego County, KS, showed that oat-triticale-pea or oat-triticale cover crop mixtures provided 97% weed biomass suppression, and the decrease in weed biomass increased the efficacy of herbicide application to control weeds at the termination of cover crops.&nbsp;Selecting and Managing Cover Crops Because water availability may limit cover crop establishment in dryland regions, selecting productive, well-adapted species that can produce more biomass will be key to achieving the best weed suppression. Biomass production from single, three-species, and multi-species cover crop mixtures tends to be similar. If weed suppression is the goal, planting grass cover crops like triticale, millets, or sorghum-sudangrass, alone or in simple mixtures that produce a high amount of biomass, may be the best option. Furthermore, the cost of simple mixtures or single-species cover crops is lower than that of more complex mixtures.The challenge is growing cover crops that use less plant-available water so they don’t impact subsequent crop yields, but produce enough biomass for effective weed control. Using cover crops for forage provides economic benefits to offset revenue loss associated with potential decreased crop yields when cover crops are grown after wheat harvest ahead of a row crop. When grazing is desired, studies in western Kansas have shown that cover crops can be grazed without losing weed-suppression benefits. In that study, grazing or haying cover crops significantly reduced weed biomass compared with chemical fallow (which had received two herbicide applications) or standing cover crops (Figure 1).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/7/1783364025678.png" alt="Figure 1:&nbsp;Cover crop management effect on weed biomass measured in summer 2022 near Brownell, KS. Graph by Logan Simon, K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo from Campbell" />
 <figcaption>Figure 1:&nbsp;Cover crop management effect on weed biomass measured in summer 2022 near Brownell, KS. Graph by Logan Simon, K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo from Campbell</figcaption>
 </figure>Termination Timing and Weed Management&nbsp;Growing cover crops for a longer period will increase biomass and may provide greater weed suppression benefits than an earlier termination date. However, late termination will increase water use by cover crops and may affect subsequent crop yields due to the increased biomass production. A later termination date for cover crops may result in cover crop species such as triticale, rye, and sudangrass going to seed and having volunteer plants in the next crop. Terminating cover crops at heading or soft dough will provide adequate weed suppression while also avoiding issues with volunteers from mature seed. The planting window for cover crops will depend on the targeted weeds and the individual producer's crop rotation. For example, spring- and summer-planted cover crops will provide better weed suppression of summer annual weeds such as Palmer amaranth. Still, fall-seeded cover crops are needed to suppress kochia.&nbsp;Take-Home Message&nbsp;· Cover crops after wheat harvest can provide significant weed suppression and reduce herbicide application costs.· Weed suppression by cover crops is directly related to the amount of biomass produced.&nbsp;· Grass cover crop species like triticale, millets, or sorghum-sudangrass, alone or in simple mixtures, produce higher amounts of biomass than legumes or complex mixtures.&nbsp;· Grazing cover crops does not impact their weed suppression benefits.&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Cover Crops for Weed suppression after wheat harvest 

By MONIQUE KOERNERCottonwood Extension District&nbsp;

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips as the weather heats up this summer. With fair season upon us, here are some reminders.&nbsp;

Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.&nbsp;

Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.&nbsp;

Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.&nbsp;

Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.&nbsp;

Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.&nbsp;

Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.&nbsp;

· Tip: Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels- these products work best.&nbsp;

Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying.&nbsp;

Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body!&nbsp;

Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.&nbsp;

· Warning: If your doctor limits the amount you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.&nbsp;

· Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.&nbsp;

Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.&nbsp;

· If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.&nbsp;

Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.&nbsp;

Check for Updates: Check your local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips and to learn about any cooling shelters in your area. Know the Signs: Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.&nbsp;

Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.&nbsp;

Monitor Those at High Risk: Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:&nbsp;

· People who overexert during work or exercise&nbsp;

· People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation&nbsp;

The Ellis County Fair does have air-conditioned buildings so please come in and get out of the heat if you need to. We also have sunscreen available donated by the Ellis County Cancer Council. We will have a mother’s room available if you want a private space to get out of the heat to feed your baby in the Deutschfest building! Have a great week.&nbsp;

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

K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District, courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District, courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNERCottonwood Extension District&nbsp;The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips as the weather heats up this summer. With fair season upon us, here are some reminders.&nbsp;Stay Cool!&nbsp;Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.&nbsp;Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.&nbsp;Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.&nbsp;Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.&nbsp;Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.&nbsp;Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.&nbsp;· Tip: Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels- these products work best.&nbsp;Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying.&nbsp;Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body!&nbsp;Stay Hydrated&nbsp;Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.&nbsp;· Warning: If your doctor limits the amount you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.&nbsp;· Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.&nbsp;Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.&nbsp;· If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.&nbsp;Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.&nbsp;Stay Informed&nbsp;Check for Updates: Check your local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips and to learn about any cooling shelters in your area. Know the Signs: Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.&nbsp;Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.&nbsp;Monitor Those at High Risk: Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:&nbsp;· Infants and young children&nbsp;· People 65 years of age or older&nbsp;· People who are overweight&nbsp;· People who overexert during work or exercise&nbsp;· People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation&nbsp;The Ellis County Fair does have air-conditioned buildings so please come in and get out of the heat if you need to. We also have sunscreen available donated by the Ellis County Cancer Council. We will have a mother’s room available if you want a private space to get out of the heat to feed your baby in the Deutschfest building! Have a great week.&nbsp;Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu&nbsp;K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed

We experienced several beautiful days of weather during the Barton County Fair and ended with a couple that were hot and humid!&nbsp;

As we move through July and August, the temperatures continue to stay warm and it is important to be prepared to stay healthy and hydrated. The Barton County Health Department’s Public Health newsletter includes some great tips that may seem like common sense but I know I didn’t pay enough attention during the last day of the fair and ended up not feeling very well.&nbsp;

Staying hydrated – we often think of drinking water which is very important but other great sources can include fruits and vegetables. Things like strawberries, watermelon, grapes, cucumbers and much more can help with hydration as well as providing good nutrition. Fruit salads, vegetables with hummus or yogurt-based dips, or fruit smoothies can help keep us cool. One of my personal favorite smoothies includes coconut water, frozen mangoes, vanilla protein powder, a small squirt of honey, and a bit of ginger in a blender….cool, refreshing, and lots of good ingredients! And as odd as it may sound, a very cold glass of milk helped reset my system on Sunday when I had gotten too warm and not eaten enough for all of the running around that I was doing.&nbsp;

Enjoy the sun safely – protect your skin with sunscreen, a hat, and breathable clothing. Be sure to take plenty of breaks in the shade when you will be out for long periods of time. Being active outdoors is good for us but taking a walk or weeding the garden may be best saved for early morning or later in the evening. My family farms and several of the guys wear shirts that help with sun protection as well as making sure that their ears and the backs of their necks have regular sunscreen applications.&nbsp;

So, keep your water bottle handy, load up on fruits and veggies, wear your sun protection, and be sensible about time in the heat and sun.&nbsp;

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!&nbsp;

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District, File photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District, File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERANWe experienced several beautiful days of weather during the Barton County Fair and ended with a couple that were hot and humid!&nbsp;As we move through July and August, the temperatures continue to stay warm and it is important to be prepared to stay healthy and hydrated. The Barton County Health Department’s Public Health newsletter includes some great tips that may seem like common sense but I know I didn’t pay enough attention during the last day of the fair and ended up not feeling very well.&nbsp;Staying hydrated – we often think of drinking water which is very important but other great sources can include fruits and vegetables. Things like strawberries, watermelon, grapes, cucumbers and much more can help with hydration as well as providing good nutrition. Fruit salads, vegetables with hummus or yogurt-based dips, or fruit smoothies can help keep us cool. One of my personal favorite smoothies includes coconut water, frozen mangoes, vanilla protein powder, a small squirt of honey, and a bit of ginger in a blender….cool, refreshing, and lots of good ingredients! And as odd as it may sound, a very cold glass of milk helped reset my system on Sunday when I had gotten too warm and not eaten enough for all of the running around that I was doing.&nbsp;Enjoy the sun safely – protect your skin with sunscreen, a hat, and breathable clothing. Be sure to take plenty of breaks in the shade when you will be out for long periods of time. Being active outdoors is good for us but taking a walk or weeding the garden may be best saved for early morning or later in the evening. My family farms and several of the guys wear shirts that help with sun protection as well as making sure that their ears and the backs of their necks have regular sunscreen applications.&nbsp;So, keep your water bottle handy, load up on fruits and veggies, wear your sun protection, and be sensible about time in the heat and sun.&nbsp;Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!&nbsp;Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Stay healthy, hydrated in heat

K-State Extension news service4-H Youth Development

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas 4-H Youth Development program has recognized 34 youth as state project award recipients.&nbsp;

"Being a state project recipient is a reflection of a young person's dedication, growth, and commitment to making a difference — not just in their project area, but in their community and beyond," said Sarah Maass, state leader for the Kansas 4-H program.&nbsp;

"These young people do not just develop skills within their projects; they lead, they serve, and they inspire others along the way. From organizing community service initiatives to mentoring younger 4-H members, state project winners demonstrate what it truly means to be Beyond Ready," Maass said.&nbsp;

One state winner is selected yearly from the senior division (ages 14-18) in 45 project categories. Kansas 4-H youth submit a project report form, which is a summary of their work in a certain project.&nbsp;

"What sets these award winners apart is the full picture they present," Maass noted. "Yes, they have mastered their project skills, but they have also shown remarkable growth in leadership, civic engagement, communication and their ability to organize and inspire those around them. That combination is what 4-H is all about."&nbsp;

This year’s award recipients, in alphabetical order by county or extension district, are:&nbsp;

Jackson Strecker, Butler County – Dairy Goats&nbsp;

Garrett Dunn, 21 Central District – Civic Engagement&nbsp;

Annabelle Lehmann, Coffey County – Woodworking&nbsp;

Taryn Vogts, Coffey County – Pets&nbsp;

Russell Kern, Cottonwood District – Foods &amp; Nutrition&nbsp;

Samantha Negaard, Cottonwood District – Performing Arts&nbsp;

Anthony Jelinek, Cowley County - Agronomy&nbsp;

Braden Gillespie, Frontier District – Sheep&nbsp;

Caroline Brethour, Johnson County – Health &amp; Wellness&nbsp;

George Delancy, Johnson County – Leadership&nbsp;

Joshua Eflin, Johnson County – Computer Science&nbsp;

Iris Schrotberger, Johnson County – Sewing &amp; Textile Design&nbsp;

Emilia Barr, Kearney County – Shopping in Style&nbsp;

Mason Jenkins, Lyon County – Swine&nbsp;

Will Hardwick, Marais des Cygnes District – Electric &amp; Renewable Energy&nbsp;

Conway Patrick, McPherson County – Photography&nbsp;

Aurora Hoffman, Meadowlark District – Shooting Sports&nbsp;

Carina Johnson, Meadowlark District – Poultry&nbsp;

Harry Langill, Meadowlark District – Veterinary Science&nbsp;

Robert Langill, Meadowlark District – Dairy Cattle&nbsp;

Danielle Reeves, Meadowlark District – Dog&nbsp;

Ella Sourk, Meadowlark District – Horticulture &amp; Landscape Design&nbsp;

Grayson Maxwell, Pawnee County – Self Determined&nbsp;

Taylor Bryant, Pottawatomie County – Entomology&nbsp;

Josie Heter, Reno County – Communications&nbsp;

Kate Bormann, Riley County – Horse&nbsp;

Sean Morgan, River Valley District – Meat Goats&nbsp;

Jonathan Wright, River Valley District – Rabbits&nbsp;

Victor Harding, Sedgwick County – Reading Adventures&nbsp;

Chris Mork, Sedgwick County – Geology&nbsp;

Corbin Russell, Wabaunsee County – Visual Arts&nbsp;

Kealie Bryant, West Plains District – Fiber Arts&nbsp;

Kamryn Kirkham, Wild West District – Beef&nbsp;

Tatum Francis, Wildcat District – Wildlife&nbsp;

Award recipients were recognized during the Emerald Circle celebration, which was hosted for the first time this year by the State 4-H Office with funding provided by the Kansas 4-H Foundation. Officials say each recipient’s project report forms progress through county, regional and statewide evaluations before the state winner in each project area is named.&nbsp;

“We also know our 4-H members’ success does not come without the support of family, mentors, volunteers and extension agents who work with our 4-H youth on the local level. The youth/adult partnership is evident at this level and we’re grateful for the time our adults give to guide our 4-H youth,” said Amy Collins, program coordinator with Kansas 4-H.&nbsp;

State 4-H project award recipients are also eligible to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, in November. Numerous donors provide support for the trip to the National 4-H Congress, through the Kansas 4-H Foundation.&nbsp;

More information about opportunities available through the Kansas 4-H Youth Development program is available online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/7/1783002377091.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Extension news service4-H Youth DevelopmentMANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas 4-H Youth Development program has recognized 34 youth as state project award recipients.&nbsp;"Being a state project recipient is a reflection of a young person's dedication, growth, and commitment to making a difference — not just in their project area, but in their community and beyond," said Sarah Maass, state leader for the Kansas 4-H program.&nbsp;"These young people do not just develop skills within their projects; they lead, they serve, and they inspire others along the way. From organizing community service initiatives to mentoring younger 4-H members, state project winners demonstrate what it truly means to be Beyond Ready," Maass said.&nbsp;One state winner is selected yearly from the senior division (ages 14-18) in 45 project categories. Kansas 4-H youth submit a project report form, which is a summary of their work in a certain project.&nbsp;"What sets these award winners apart is the full picture they present," Maass noted. "Yes, they have mastered their project skills, but they have also shown remarkable growth in leadership, civic engagement, communication and their ability to organize and inspire those around them. That combination is what 4-H is all about."&nbsp;This year’s award recipients, in alphabetical order by county or extension district, are:&nbsp;Jackson Strecker, Butler County – Dairy Goats&nbsp;Garrett Dunn, 21 Central District – Civic Engagement&nbsp;Annabelle Lehmann, Coffey County – Woodworking&nbsp;Taryn Vogts, Coffey County – Pets&nbsp;Russell Kern, Cottonwood District – Foods &amp; Nutrition&nbsp;Samantha Negaard, Cottonwood District – Performing Arts&nbsp;Anthony Jelinek, Cowley County - Agronomy&nbsp;Braden Gillespie, Frontier District – Sheep&nbsp;Caroline Brethour, Johnson County – Health &amp; Wellness&nbsp;George Delancy, Johnson County – Leadership&nbsp;Joshua Eflin, Johnson County – Computer Science&nbsp;Iris Schrotberger, Johnson County – Sewing &amp; Textile Design&nbsp;Emilia Barr, Kearney County – Shopping in Style&nbsp;Mason Jenkins, Lyon County – Swine&nbsp;Will Hardwick, Marais des Cygnes District – Electric &amp; Renewable Energy&nbsp;Conway Patrick, McPherson County – Photography&nbsp;Aurora Hoffman, Meadowlark District – Shooting Sports&nbsp;Carina Johnson, Meadowlark District – Poultry&nbsp;Harry Langill, Meadowlark District – Veterinary Science&nbsp;Robert Langill, Meadowlark District – Dairy Cattle&nbsp;Danielle Reeves, Meadowlark District – Dog&nbsp;Ella Sourk, Meadowlark District – Horticulture &amp; Landscape Design&nbsp;Grayson Maxwell, Pawnee County – Self Determined&nbsp;Taylor Bryant, Pottawatomie County – Entomology&nbsp;Josie Heter, Reno County – Communications&nbsp;Kate Bormann, Riley County – Horse&nbsp;Sean Morgan, River Valley District – Meat Goats&nbsp;Jonathan Wright, River Valley District – Rabbits&nbsp;Victor Harding, Sedgwick County – Reading Adventures&nbsp;Chris Mork, Sedgwick County – Geology&nbsp;Corbin Russell, Wabaunsee County – Visual Arts&nbsp;Kealie Bryant, West Plains District – Fiber Arts&nbsp;Kamryn Kirkham, Wild West District – Beef&nbsp;Tatum Francis, Wildcat District – Wildlife&nbsp;Award recipients were recognized during the Emerald Circle celebration, which was hosted for the first time this year by the State 4-H Office with funding provided by the Kansas 4-H Foundation. Officials say each recipient’s project report forms progress through county, regional and statewide evaluations before the state winner in each project area is named.&nbsp;“We also know our 4-H members’ success does not come without the support of family, mentors, volunteers and extension agents who work with our 4-H youth on the local level. The youth/adult partnership is evident at this level and we’re grateful for the time our adults give to guide our 4-H youth,” said Amy Collins, program coordinator with Kansas 4-H.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/7/1783002409146.jpeg" alt="Samantha Negaard, Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Samantha Negaard, Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>State 4-H project award recipients are also eligible to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, in November. Numerous donors provide support for the trip to the National 4-H Congress, through the Kansas 4-H Foundation.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/7/1783002458334.jpeg" alt="Russel Kern, Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Russel Kern, Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>More information about opportunities available through the Kansas 4-H Youth Development program is available online.

Kansas 4-H names state project award recipients

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Following wheat harvest, some producers may consider baling or even burning their wheat stubble--a practice more common southeast of us. Producers may consider burning for several reasons: as a management practice to control plant diseases or weeds, to improve the seedbed for the subsequent crop, and possibly for other reasons. While burning is inexpensive and baling provides additional income, producers should understand the true value of leaving crop residue in the field. Some of the information below comes from K-State Extension publication MF-2604, The Value of Crop Residue.&nbsp;

Loss of Nutrients - the products of burned wheat stubble are gases and ash. Nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) are largely combustion products, while phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) remain in the ash. When residue is burned, about one-third to one-half of the N and S will combust. The nutrients in the ash may remain for use by the plants if it doesn’t blow or wash away first (more on that below). Therefore, instead of cycling these important plant nutrients back into the soil, they can essentially become air pollutants when the residue is burned. With the rise in price for nitrogen fertilizers, the amount of crop residue N that could be plant available in the future is worth more than in years past.&nbsp;

Protection from Soil Erosion - bare soil is subject to wind and water erosion. Without residue, the soil will receive the full impact of raindrops, thus increasing the amount of soil particles that may become detached during a rainfall event. Bare, tilled soils can lose up to 30 tons per acre of topsoil annually. In no-till or CRP systems where residue is left, annual soil losses are often less than 1 ton per acre. The detachment of soil particles can lead to crusting of the soil surface, contributing to greater amounts of sediment-laden runoff and, thus, reduced water infiltration and drier soils.&nbsp;

Leaving residue on the field also increases surface roughness, decreasing the risk of wind and water erosion. Most agricultural soils in Kansas have a “T” value, or tolerable amount of soil loss, of between 4 and 5 tons per acre per year, which is about equal to the thickness of a dime. To prevent water erosion, 30% ground cover or greater may be needed to reduce water erosion to “T” or less, especially in fields without erosion-control structures such as terraces.&nbsp;

Standing stubble is more effective at preventing wind erosion than flat stubble. Occasionally, accidental residue burns have resulted in devastating wind erosion events that recur until new ground cover is established. Once a field begins to erode from the wind, it is extremely difficult to stop. During an extended drought, the soil profile dries out, and even emergency tillage is ineffective at stopping wind erosion. Losing topsoil degrades soil productivity, and the long-term effects of this loss are difficult to quantify.&nbsp;

Soil Moisture, Infiltration Rates, and Conservation - wheat residue enhances soil moisture by increasing rainfall infiltration and reducing evaporation. Residues physically protect the soil surface and keep it receptive to water movement into and through it. Without physical protection, water and soil will run off the surface more quickly.&nbsp;

Ponded infiltration rates were measured at Hesston in September 2007. Very low infiltration rates (1.9 mm/hour) were observed for continuous winter wheat in which the residue was burned each year before disking and planting the following crop. In contrast, high infiltration rates (13.3 mm/hour) were observed for a no-till wheat/grain sorghum rotation.&nbsp;

Another way residue increases soil moisture is by reducing evaporation rates. Residue blocks solar radiation and cools the soil surface by several degrees in summer. Evaporation rates can decline dramatically when the soil is protected with residue. Research from dryland experiments has shown that crop residues are worth 2 to 4 inches of water annually in the central Great Plains states (Efficient crop water use in Kansas, MF3066).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District, file photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District, file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictFollowing wheat harvest, some producers may consider baling or even burning their wheat stubble--a practice more common southeast of us. Producers may consider burning for several reasons: as a management practice to control plant diseases or weeds, to improve the seedbed for the subsequent crop, and possibly for other reasons. While burning is inexpensive and baling provides additional income, producers should understand the true value of leaving crop residue in the field. Some of the information below comes from K-State Extension publication MF-2604, The Value of Crop Residue.&nbsp;Loss of Nutrients - the products of burned wheat stubble are gases and ash. Nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) are largely combustion products, while phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) remain in the ash. When residue is burned, about one-third to one-half of the N and S will combust. The nutrients in the ash may remain for use by the plants if it doesn’t blow or wash away first (more on that below). Therefore, instead of cycling these important plant nutrients back into the soil, they can essentially become air pollutants when the residue is burned. With the rise in price for nitrogen fertilizers, the amount of crop residue N that could be plant available in the future is worth more than in years past.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/6/1782827351579.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Protection from Soil Erosion - bare soil is subject to wind and water erosion. Without residue, the soil will receive the full impact of raindrops, thus increasing the amount of soil particles that may become detached during a rainfall event. Bare, tilled soils can lose up to 30 tons per acre of topsoil annually. In no-till or CRP systems where residue is left, annual soil losses are often less than 1 ton per acre. The detachment of soil particles can lead to crusting of the soil surface, contributing to greater amounts of sediment-laden runoff and, thus, reduced water infiltration and drier soils.&nbsp;Protection from Soil Erosion - bare soil is subject to wind and water erosion. Without residue, the soil will receive the full impact of raindrops, thus increasing the amount of soil particles that may become detached during a rainfall event. Bare, tilled soils can lose up to 30 tons per acre of topsoil annually. In no-till or CRP systems where residue is left, annual soil losses are often less than 1 ton per acre. The detachment of soil particles can lead to crusting of the soil surface, contributing to greater amounts of sediment-laden runoff and, thus, reduced water infiltration and drier soils.&nbsp;Leaving residue on the field also increases surface roughness, decreasing the risk of wind and water erosion. Most agricultural soils in Kansas have a “T” value, or tolerable amount of soil loss, of between 4 and 5 tons per acre per year, which is about equal to the thickness of a dime. To prevent water erosion, 30% ground cover or greater may be needed to reduce water erosion to “T” or less, especially in fields without erosion-control structures such as terraces.&nbsp;Standing stubble is more effective at preventing wind erosion than flat stubble. Occasionally, accidental residue burns have resulted in devastating wind erosion events that recur until new ground cover is established. Once a field begins to erode from the wind, it is extremely difficult to stop. During an extended drought, the soil profile dries out, and even emergency tillage is ineffective at stopping wind erosion. Losing topsoil degrades soil productivity, and the long-term effects of this loss are difficult to quantify.&nbsp;Soil Moisture, Infiltration Rates, and Conservation - wheat residue enhances soil moisture by increasing rainfall infiltration and reducing evaporation. Residues physically protect the soil surface and keep it receptive to water movement into and through it. Without physical protection, water and soil will run off the surface more quickly.&nbsp;Ponded infiltration rates were measured at Hesston in September 2007. Very low infiltration rates (1.9 mm/hour) were observed for continuous winter wheat in which the residue was burned each year before disking and planting the following crop. In contrast, high infiltration rates (13.3 mm/hour) were observed for a no-till wheat/grain sorghum rotation.&nbsp;Another way residue increases soil moisture is by reducing evaporation rates. Residue blocks solar radiation and cools the soil surface by several degrees in summer. Evaporation rates can decline dramatically when the soil is protected with residue. Research from dryland experiments has shown that crop residues are worth 2 to 4 inches of water annually in the central Great Plains states (Efficient crop water use in Kansas, MF3066).&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Consider value of soil residue before baling or burning wheat stubble

The pollinator garden is located on the grounds of KSU Ag Research Center, 1232 240th Avenue, Hays, KS 67601.

As of June 16, 2026, there have been 56,755 Monarch Waystation habitats registered with Monarch Watch, in Kansas there are 1,488 Monarch Waystations. Our waystation, which we designated as Hays Cottonwood District B&amp;B (Butterflies &amp; Bees) is one of 4 in Hays, KS registered with Monarch Watch, in Lawerence, KS

Each fall, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada to mountains in central Mexico where they wait out the winter until conditions favor a return flight in the spring.

Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Monarchs require milkweed in spring and summer which are host plants for larvae and nectar from an array of fall flowers which are the energy sources for adults as they complete the migration.

We encourage all to go out and look at our pollinator garden. We will be posting periodically information about our pollinator garden and upcoming Monarch tagging event in September.

<a href="https://pollinator.org/monarch">More information about Monarch Watch can be found at this link. </a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/6/1782835711386.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KSU Extension CottonwoodThe pollinator garden is located on the grounds of KSU Ag Research Center, 1232 240th Avenue, Hays, KS 67601.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/6/1782835680420.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>As of June 16, 2026, there have been 56,755 Monarch Waystation habitats registered with Monarch Watch, in Kansas there are 1,488 Monarch Waystations. Our waystation, which we designated as Hays Cottonwood District B&amp;B (Butterflies &amp; Bees) is one of 4 in Hays, KS registered with Monarch Watch, in Lawerence, KSWhat is a Monarch Waystation?Each fall, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada to mountains in central Mexico where they wait out the winter until conditions favor a return flight in the spring.Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Monarchs require milkweed in spring and summer which are host plants for larvae and nectar from an array of fall flowers which are the energy sources for adults as they complete the migration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/6/1782835626570.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>We encourage all to go out and look at our pollinator garden. We will be posting periodically information about our pollinator garden and upcoming Monarch tagging event in September.<a href="https://pollinator.org/monarch">More information about Monarch Watch can be found at this link. </a>

Local Master Gardeners announce pollinator garden recognized as Monarch Waystation

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Recent warming temperatures and wet weather patterns have created ideal conditions for mosquitoes, said Kansas State University entomologist Raymond Cloyd.&nbsp;

“There are a lot of situations (near the home) where standing water is around,” he said. “We need to be aware of mosquitoes.”&nbsp;

Cloyd suggests clearing out the breeding environments used by mosquitoes to help mitigate their numbers near homes.&nbsp;

“The way we approach mosquito management is source reduction, that is, remove all stagnant water from bird baths, old tires, wheelbarrows, or anything that holds water for an extended period of time,” he said.&nbsp;

Other ways to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds, according to the K-State Research and Extension publication, Pests That Affect Human Health: Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus:&nbsp;

· Eliminate artificial water-holding containers. If that is not possible, empty buckets, cans, bottles, used tires and other containers at least once a week. &nbsp;

· Fill or drain tree holes, stumps and puddles. &nbsp;

· Irrigate gardens and lawns carefully to prevent water standing for more than a few days. &nbsp;

· Check for water trapped in plastic covers on boats and swimming pools. &nbsp;

· Make sure rain gutters are clean and do not hold water. &nbsp;

People can also use a wide variety of repellents to lessen the presence of female mosquitoes during the times they’re most active, according to Cloyd. &nbsp;

“If you're going to be out at dusk and dawn, spray your body with a repellent such as DEET, Picaridin or IR3535,” he said. &nbsp;

Permethrin acts as another form of female mosquito control that affects them directly, but it must be applied properly to ensure human safety.&nbsp;

“Permethrin is an insecticide, but you don't spray it on your skin,” Cloyd said. “You spray it just on your clothing. When you come back inside take a shower (after application).”&nbsp;

Mosquito management can also occur during the early phases of the insect’s life cycle using a larvicide in the form of mosquito dunks or bits.&nbsp;

“You can put mosquito dunks and bits in water to kill mosquitos in the larval stage,” Cloyd said. They're completely harmless to pets and fish; all they kill is mosquito larva. So if you have a pond that's not agitated or a bird bath you don't want to change, you can throw in these mosquito dunks or bits. They'll eat it then they’ll die.”&nbsp;

He added: “Dunks and bits are stomach poisons that contain the active ingredient, Bacillus thuringienesis (subspecies kurstaki, or Btk). Btk is a soil-borne bacterium that only kills mosquito larvae. It will manage mosquito larval populations for one to four weeks after application.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictRecent warming temperatures and wet weather patterns have created ideal conditions for mosquitoes, said Kansas State University entomologist Raymond Cloyd.&nbsp;“There are a lot of situations (near the home) where standing water is around,” he said. “We need to be aware of mosquitoes.”&nbsp;Cloyd suggests clearing out the breeding environments used by mosquitoes to help mitigate their numbers near homes.&nbsp;“The way we approach mosquito management is source reduction, that is, remove all stagnant water from bird baths, old tires, wheelbarrows, or anything that holds water for an extended period of time,” he said.&nbsp;Other ways to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds, according to the K-State Research and Extension publication, Pests That Affect Human Health: Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus:&nbsp;· Eliminate artificial water-holding containers. If that is not possible, empty buckets, cans, bottles, used tires and other containers at least once a week. &nbsp;· Fill or drain tree holes, stumps and puddles. &nbsp;· Irrigate gardens and lawns carefully to prevent water standing for more than a few days. &nbsp;· Check for water trapped in plastic covers on boats and swimming pools. &nbsp;· Make sure rain gutters are clean and do not hold water. &nbsp;People can also use a wide variety of repellents to lessen the presence of female mosquitoes during the times they’re most active, according to Cloyd. &nbsp;“If you're going to be out at dusk and dawn, spray your body with a repellent such as DEET, Picaridin or IR3535,” he said. &nbsp;Permethrin acts as another form of female mosquito control that affects them directly, but it must be applied properly to ensure human safety.&nbsp;“Permethrin is an insecticide, but you don't spray it on your skin,” Cloyd said. “You spray it just on your clothing. When you come back inside take a shower (after application).”&nbsp;Mosquito management can also occur during the early phases of the insect’s life cycle using a larvicide in the form of mosquito dunks or bits.&nbsp;“You can put mosquito dunks and bits in water to kill mosquitos in the larval stage,” Cloyd said. They're completely harmless to pets and fish; all they kill is mosquito larva. So if you have a pond that's not agitated or a bird bath you don't want to change, you can throw in these mosquito dunks or bits. They'll eat it then they’ll die.”&nbsp;He added: “Dunks and bits are stomach poisons that contain the active ingredient, Bacillus thuringienesis (subspecies kurstaki, or Btk). Btk is a soil-borne bacterium that only kills mosquito larvae. It will manage mosquito larval populations for one to four weeks after application.”

BOOR: Mosquitoes 

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks about the area wheat harvest with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension crop production specialist.

Campbell also talks about weed control after harvest and how to be on the outlook for chinch bugs.

Kiser: The Hays area wheat harvest is winding down, is slightly slowed down because of the recent wet weather. I'm Becky Kaiser, Hays Post Eagle Radio News with crop production specialist Stacey Campbell of the Cottonwood Extension District. We'll also talk about weed control after harvest and the threat of chinch bugs.

It's all on this episode of the Hays Post podcast.&nbsp; We had a story on earlier this morning, news story, Stacey, that was state averages, wheat was not looking really great, right? You know, most of it was poor to fare and about 60% of it cut, look like locally.

Campbell: Yeah, locally. So I was telling you, we actually do a weekly crop report that's turned into USDA Ag Statistics Service, and that's due every Monday morning. And I was doing it yesterday morning, but I was texting guys at some of the elevators, and a few farmers saying, Where are we at on wheat harvest?

And we are a little further along than what I realized. I put down an average of 80%, probably should have put 85. &nbsp;We're somewhere between probably 80 to 90% done with wheat harvest, give or take some.

It's moved along pretty good, obviously, with this last big rain that's going to slow things down for a bit, and with anything, I know one guy that just started the day before the rain, kind of a smaller farmer, but there's quite a few that are done here in Ellis County, anyway, that's where we're at on wheat harvest.

Kiser: And one of the things we wanted to talk about is, and I know that you've talked about this in years past too, is weed control after the harvest happened.&nbsp;

Campbell: Obviously with this moisture, and since we didn't have a great wheat crop, the stands were thinner, weeds were already starting to come up before the wheat was harvested and now that you've taken off more wheat, even though you've maybe, if you're no till, and you've, you've left the residue out there, like a lot of guys still have right now, there's less residue there.

There's more sunlight hitting the ground with this moisture, weeds are just taking off, and guys, it's going to be better, I know it's going to cost money, but to get out there and spray them sooner than later, while they're still small, and also when you're spraying them, kind of our standard post-emergent stuff is Roundup two 4d and dicamba, but you could also add a product that's got some residual.

That would persist in the soil to help give some weed control for a little bit longer, and the products that they can consider are like sharpen, reviton, flumy and spartan, so maybe consider putting those in the tank as well when you're doing those post applications of weeds after weed harvest, and the sooner the better. 

Our weed specialist, I kind of like what she says. We tell guys four inches or less is when we want to start controlling weeds, so that kind of equates to when they get past the height of a beer can, it's kind of time to start spraying them and we know there's going to be others coming. But we know that with the resistance of several of our weeds now, if you let them get very big, they get really, really hard to control.

Kiser: As a reminder, people who are harvesting or have just finished, they can also enter some of their best wheat in Ellis County far.

Campbell: yes, the Ellis County fairs coming up, July 11 through the 17th, but there's also an opportunity for about anybody to enter almost anything they want in the fair, whether they be youth or adults, and the farmers can actually interfere into an open class market wheat show, there's some good prize money if you win, it's I think about $75 for this little bag of wheat.

I remember one year a guy that had never done it put some wheat in there and won it, and he came in later and goes, "Man, I mean, what would this equate to per bushel? He said, "No, that's a lot of money. So he was kind of tickled that he got the $75 check for having the champion wheat. So the way they do well, &nbsp;is you can literally just fill a zip lock bag at the elevator, or if you've got a bin at home, take some out of there. You can take it to the elevator, and then I'll come around and pick it up here before the harvest. 

Or you can run it by the extension office. You do have to fill out a little crop data card. It doesn't take long. It's when you planted it, what variety, if you fertilized it, putting herbicide down, just some cropping history and then boom, you're entered, and we'll take it from there.

Kiser: Also, you talked about this a couple times when you were here before about the wheat plot, you just got some results hot off the press for us.

Campbell: Yes. I just got kind of the wheat plot results figured yesterday, so we'll get those up on our website and have them thrown out on social media as well, and our website. If you just google Cottonwood extension, you should be able to get our website, and then you'll see where you can click on some different tabs.

 I think it's crops and livestock tab. If you click onto that, you should be able to, probably have to scroll down a little ways, and see the results of our wheat variety test plots, and the one here in Ellis County, pretty excited about, we had a good one. 

The experiment station actually helped me put it out. It is smaller plots, but it's replicated. Each variety is put in three times randomly. It was on fallow ground. It actually did real well. Our yields were anywhere from 40 to 60 bushels, or I think 45 or upper 40s to 60 bushels, so we've got those results with replicated varieties, quite a few of them. So I encourage guys to take a look at that

Kiser: Wonderful, chinch bugs a problem?

Campbell: Oh yeah, chinch bugs used to be an eastern Kansas thing. They overwinter bunch grasses, but for whatever reason, I'm not sure we figured out why.

Our entomologists and stuff, they've just kind of been slowly migrating further west, and basically they're in the wheat, not doing much damage, or any, really. I mean, they're doing some feeding, but you know, the wheat is pretty much mature. 

But once it dries down, and then you harvest the wheat, they move out, and the small nymphs, the immatures, are actually the ones that do most of the feeding, the majority of the feeding, and they can literally just walk out and march many, many feet over to what usually is an adjacent sorghum or feed sorghum Sudan crop, and they're just coming up, so they're small seedling plants, and if you get a bunch of them on there, it can kill them, and it happens.

They won't typically go into the whole field, they'll, they'll go in 6, 8, 10, 12 rows and damage those, so a guy could do some spraying around the border, but it's kind of getting late enough that they're probably already there, and they're hard to kill. They get down into the whirl of the leaf and stuff, so you might just, instead of spraying, just let them take those rows, and you can go back and plant them later, because here, probably in another 10 days to two weeks, they'll kind of subside, potentially. 

If you want to spray them, we've got information on that. Basically, you need a lot of water to try to get good coverage. Drop nozzles if you can to try to get that product down there. Do it in the morning when it's cool, there's going to be more bugs out feeding versus the heat of the day, same in the evening, late, but actually early morning is the best time, because insects do not like the heat because of their exoskeleton.

They like to be out when it's cooler in the heat of the day. If you're out there spraying, more of them are going to be tucked down into the whirl of the leaves and down into that stem where the leaf collar is, and it's going to be hard to get the product to them.

Kiser: Let's shift gears a little bit and talk about lawn care. Now's a good time if you've got the warm season grass, which hopefully people in our area do. You can be doing some fertilizing of it.&nbsp;

Campbell: Yep, yep, your warm season grasses, which are Bermuda, buffalo, and zoysia. This is the time to fertilize, and June is kind of the optimum time.

Kiser: I just had that done, actually.

Campbell: Good. Sometimes I tell people what they should do, and then I don't do it, but I did get my fertilizer out too, and then finally got some more rain on it, and that's what you want. Just the rain has got to get it incorporated. So, if you can get a half inch or more of rain, then you get it incorporated, and it starts going to work.&nbsp;

If you want to fertilize your warm season grass, now's the time to do it. Now, with buffalo, it's not as competitive with competing with the weeds, so it's kind of optional whether you fertilize buffalo grass or not.

 I mean, you can if you want kind of a little thicker plush or lawn, but you can also kind of spur some weed growth, because buffalo usually doesn't have that thicker canopy, we'll say, like Bermuda. So, anyway, now's the time. 

Also, core aerating is another management practice you can do if you want to. It just helps with, with overall management, better lawn, your core aerating, you're taking two three inch cores out of the soil with a special machine, and that kind of aerates that soil. You can go rent them from the rental places, or I think there's some folks here in town that'll come do it for you.

Kiser: While we're talking about lawn, you may have some new trees that you put in in the spring, and people, a lot of people like to stake those, and you want to remind them that you don't leave them staked forever.&nbsp;

Campbell: after a year. If you planted a tree last year, it should be good to go. You shouldn't need to stake it anymore. Take the wires and whatever you've got around them off and pull the post. I have seen countless times to where people just leave them on and as the tree grows, it starts growing into it and that's called girdling, to where it basically kind of kills that outer tissue that cambium layer, which is what moves nutrients up and down in the tree, so you're doing more harm than good.

So, after one year of them being staked, you need to pull all those out of there, it should be good to go. Also, get the stakes out of there. The post I've seen, where if they put them pretty close to the tree, 10 years from now, the tree's starting to grow into the stake, and there, again, you've done more harm than good.

Kiser: And while you're out there looking at trees, check for bag worms.

Campbell: Yep, it's that time of year. If you've got any kind evergreen type trees or shrubs, they seem to prefer those, they'll eat other stuff too. Check for bag worms. If you've checked and you just got a few, you can literally pick them off. We suggest get a little soapy water, throw them in there, and then when you're done, just throw them literally out onto the lawn or the driveway, where it's sunny, and that'll, that'll finish them off, but if you've got them pretty badly, then you may need to spray, but now is the time to be checking and spraying for bag worms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/6/1782401393961.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays area wheat harvest is winding down" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=4gupg-1af6ca7-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks about the area wheat harvest with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension crop production specialist.Campbell also talks about weed control after harvest and how to be on the outlook for chinch bugs.Transcript:&nbsp;Kiser: The Hays area wheat harvest is winding down, is slightly slowed down because of the recent wet weather. I'm Becky Kaiser, Hays Post Eagle Radio News with crop production specialist Stacey Campbell of the Cottonwood Extension District. We'll also talk about weed control after harvest and the threat of chinch bugs. It's all on this episode of the Hays Post podcast.&nbsp; We had a story on earlier this morning, news story, Stacey, that was state averages, wheat was not looking really great, right? You know, most of it was poor to fare and about 60% of it cut, look like locally.Campbell: Yeah, locally. So I was telling you, we actually do a weekly crop report that's turned into USDA Ag Statistics Service, and that's due every Monday morning. And I was doing it yesterday morning, but I was texting guys at some of the elevators, and a few farmers saying, Where are we at on wheat harvest? And we are a little further along than what I realized. I put down an average of 80%, probably should have put 85. &nbsp;We're somewhere between probably 80 to 90% done with wheat harvest, give or take some.It's moved along pretty good, obviously, with this last big rain that's going to slow things down for a bit, and with anything, I know one guy that just started the day before the rain, kind of a smaller farmer, but there's quite a few that are done here in Ellis County, anyway, that's where we're at on wheat harvest.Kiser: And one of the things we wanted to talk about is, and I know that you've talked about this in years past too, is weed control after the harvest happened.&nbsp;Campbell: Obviously with this moisture, and since we didn't have a great wheat crop, the stands were thinner, weeds were already starting to come up before the wheat was harvested and now that you've taken off more wheat, even though you've maybe, if you're no till, and you've, you've left the residue out there, like a lot of guys still have right now, there's less residue there.There's more sunlight hitting the ground with this moisture, weeds are just taking off, and guys, it's going to be better, I know it's going to cost money, but to get out there and spray them sooner than later, while they're still small, and also when you're spraying them, kind of our standard post-emergent stuff is Roundup two 4d and dicamba, but you could also add a product that's got some residual.That would persist in the soil to help give some weed control for a little bit longer, and the products that they can consider are like sharpen, reviton, flumy and spartan, so maybe consider putting those in the tank as well when you're doing those post applications of weeds after weed harvest, and the sooner the better. Our weed specialist, I kind of like what she says. We tell guys four inches or less is when we want to start controlling weeds, so that kind of equates to when they get past the height of a beer can, it's kind of time to start spraying them and we know there's going to be others coming. But we know that with the resistance of several of our weeds now, if you let them get very big, they get really, really hard to control.Kiser: As a reminder, people who are harvesting or have just finished, they can also enter some of their best wheat in Ellis County far.Campbell: yes, the Ellis County fairs coming up, July 11 through the 17th, but there's also an opportunity for about anybody to enter almost anything they want in the fair, whether they be youth or adults, and the farmers can actually interfere into an open class market wheat show, there's some good prize money if you win, it's I think about $75 for this little bag of wheat. I remember one year a guy that had never done it put some wheat in there and won it, and he came in later and goes, "Man, I mean, what would this equate to per bushel? He said, "No, that's a lot of money. So he was kind of tickled that he got the $75 check for having the champion wheat. So the way they do well, &nbsp;is you can literally just fill a zip lock bag at the elevator, or if you've got a bin at home, take some out of there. You can take it to the elevator, and then I'll come around and pick it up here before the harvest. Or you can run it by the extension office. You do have to fill out a little crop data card. It doesn't take long. It's when you planted it, what variety, if you fertilized it, putting herbicide down, just some cropping history and then boom, you're entered, and we'll take it from there.Kiser: Also, you talked about this a couple times when you were here before about the wheat plot, you just got some results hot off the press for us.Campbell: Yes. I just got kind of the wheat plot results figured yesterday, so we'll get those up on our website and have them thrown out on social media as well, and our website. If you just google Cottonwood extension, you should be able to get our website, and then you'll see where you can click on some different tabs. I think it's crops and livestock tab. If you click onto that, you should be able to, probably have to scroll down a little ways, and see the results of our wheat variety test plots, and the one here in Ellis County, pretty excited about, we had a good one. The experiment station actually helped me put it out. It is smaller plots, but it's replicated. Each variety is put in three times randomly. It was on fallow ground. It actually did real well. Our yields were anywhere from 40 to 60 bushels, or I think 45 or upper 40s to 60 bushels, so we've got those results with replicated varieties, quite a few of them. So I encourage guys to take a look at thatKiser: Wonderful, chinch bugs a problem?Campbell: Oh yeah, chinch bugs used to be an eastern Kansas thing. They overwinter bunch grasses, but for whatever reason, I'm not sure we figured out why. Our entomologists and stuff, they've just kind of been slowly migrating further west, and basically they're in the wheat, not doing much damage, or any, really. I mean, they're doing some feeding, but you know, the wheat is pretty much mature. But once it dries down, and then you harvest the wheat, they move out, and the small nymphs, the immatures, are actually the ones that do most of the feeding, the majority of the feeding, and they can literally just walk out and march many, many feet over to what usually is an adjacent sorghum or feed sorghum Sudan crop, and they're just coming up, so they're small seedling plants, and if you get a bunch of them on there, it can kill them, and it happens.They won't typically go into the whole field, they'll, they'll go in 6, 8, 10, 12 rows and damage those, so a guy could do some spraying around the border, but it's kind of getting late enough that they're probably already there, and they're hard to kill. They get down into the whirl of the leaf and stuff, so you might just, instead of spraying, just let them take those rows, and you can go back and plant them later, because here, probably in another 10 days to two weeks, they'll kind of subside, potentially. If you want to spray them, we've got information on that. Basically, you need a lot of water to try to get good coverage. Drop nozzles if you can to try to get that product down there. Do it in the morning when it's cool, there's going to be more bugs out feeding versus the heat of the day, same in the evening, late, but actually early morning is the best time, because insects do not like the heat because of their exoskeleton.They like to be out when it's cooler in the heat of the day. If you're out there spraying, more of them are going to be tucked down into the whirl of the leaves and down into that stem where the leaf collar is, and it's going to be hard to get the product to them.Kiser: Let's shift gears a little bit and talk about lawn care. Now's a good time if you've got the warm season grass, which hopefully people in our area do. You can be doing some fertilizing of it.&nbsp;Campbell: Yep, yep, your warm season grasses, which are Bermuda, buffalo, and zoysia. This is the time to fertilize, and June is kind of the optimum time.Kiser: I just had that done, actually.Campbell: Good. Sometimes I tell people what they should do, and then I don't do it, but I did get my fertilizer out too, and then finally got some more rain on it, and that's what you want. Just the rain has got to get it incorporated. So, if you can get a half inch or more of rain, then you get it incorporated, and it starts going to work.&nbsp;If you want to fertilize your warm season grass, now's the time to do it. Now, with buffalo, it's not as competitive with competing with the weeds, so it's kind of optional whether you fertilize buffalo grass or not. I mean, you can if you want kind of a little thicker plush or lawn, but you can also kind of spur some weed growth, because buffalo usually doesn't have that thicker canopy, we'll say, like Bermuda. So, anyway, now's the time. Also, core aerating is another management practice you can do if you want to. It just helps with, with overall management, better lawn, your core aerating, you're taking two three inch cores out of the soil with a special machine, and that kind of aerates that soil. You can go rent them from the rental places, or I think there's some folks here in town that'll come do it for you.Kiser: While we're talking about lawn, you may have some new trees that you put in in the spring, and people, a lot of people like to stake those, and you want to remind them that you don't leave them staked forever.&nbsp;Campbell: after a year. If you planted a tree last year, it should be good to go. You shouldn't need to stake it anymore. Take the wires and whatever you've got around them off and pull the post. I have seen countless times to where people just leave them on and as the tree grows, it starts growing into it and that's called girdling, to where it basically kind of kills that outer tissue that cambium layer, which is what moves nutrients up and down in the tree, so you're doing more harm than good. So, after one year of them being staked, you need to pull all those out of there, it should be good to go. Also, get the stakes out of there. The post I've seen, where if they put them pretty close to the tree, 10 years from now, the tree's starting to grow into the stake, and there, again, you've done more harm than good.Kiser: And while you're out there looking at trees, check for bag worms.Campbell: Yep, it's that time of year. If you've got any kind evergreen type trees or shrubs, they seem to prefer those, they'll eat other stuff too. Check for bag worms. If you've checked and you just got a few, you can literally pick them off. We suggest get a little soapy water, throw them in there, and then when you're done, just throw them literally out onto the lawn or the driveway, where it's sunny, and that'll, that'll finish them off, but if you've got them pretty badly, then you may need to spray, but now is the time to be checking and spraying for bag worms.

🎙 Hays area wheat harvest is winding down 

By Stacy Campbell&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District, Hays&nbsp;

Accounting for nitrogen (N) applied with irrigation water can save you money on your fertilizer bill. When not removed with crop harvest, fertilizer, and manure N can leach into the groundwater where it accumulates over time as nitrate. Several factors affect nitrate leaching, such as fertilization rates, precipitation patterns, irrigation rates, soil properties, depth to groundwater, and geology. Therefore, nitrate concentrations in irrigation water are highly variable across the state. Recent analyses of groundwater nitrate in south-central Kansas, for example, showed concentrations ranging from less than 1 ppm to over 50 ppm nitrate-nitrogen.&nbsp;

How much N is applied with my irrigation water? Estimating the amount of N applied with irrigation water is obtained by multiplying the nitrate concentration in the irrigation water by the irrigation depth and the constant 0.226 (see equation below).&nbsp;

For example, a producer applying 12 inches of water from a well with a nitrate concentration of 15 ppm N would be applying approximately 40 lb N/ac with irrigation water over the growing season (15 ppm x 12 inches x 0.226 = 40.7 lb N/ac).&nbsp;

Recent price increases have raised N near $1/lb of N (28-0-0 selling at $560 per ton), greatly increasing the value of N in irrigation water.&nbsp;

How do I adjust my fertilizer N rates based on irrigation water? The best strategies for adjusting N fertilizer rates will vary from one producer to another, depending on their nutrient management system. For example, producers who regularly fertigate could reduce fertigation rates based on the N applied through irrigation water earlier in the season. Producers who rely on preplant applications of N should include a credit based on the typical amount of annual irrigation they would apply when calculating their N recommendation a resource to help is KSU soil test interpretation and fertilizer recommendations MF2586.&nbsp;

Producers should consult with their extension agent or agronomist to select the best options for their cropping system. Accounting for N in irrigation water can save producers money on their fertilizer bills and reduce future N leaching, thereby protecting drinking water quality. It all starts with testing the irrigation water.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell, Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell, Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By Stacy Campbell&nbsp;Cottonwood Extension District, Hays&nbsp;Accounting for nitrogen (N) applied with irrigation water can save you money on your fertilizer bill. When not removed with crop harvest, fertilizer, and manure N can leach into the groundwater where it accumulates over time as nitrate. Several factors affect nitrate leaching, such as fertilization rates, precipitation patterns, irrigation rates, soil properties, depth to groundwater, and geology. Therefore, nitrate concentrations in irrigation water are highly variable across the state. Recent analyses of groundwater nitrate in south-central Kansas, for example, showed concentrations ranging from less than 1 ppm to over 50 ppm nitrate-nitrogen.&nbsp;How much N is applied with my irrigation water? Estimating the amount of N applied with irrigation water is obtained by multiplying the nitrate concentration in the irrigation water by the irrigation depth and the constant 0.226 (see equation below).&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/6/1782225842908.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>For example, a producer applying 12 inches of water from a well with a nitrate concentration of 15 ppm N would be applying approximately 40 lb N/ac with irrigation water over the growing season (15 ppm x 12 inches x 0.226 = 40.7 lb N/ac).&nbsp;Recent price increases have raised N near $1/lb of N (28-0-0 selling at $560 per ton), greatly increasing the value of N in irrigation water.&nbsp;How do I adjust my fertilizer N rates based on irrigation water? The best strategies for adjusting N fertilizer rates will vary from one producer to another, depending on their nutrient management system. For example, producers who regularly fertigate could reduce fertigation rates based on the N applied through irrigation water earlier in the season. Producers who rely on preplant applications of N should include a credit based on the typical amount of annual irrigation they would apply when calculating their N recommendation a resource to help is KSU soil test interpretation and fertilizer recommendations MF2586.&nbsp;Producers should consult with their extension agent or agronomist to select the best options for their cropping system. Accounting for N in irrigation water can save producers money on their fertilizer bills and reduce future N leaching, thereby protecting drinking water quality. It all starts with testing the irrigation water.&nbsp;How do I test my irrigation water? Test your irrigation water by collecting a sample in a clean container and sending it to a laboratory that offers irrigation water analysis, such as the K-State Soil Testing lab or a commercial soil and water testing lab.&nbsp;· Most labs will only need 4 to 8 ounces of water and will supply containers for testing.&nbsp;· Check with your selected lab to confirm their requirements, fees, and services.&nbsp;· The container must be clean and free from contaminants. Triple rinse the container with irrigation water before filling.&nbsp;· Clearly label the bottle as irrigation water, not for human consumption, and add any other information required by the testing lab.&nbsp;Steps for collecting irrigation water:&nbsp;1. Collect samples after the first irrigation set or cycle has been completed, preferably during the peak of the pumping season.&nbsp;2. Allow the well to run for 1 to 2 hours prior to sampling.&nbsp;3. Allow water to run from the faucet or valve before collecting the sample, i.e., do not catch the first water exiting the valve&nbsp;4. If multiple wells are used to feed the irrigation system, it’s preferable to take the sample from a point after the water has been mixed. Alternatively, the wells can be sampled independently, and a weighted average calculated based on each well’s flow rate,&nbsp;5. Do not collect samples while injecting fertilizer or other chemicals.&nbsp;6. Keep the sample cool and send it to the laboratory as soon as possible.&nbsp;The best practice is to collect a few samples throughout the summer because nitrate concentrations can vary throughout the season as the well draws water from different parts of the aquifer.&nbsp;Free Nitrate Testing Available for a Limited Time - 100 free nitrate tests available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Kansas Water Institute is providing a limited number of free nitrate tests. To obtain your free test, complete the online form at: <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yDiv62qL15IGPk">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yDiv62qL15IGPk</a> and follow the instructions