Kansas businesses and entrepreneurs were honored recently at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state economy at the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony.

Bank of Hays was honored with the Small Business Champion—Corporate Partner Award.

It was announced at the ceremony, attended by nearly 500 people, that Grey Snow Management Solutions won the 2025 Governor’s Award of Excellence and GeoProbe Systems was named the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year.&nbsp;

“Grey Snow and GeoProbe have dynamic missions and visions that align with our commitment to moving Kansas forward and supporting customers and communities across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Companies like these advance our state’s exporting efforts, contribute significantly to their local economies, and are more than deserving of these awards.”&nbsp;

A record 431 businesses, organizations, and individuals were nominated in 11 different categories for this year’s To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. Nominees were reviewed and scored for various criteria, including business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investment, and support for local community events. A total of 372 Merit Awards and 59 Regional Awards were presented at the event. Additionally, one nominee in each category was designated a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.&nbsp;

“Kansas businesses are the backbone of the record-setting success our state has experienced over the last six years,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All the businesses recognized at To The Stars are worthy of celebration because they exemplify our famous work ethic and determination, further solidifying Kansas as the best place in the nation to do business.”&nbsp;

To kick off the awards ceremony, emcee Melissa Vincent recognized two Kansans who have been inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to economic growth. This year’s contemporary honoree, Marci Penner, is a rural champion and author from Inman who is the executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The historical honoree, Emerson Carey, Sr., is an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Hutchinson known as a salt manufacturer and industrial leader.&nbsp;

Commerce also introduced two new award categories: the Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award that highlights corporations demonstrating exceptional commitment to small business — and the Mainstreet Momentum Award that honors a business continuously working to improve downtown areas and commercial districts through growth and engagement.

The 2025 Statewide Award winners are below:&nbsp;

The 2025 Governor’s Award of Excellence winner, Grey Snow Management Solutions, is an economic development enterprise created to manage, build, support, and enhance tribal sovereignty, as well as provide expert services for government and commercial clients. Their mission is to provide sustainable, responsible, and profitable services for the cultural and financial betterment of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and all of Indian Country across North America.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Governor’s Exporter of the Year award has been given to a Kansas company for more than three decades. The award brings statewide recognition to companies for their export efforts and showcases companies as role models of exporting success in Kansas.&nbsp;

The 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year winner, GeoProbe Systems, was founded in 1987 by two engineers who manufactured and introduced the first direct push machines and tooling to the environmental industry — changing the way soil, groundwater, and soil gas samples are collected. Since those first methods went to the field, GeoProbe has invested heavily in engineering to continue developing new designs and innovative techniques for fieldwork, diversified across a wide range of drilling industries – garnering a global reputation as a drilling industry leader.&nbsp;

Other Exporter of the Year finalists were SOR Controls Group of Lenexa and Harlan Global Manufacturing of Kansas City.&nbsp;

At the end of the awards ceremony, the agency introduced the new Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Development Award. It will recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing Kansas in the global economy. The award was named in honor of Randi Tveitaraas Jack, who recently retired from the Kansas Department of Commerce after more than 37 years of outstanding service to the state. The agency recognized James “Jamie” Hall, Vice President of Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina, as the inaugural recipient.&nbsp;

A full list of the 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards winners and photographs from the event can be found <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%252Ftothestars%252Fto-the-stars-kansas-business-awards-2025%252F%2F1%2F01010199f32e2301-ee89078a-73ca-4b72-a73b-2cdc5cf230cb-000000%2FItZRP1N6BRxNmhbxvOz_Lu1HbYIOZh-oQj7u-NKDots%3D427&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ckeira.beatty%40ks.gov%7C3f6ee1556e1f4d575a3608de0da132aa%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638963183158465249%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=yPK1J%2Fj3w87USKE8DJU1h1M6j7iR9Vs7tqNqFHQ3wcs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/10/1792089537694.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas businesses and entrepreneurs were honored recently at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state economy at the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony.Bank of Hays was honored with the Small Business Champion—Corporate Partner Award.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bp99RcPBwGA?si=Hf6olnM0ZbAcGxW2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>It was announced at the ceremony, attended by nearly 500 people, that Grey Snow Management Solutions won the 2025 Governor’s Award of Excellence and GeoProbe Systems was named the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year.&nbsp;“Grey Snow and GeoProbe have dynamic missions and visions that align with our commitment to moving Kansas forward and supporting customers and communities across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Companies like these advance our state’s exporting efforts, contribute significantly to their local economies, and are more than deserving of these awards.”&nbsp;A record 431 businesses, organizations, and individuals were nominated in 11 different categories for this year’s To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. Nominees were reviewed and scored for various criteria, including business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investment, and support for local community events. A total of 372 Merit Awards and 59 Regional Awards were presented at the event. Additionally, one nominee in each category was designated a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.&nbsp;“Kansas businesses are the backbone of the record-setting success our state has experienced over the last six years,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All the businesses recognized at To The Stars are worthy of celebration because they exemplify our famous work ethic and determination, further solidifying Kansas as the best place in the nation to do business.”&nbsp;To kick off the awards ceremony, emcee Melissa Vincent recognized two Kansans who have been inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to economic growth. This year’s contemporary honoree, Marci Penner, is a rural champion and author from Inman who is the executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The historical honoree, Emerson Carey, Sr., is an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Hutchinson known as a salt manufacturer and industrial leader.&nbsp;Commerce also introduced two new award categories: the Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award that highlights corporations demonstrating exceptional commitment to small business — and the Mainstreet Momentum Award that honors a business continuously working to improve downtown areas and commercial districts through growth and engagement.The 2025 Statewide Award winners are below:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Agribusiness – Liquid Art Winery and Estate, Manhattan</li><li>Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – American Implement, Garden City</li><li>Business Innovation – Shed Lifestyles, LLC, Kansas City</li><li>Healthcare/Nonprofit – Special Olympics Kansas, Inc., Mission</li><li>Mainstreet Momentum – Grand Central Hotel and Grill, Cottonwood Falls</li><li>Manufacturing/Distribution – LeDuc Memorial Designs, Concordia</li><li>Non-Traditional Talent Pools – AllMetal Recycling, LLC, Wichita</li><li>Retail/Service – Grey Snow Management Solutions, Cloud</li><li>Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner – Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc., Norton</li><li>Under 30 Entrepreneur – Braiden Werth, Werth Eye Group, P.A., Hays</li><li>Welcome Back – Davey and Kim Froman, Miners and Monroe, Pittsburg&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The 2025 Governor’s Award of Excellence winner, Grey Snow Management Solutions, is an economic development enterprise created to manage, build, support, and enhance tribal sovereignty, as well as provide expert services for government and commercial clients. Their mission is to provide sustainable, responsible, and profitable services for the cultural and financial betterment of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and all of Indian Country across North America.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Governor’s Exporter of the Year award has been given to a Kansas company for more than three decades. The award brings statewide recognition to companies for their export efforts and showcases companies as role models of exporting success in Kansas.&nbsp;The 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year winner, GeoProbe Systems, was founded in 1987 by two engineers who manufactured and introduced the first direct push machines and tooling to the environmental industry — changing the way soil, groundwater, and soil gas samples are collected. Since those first methods went to the field, GeoProbe has invested heavily in engineering to continue developing new designs and innovative techniques for fieldwork, diversified across a wide range of drilling industries – garnering a global reputation as a drilling industry leader.&nbsp;Other Exporter of the Year finalists were SOR Controls Group of Lenexa and Harlan Global Manufacturing of Kansas City.&nbsp;At the end of the awards ceremony, the agency introduced the new Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Development Award. It will recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing Kansas in the global economy. The award was named in honor of Randi Tveitaraas Jack, who recently retired from the Kansas Department of Commerce after more than 37 years of outstanding service to the state. The agency recognized James “Jamie” Hall, Vice President of Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina, as the inaugural recipient.&nbsp;A full list of the 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards winners and photographs from the event can be found <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%252Ftothestars%252Fto-the-stars-kansas-business-awards-2025%252F%2F1%2F01010199f32e2301-ee89078a-73ca-4b72-a73b-2cdc5cf230cb-000000%2FItZRP1N6BRxNmhbxvOz_Lu1HbYIOZh-oQj7u-NKDots%3D427&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ckeira.beatty%40ks.gov%7C3f6ee1556e1f4d575a3608de0da132aa%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638963183158465249%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=yPK1J%2Fj3w87USKE8DJU1h1M6j7iR9Vs7tqNqFHQ3wcs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Kansas Landowner Conference will inform decisions about your land

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/10/1792089537694.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas businesses and entrepreneurs were honored recently at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state economy at the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony.Bank of Hays was honored with the Small Business Champion—Corporate Partner Award.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bp99RcPBwGA?si=ejUahx8UjLHkIKA0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>It was announced at the ceremony, attended by nearly 500 people, that Grey Snow Management Solutions won the 2025 Governor’s Award of Excellence and GeoProbe Systems was named the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year.&nbsp;“Grey Snow and GeoProbe have dynamic missions and visions that align with our commitment to moving Kansas forward and supporting customers and communities across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Companies like these advance our state’s exporting efforts, contribute significantly to their local economies, and are more than deserving of these awards.”&nbsp;A record 431 businesses, organizations, and individuals were nominated in 11 different categories for this year’s To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. Nominees were reviewed and scored for various criteria, including business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investment, and support for local community events. A total of 372 Merit Awards and 59 Regional Awards were presented at the event. Additionally, one nominee in each category was designated a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.&nbsp;“Kansas businesses are the backbone of the record-setting success our state has experienced over the last six years,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All the businesses recognized at To The Stars are worthy of celebration because they exemplify our famous work ethic and determination, further solidifying Kansas as the best place in the nation to do business.”&nbsp;To kick off the awards ceremony, emcee Melissa Vincent recognized two Kansans who have been inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to economic growth. This year’s contemporary honoree, Marci Penner, is a rural champion and author from Inman who is the executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The historical honoree, Emerson Carey, Sr., is an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Hutchinson known as a salt manufacturer and industrial leader.&nbsp;Commerce also introduced two new award categories: the Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award that highlights corporations demonstrating exceptional commitment to small business — and the Mainstreet Momentum Award that honors a business continuously working to improve downtown areas and commercial districts through growth and engagement.The 2025 Statewide Award winners are below:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Agribusiness – Liquid Art Winery and Estate, Manhattan</li><li>Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – American Implement, Garden City</li><li>Business Innovation – Shed Lifestyles, LLC, Kansas City</li><li>Healthcare/Nonprofit – Special Olympics Kansas, Inc., Mission</li><li>Mainstreet Momentum – Grand Central Hotel and Grill, Cottonwood Falls</li><li>Manufacturing/Distribution – LeDuc Memorial Designs, Concordia</li><li>Non-Traditional Talent Pools – AllMetal Recycling, LLC, Wichita</li><li>Retail/Service – Grey Snow Management Solutions, Cloud</li><li>Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner – Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc., Norton</li><li>Under 30 Entrepreneur – Braiden Werth, Werth Eye Group, P.A., Hays</li><li>Welcome Back – Davey and Kim Froman, Miners and Monroe, Pittsburg&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The 2025 Governor’s Award of Excellence winner, Grey Snow Management Solutions, is an economic development enterprise created to manage, build, support, and enhance tribal sovereignty, as well as provide expert services for government and commercial clients. Their mission is to provide sustainable, responsible, and profitable services for the cultural and financial betterment of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and all of Indian Country across North America.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Governor’s Exporter of the Year award has been given to a Kansas company for more than three decades. The award brings statewide recognition to companies for their export efforts and showcases companies as role models of exporting success in Kansas.&nbsp;The 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year winner, GeoProbe Systems, was founded in 1987 by two engineers who manufactured and introduced the first direct push machines and tooling to the environmental industry — changing the way soil, groundwater, and soil gas samples are collected. Since those first methods went to the field, GeoProbe has invested heavily in engineering to continue developing new designs and innovative techniques for fieldwork, diversified across a wide range of drilling industries – garnering a global reputation as a drilling industry leader.&nbsp;Other Exporter of the Year finalists were SOR Controls Group of Lenexa and Harlan Global Manufacturing of Kansas City.&nbsp;At the end of the awards ceremony, the agency introduced the new Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Development Award. It will recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing Kansas in the global economy. The award was named in honor of Randi Tveitaraas Jack, who recently retired from the Kansas Department of Commerce after more than 37 years of outstanding service to the state. The agency recognized James “Jamie” Hall, Vice President of Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina, as the inaugural recipient.&nbsp;A full list of the 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards winners and photographs from the event can be found <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%252Ftothestars%252Fto-the-stars-kansas-business-awards-2025%252F%2F1%2F01010199f32e2301-ee89078a-73ca-4b72-a73b-2cdc5cf230cb-000000%2FItZRP1N6BRxNmhbxvOz_Lu1HbYIOZh-oQj7u-NKDots%3D427&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ckeira.beatty%40ks.gov%7C3f6ee1556e1f4d575a3608de0da132aa%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638963183158465249%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=yPK1J%2Fj3w87USKE8DJU1h1M6j7iR9Vs7tqNqFHQ3wcs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Many people, for a variety of reasons, such as arthritis or other painful conditions, don’t participate in regular physical activity, despite the health benefits it would offer.

The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease program was developed to help people with or without arthritis form walking groups whose goals are safety and success. The program’s three major objectives are to provide participants with

· Education about successful physical activity for people with arthritis · Education about arthritis management · Opportunity to begin and develop an ongoing aerobic fitness program

Walk with Ease’s information and strategies are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management.

The group will meet for 7 weeks, twice per week. Each session lasts about one hour. The length of each session depends on how long the group decides to walk. At the start, some people may only be able to walk 5 to 15 minutes, but the program will help you gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of walking, two-three times a week. The program can be modified to meet the interests and needs of participants who walk at their own pace.

Each session begins with a brief discussion of a topic important to successful walking or arthritis management. After the discussion the group will warm up, stretch, walk, cool down, and stretch one last time. Walking with a group is fun and groups often spend additional time socializing.

The Walk with Ease program is designed for people with arthritis- young and old, male and female, fit and not-so-fit. It is also suitable for people without arthritis who would like to begin a regular walking program to gain the benefits of regular aerobic exercise.

If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can probably participate successfully, and the program can be modified to meet your needs.

If you want to participate but have concerns about your health, consult your health care practitioner before you begin.

To participate in the course, please contact the Cottonwood Extension Office at 785-628-9430 or email moniquek@ksu.edu or you can stop by the office at 601 Main St. The cost is $15 to participate, which covers the cost of the book. Classes will meet on Monday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at Big Creek Crossing. Classes begin November 2, 2026.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/10/1791292255471.png" alt="Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Walk with Ease program can reduce pain, improve overall health" 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=5vi37-1b8450b-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>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictMany people, for a variety of reasons, such as arthritis or other painful conditions, don’t participate in regular physical activity, despite the health benefits it would offer.The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease program was developed to help people with or without arthritis form walking groups whose goals are safety and success. The program’s three major objectives are to provide participants with· Education about successful physical activity for people with arthritis · Education about arthritis management · Opportunity to begin and develop an ongoing aerobic fitness programWalk with Ease’s information and strategies are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management.How does it work?The group will meet for 7 weeks, twice per week. Each session lasts about one hour. The length of each session depends on how long the group decides to walk. At the start, some people may only be able to walk 5 to 15 minutes, but the program will help you gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of walking, two-three times a week. The program can be modified to meet the interests and needs of participants who walk at their own pace.Each session begins with a brief discussion of a topic important to successful walking or arthritis management. After the discussion the group will warm up, stretch, walk, cool down, and stretch one last time. Walking with a group is fun and groups often spend additional time socializing.Who can participate?The Walk with Ease program is designed for people with arthritis- young and old, male and female, fit and not-so-fit. It is also suitable for people without arthritis who would like to begin a regular walking program to gain the benefits of regular aerobic exercise.If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can probably participate successfully, and the program can be modified to meet your needs.If you want to participate but have concerns about your health, consult your health care practitioner before you begin.How do I register?To participate in the course, please contact the Cottonwood Extension Office at 785-628-9430 or email moniquek@ksu.edu or you can stop by the office at 601 Main St. The cost is $15 to participate, which covers the cost of the book. Classes will meet on Monday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at Big Creek Crossing. Classes begin November 2, 2026.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

🎙KOERNER: Walk with Ease program can reduce pain, improve overall health

Autumn is a great time to check on several areas of your home, both inside and out!

The Kansas Department of Insurance shared a good checklist to identify and address seasonal hazards to minimize insurance claims. These include:

· Clean and inspect gutters, drainage, and the roof. Clean gutters before leaves accumulate, make sure downspouts are securely attached and direct water away from foundations. Look for damage around skylights and chimneys, loose vents and ponding-water issues.

· Remove hazardous limbs and secure exterior property. Address branches that may touch roofs or siding, trees with visible cracks and dead or dying limbs ahead of autumn storms that often produce damaging wind and hail.

· Check for water intrusion and foundation drainage. Don’t forget to check for moisture in basements and crawlspaces, or by windows, door seals, sump pumps and backup systems.

· Prepare plumbing for freezing temperatures. Disconnect exterior hoses, insulate vulnerable pipes, and know where your home’s main water shutoff is.

· Service heating equipment and inspect fire hazards. Proactively examine chimneys and flues, test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, and make sure your fire extinguisher is in good condition and easily accessible.

I really appreciate these practical tips and the note from Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, “Taking a few simple steps to prepare your home as the seasons change can help prevent insurance claims. By addressing potential hazards now, homeowners can reduce the risk of damage to their property throughout the fall and winter.”

In addition to checking things outdoors, autumn is a great time to review financial records. In the event of an emergency, having family members who know how and where to access your records can be a huge help! Stop for a moment and think: Do you know where all your records are located? Would someone else know in case of your injury or death?

Records should be accessible when needed and stored in a safe place. Receipts, documentation, proofs of ownership and identification may be necessary to collect insurance, pension, or retirement benefits, to receive military compensation, and to solve tax or inheritance problems.

K-State Extension has a great resource to help you collect and document the important information you may need. You can access the document at <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/our-valuable-records_MF685">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/our-valuable-records_MF685</a> or stop by the office and we’ll print one off for you.

This document provides space to record everything from bank and investment accounts to health and life insurance information as well as property ownership and tax and legal advisors.

Taking a little time to review inside and outside can save you time and headaches in the long run.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

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. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Autumn is a great time to check on several areas of your home, both inside and out!The Kansas Department of Insurance shared a good checklist to identify and address seasonal hazards to minimize insurance claims. These include:· Clean and inspect gutters, drainage, and the roof. Clean gutters before leaves accumulate, make sure downspouts are securely attached and direct water away from foundations. Look for damage around skylights and chimneys, loose vents and ponding-water issues.· Remove hazardous limbs and secure exterior property. Address branches that may touch roofs or siding, trees with visible cracks and dead or dying limbs ahead of autumn storms that often produce damaging wind and hail.· Check for water intrusion and foundation drainage. Don’t forget to check for moisture in basements and crawlspaces, or by windows, door seals, sump pumps and backup systems.· Prepare plumbing for freezing temperatures. Disconnect exterior hoses, insulate vulnerable pipes, and know where your home’s main water shutoff is.· Service heating equipment and inspect fire hazards. Proactively examine chimneys and flues, test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, and make sure your fire extinguisher is in good condition and easily accessible.I really appreciate these practical tips and the note from Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, “Taking a few simple steps to prepare your home as the seasons change can help prevent insurance claims. By addressing potential hazards now, homeowners can reduce the risk of damage to their property throughout the fall and winter.”In addition to checking things outdoors, autumn is a great time to review financial records. In the event of an emergency, having family members who know how and where to access your records can be a huge help! Stop for a moment and think: Do you know where all your records are located? Would someone else know in case of your injury or death?Records should be accessible when needed and stored in a safe place. Receipts, documentation, proofs of ownership and identification may be necessary to collect insurance, pension, or retirement benefits, to receive military compensation, and to solve tax or inheritance problems.K-State Extension has a great resource to help you collect and document the important information you may need. You can access the document at <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/our-valuable-records_MF685">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/our-valuable-records_MF685</a> or stop by the office and we’ll print one off for you.This document provides space to record everything from bank and investment accounts to health and life insurance information as well as property ownership and tax and legal advisors.Taking a little time to review inside and outside can save you time and headaches in the long run.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!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: Autumn checklist for home, financial records

With the recent precipitation, producers may consider planting wheat back into freshly harvested summer crop residue. 

While the current drought conditions offer significant challenges, there are additional considerations when seeding wheat immediately after the harvest of a summer crop. Some have been doing this for a while when the opportunity presents itself, while others might be considering it. 

This article discusses several key management considerations to remember.

If planting wheat after corn, adapted varieties with the best ratings for Fusarium head blight (scab) should be used. Due to moisture use by the previous summer crop, varieties with high levels of drought tolerance should be used. As wheat is generally planted later after a summer crop, varieties with good ratings for winter hardiness and late fall tillering should be selected. These ratings are available in the <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/kansas-wheat-variety-guide-2026_MF991.pdf">K-State publication MF991, Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2026</a>.

Wheat should be planted as soon as possible after harvest. Later planting dates shorten the window for forming fall tillers, which are more productive than spring-initiated tillers.

Seeding Rate: Seeding rates should be increased with delayed planting or in challenging high-residue environments where adequate stand establishment may be difficult. As previously mentioned, delayed planting reduces the opportunity to initiate fall tillers, and increasing seeding rates can overcome some of that reduction.

Evenly spreading crop residue at harvest is a key action that can positively affect the productivity of the subsequent wheat crop. Uneven distribution of the summer crop residue can make it difficult to maintain adequate depth of seed placement. It can also result in uneven nutrient availability, as areas with higher crop residue are likely to immobilize more nitrogen.

Seeding Equipment and Seeding Depth

Seeding to adequate depth in high-residue conditions is necessary to ensure healthy crown development, maintain access to sufficient soil moisture in drying conditions, and reduce the potential for winter injury. 

Producers should ensure their drill is set to achieve adequate depth in the thickest crop residue layers. Drills and air-seeders often require additional ballast (weight) to maintain adequate downforce to cut through residue and place seed at the target depth. 

Producers should use ground speeds that maximize seeding performance. Often, increasing ground speed aids in the flow of residue through the seeding tool. However, increasing speed also increases the ballast and downforce requirements necessary to achieve the target seeding depth.

Generally, higher rates of fall-applied nitrogen are necessary for wheat when planted after corn or sorghum. This is especially true after sorghum, which generally has residue with lower nitrogen content, making it more likely to immobilize available nitrogen. An additional 30 lb./ac of Nitrogen should be applied to wheat following grain sorghum or sunflowers, compared with other crops. 

Wheat planted after soybeans should not have its nitrogen application lowered relative to continuous wheat, as the organic nitrogen release from the soybean crop is likely to occur too late to benefit the wheat crop significantly.

Producers should check the label of all products used in the preceding crop and their plant back restriction to wheat. Precipitation received since application can play a large role in the potential injury to the wheat crop from any residual herbicide.

Planting wheat after sorghum is rarely done, but the potential effect of allelopathy of sorghum residue on wheat stand establishment and yield is often difficult to separate from nutrient availability and other potential yield-limiting factors. Concerns over allelopathy should not discourage producers from no-till planting wheat after grain sorghum when the aforementioned production concerns are addressed.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/10/1791295724590.jpeg" alt="Wheat drilling. Photo by Post Rock Extension District&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Wheat drilling. Photo by Post Rock Extension District&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictWith the recent precipitation, producers may consider planting wheat back into freshly harvested summer crop residue. While the current drought conditions offer significant challenges, there are additional considerations when seeding wheat immediately after the harvest of a summer crop. Some have been doing this for a while when the opportunity presents itself, while others might be considering it. This article discusses several key management considerations to remember.Variety Selection If planting wheat after corn, adapted varieties with the best ratings for Fusarium head blight (scab) should be used. Due to moisture use by the previous summer crop, varieties with high levels of drought tolerance should be used. As wheat is generally planted later after a summer crop, varieties with good ratings for winter hardiness and late fall tillering should be selected. These ratings are available in the <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/kansas-wheat-variety-guide-2026_MF991.pdf">K-State publication MF991, Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2026</a>.Planting Date Wheat should be planted as soon as possible after harvest. Later planting dates shorten the window for forming fall tillers, which are more productive than spring-initiated tillers.Seeding Rate: Seeding rates should be increased with delayed planting or in challenging high-residue environments where adequate stand establishment may be difficult. As previously mentioned, delayed planting reduces the opportunity to initiate fall tillers, and increasing seeding rates can overcome some of that reduction.Harvest ConsiderationsEvenly spreading crop residue at harvest is a key action that can positively affect the productivity of the subsequent wheat crop. Uneven distribution of the summer crop residue can make it difficult to maintain adequate depth of seed placement. It can also result in uneven nutrient availability, as areas with higher crop residue are likely to immobilize more nitrogen.Seeding Equipment and Seeding DepthSeeding to adequate depth in high-residue conditions is necessary to ensure healthy crown development, maintain access to sufficient soil moisture in drying conditions, and reduce the potential for winter injury. Producers should ensure their drill is set to achieve adequate depth in the thickest crop residue layers. Drills and air-seeders often require additional ballast (weight) to maintain adequate downforce to cut through residue and place seed at the target depth. Producers should use ground speeds that maximize seeding performance. Often, increasing ground speed aids in the flow of residue through the seeding tool. However, increasing speed also increases the ballast and downforce requirements necessary to achieve the target seeding depth.Nutrient ManagementGenerally, higher rates of fall-applied nitrogen are necessary for wheat when planted after corn or sorghum. This is especially true after sorghum, which generally has residue with lower nitrogen content, making it more likely to immobilize available nitrogen. An additional 30 lb./ac of Nitrogen should be applied to wheat following grain sorghum or sunflowers, compared with other crops. Wheat planted after soybeans should not have its nitrogen application lowered relative to continuous wheat, as the organic nitrogen release from the soybean crop is likely to occur too late to benefit the wheat crop significantly.Herbicide HistoryProducers should check the label of all products used in the preceding crop and their plant back restriction to wheat. Precipitation received since application can play a large role in the potential injury to the wheat crop from any residual herbicide.AllelopathyPlanting wheat after sorghum is rarely done, but the potential effect of allelopathy of sorghum residue on wheat stand establishment and yield is often difficult to separate from nutrient availability and other potential yield-limiting factors. Concerns over allelopathy should not discourage producers from no-till planting wheat after grain sorghum when the aforementioned production concerns are addressed.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Management considerations for no-till wheat following summer row crop

Come join the Prairie Garden Festival, Sat., Oct. 10, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. hosted by the K-State Extension Cottonwood District, 601 Main, Hays, for&nbsp;an event centered around building resilient native garden habitats for wildlife and water conservation.

Come learn about water wise gardening, native plants and wild flowers, pollinators and beneficial insects, soil conservation, tree care, native wildlife and habitat conservation and much more.

Our speakers include Xerces Society, Water Smart Hays, Sunflower Audubon Chapter of the Audubon of Kansas and the Kansas Forest Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/10/1791475448405.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwood Extension DistrictCome join the Prairie Garden Festival, Sat., Oct. 10, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. hosted by the K-State Extension Cottonwood District, 601 Main, Hays, for&nbsp;an event centered around building resilient native garden habitats for wildlife and water conservation.Come learn about water wise gardening, native plants and wild flowers, pollinators and beneficial insects, soil conservation, tree care, native wildlife and habitat conservation and much more.Our speakers include Xerces Society, Water Smart Hays, Sunflower Audubon Chapter of the Audubon of Kansas and the Kansas Forest Service.

Free Prairie Garden Festival Saturday at Cottonwood Extension in Hays

The Pink Pumpkin Project is turning a fall tradition into a reminder that breast cancer affects women and men, and that early detection does make a difference.

The American Cancer Society estimates 321,910 women and 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026. An estimated 42,670 people, including 530 men, will die from the disease. Those are national projections, not final counts. <a href="https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2026/2026-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com">www.cancer.org</a>

Breast cancer in men is uncommon, but it happens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 1 in 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States is in a man. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/about/men.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">www.cdc.gov</a>

The Pink Pumpkin Project brings together Kansas State University research and extension teams, the Cottonwood Extension District, master gardeners, conservation partners, HaysMed, the HaysMed Foundation and local businesses. Proceeds support the K-State Agricultural Research Center, the Cottonwood Extension District and the HaysMed Breast Care Center.

The project began after Brian Olson, head of the Western Kansas Research and Extension Centers at K-State, heard about pink pumpkins and saw a way to connect the idea with local families affected by breast cancer.

“We need to do something with pink pumpkins in our community,” Olson said. “We've had a number of folks that have had breast cancer that have worked for K-State or their spouses have had breast cancer, and so how can we marry those two together?”&nbsp;

About 24 people planted 3,500 seeds in early June. Since then, master gardeners and research center staff have helped care for the patch and manage pests.

Jay Harris, director of the Cottonwood Extension District, said the pumpkins can vary in color, from green to blue to pink. Harris said most pumpkins turn pink after they are picked and sit in the sun.

At the project’s launch, HaysMed nurse practitioner Denise DeBoer said breast cancer can be difficult to detect early without screening or attention to changes in the body. The American Cancer Society reports that women whose invasive breast cancer is diagnosed while still localized, before it has spread beyond the breast, have a five-year relative survival rate above 99%.&nbsp;

For cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body, the rate is 32%. These figures describe groups of patients and cannot predict an individual person’s outcome. <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">www.cancer.org</a>

“Our greatest tool is early detection,” DeBoer said.

She encouraged average-risk women to begin screening mammograms by age 40 and to talk with a health care provider about their individual needs. She also urged people to report changes such as a lump, skin dimpling or a nipple beginning to pull inward.&nbsp;

While the project focuses on breast cancer awareness, men should also seek medical advice if they notice breast or chest changes.

The project’s activities include pumpkin-picking events, participating businesses, social media promotion and stories from breast cancer survivors. Visitors can write the name of someone they want to honor or remember on a card that will be displayed near the patch.

HaysMed Foundation representative Jeffrey Brull said the project also responds to a challenge facing rural breast care: large grants that once supported the center are increasingly focused on metropolitan areas. He said local fundraisers and partnerships help the community support its own services.

HaysMed Marketing Director Leanna Swart encouraged community members to share the project’s posts. Swart shared that her mother, who died of breast cancer five years ago, would have loved the pink pumpkins.

Organizers hope to make the project an annual effort and are exploring whether pumpkins could eventually be genetically developed in different colors to support other causes, such as blue pumpkins for prostate cancer awareness and purple pumpkins for pancreatic cancer awareness.

Organizers said weather may affect event hours. Updates, an interactive map of participating businesses and a form for sharing a story of hope or survivorship are available through the HaysMed Foundation website.&nbsp;

The Pink Pumpkin Patch is open Oct. 1-11.

Please use designated parking and entrances. Do not park along the highway. Updates and directions are available on the <a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/pink-find-us/">HaysMed Foundation website</a> and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysAreaChamber/posts/1551919883646701/">Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/10/1791215629593.jpeg" alt="The Pink Pumpkin Project. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Pink Pumpkin Project. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALIN HETT Hays PostThe Pink Pumpkin Project is turning a fall tradition into a reminder that breast cancer affects women and men, and that early detection does make a difference.The American Cancer Society estimates 321,910 women and 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026. An estimated 42,670 people, including 530 men, will die from the disease. Those are national projections, not final counts. <a href="https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2026/2026-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com">www.cancer.org</a>Breast cancer in men is uncommon, but it happens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 1 in 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States is in a man. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/about/men.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">www.cdc.gov</a>The Pink Pumpkin Project brings together Kansas State University research and extension teams, the Cottonwood Extension District, master gardeners, conservation partners, HaysMed, the HaysMed Foundation and local businesses. Proceeds support the K-State Agricultural Research Center, the Cottonwood Extension District and the HaysMed Breast Care Center.The project began after Brian Olson, head of the Western Kansas Research and Extension Centers at K-State, heard about pink pumpkins and saw a way to connect the idea with local families affected by breast cancer.“We need to do something with pink pumpkins in our community,” Olson said. “We've had a number of folks that have had breast cancer that have worked for K-State or their spouses have had breast cancer, and so how can we marry those two together?”&nbsp;About 24 people planted 3,500 seeds in early June. Since then, master gardeners and research center staff have helped care for the patch and manage pests.Jay Harris, director of the Cottonwood Extension District, said the pumpkins can vary in color, from green to blue to pink. Harris said most pumpkins turn pink after they are picked and sit in the sun.At the project’s launch, HaysMed nurse practitioner Denise DeBoer said breast cancer can be difficult to detect early without screening or attention to changes in the body. The American Cancer Society reports that women whose invasive breast cancer is diagnosed while still localized, before it has spread beyond the breast, have a five-year relative survival rate above 99%.&nbsp;For cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body, the rate is 32%. These figures describe groups of patients and cannot predict an individual person’s outcome. <a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">www.cancer.org</a>“Our greatest tool is early detection,” DeBoer said.She encouraged average-risk women to begin screening mammograms by age 40 and to talk with a health care provider about their individual needs. She also urged people to report changes such as a lump, skin dimpling or a nipple beginning to pull inward.&nbsp;While the project focuses on breast cancer awareness, men should also seek medical advice if they notice breast or chest changes.The project’s activities include pumpkin-picking events, participating businesses, social media promotion and stories from breast cancer survivors. Visitors can write the name of someone they want to honor or remember on a card that will be displayed near the patch.HaysMed Foundation representative Jeffrey Brull said the project also responds to a challenge facing rural breast care: large grants that once supported the center are increasingly focused on metropolitan areas. He said local fundraisers and partnerships help the community support its own services.HaysMed Marketing Director Leanna Swart encouraged community members to share the project’s posts. Swart shared that her mother, who died of breast cancer five years ago, would have loved the pink pumpkins.Organizers hope to make the project an annual effort and are exploring whether pumpkins could eventually be genetically developed in different colors to support other causes, such as blue pumpkins for prostate cancer awareness and purple pumpkins for pancreatic cancer awareness.Organizers said weather may affect event hours. Updates, an interactive map of participating businesses and a form for sharing a story of hope or survivorship are available through the HaysMed Foundation website.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/10/1791215659348.jpeg" alt="All partners lined up at the Ribbon Cutting on Oct. 1 at the K State Agriculture Research Center in Hays. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>All partners lined up at the Ribbon Cutting on Oct. 1 at the K State Agriculture Research Center in Hays. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Pink Pumpkin Patch is open Oct. 1-11.<ul>
 <li>Patch hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2-4 p.m.</li><li>Downtown market: Saturdays, 7:30-11 a.m., at the Downtown Pavilion, east of 10th and Main streets.</li><li>Prices: Large pumpkins are $10 each or three for $20. Small pumpkins are $5 each or three for $10.</li>
 </ul>Please use designated parking and entrances. Do not park along the highway. Updates and directions are available on the <a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/pink-find-us/">HaysMed Foundation website</a> and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysAreaChamber/posts/1551919883646701/">Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page</a>.

Pink Pumpkin Project supports breast cancer awareness

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

I always love the changing of the seasons, especially summer to fall. After the heat of the summer, the cool, crisp mornings and cooler days makes me happy. 

One of the first signs that I can tell that summer is on its way out is the first leaves on the cottonwood trees starting to turn yellow. The reds and oranges of the maples and oaks quickly follow suite. Although the New England states is the place to view the changing of the seasons, Kansas is no slouch. 

I found an article this week for you for the Horticulture Department about why trees change the colors they do and how you get the striking colors of fall.&nbsp;Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown.

Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Other pigments produce fall colors. Reds and purples are caused by anthocyanins, yellows by xanthophylls, and oranges by a combination of carotenes and xanthophylls. Browns are the result of tannins present in the leaf. Most of these substances are present throughout the growing season but are masked by the green color produced by chlorophyll. Anthocyanins are the exception and are produced after the chlorophyll is destroyed in the fall.&nbsp;

If you have ever seen pictures of New England in the fall, you have probably wondered why trees in Kansas usually do not color as well. This difference is partly because of the tree species prevalent in New England. Certain oaks and maples naturally produce good color. Coloring also is influenced by the weather.&nbsp;

Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis and, thus, sugar accumulation in the leaves. As fall progresses, each leaf develops an abscission layer at the base of the petiole, or leaf stem, that prevents these sugars from being transported down the trunk to the roots for storage. This high sugar content in the leaves produces more intense colors. Cloudy days and warm nights prevent some of the sugar accumulation in the leaves and results in less vibrant colors.&nbsp;

Weather during other parts of the growing season also can have an effect. Heavy rains in the early spring or hot, dry weather during the summer can both have a deleterious effect on fall color.

The length of time a tree maintains fall color also depends on weather. Reds, yellows and oranges are short-lived when trees undergo frosts and freezes.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State 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/2026/4/1777344220434.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District I always love the changing of the seasons, especially summer to fall. After the heat of the summer, the cool, crisp mornings and cooler days makes me happy. One of the first signs that I can tell that summer is on its way out is the first leaves on the cottonwood trees starting to turn yellow. The reds and oranges of the maples and oaks quickly follow suite. Although the New England states is the place to view the changing of the seasons, Kansas is no slouch. I found an article this week for you for the Horticulture Department about why trees change the colors they do and how you get the striking colors of fall.&nbsp;Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown.Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Other pigments produce fall colors. Reds and purples are caused by anthocyanins, yellows by xanthophylls, and oranges by a combination of carotenes and xanthophylls. Browns are the result of tannins present in the leaf. Most of these substances are present throughout the growing season but are masked by the green color produced by chlorophyll. Anthocyanins are the exception and are produced after the chlorophyll is destroyed in the fall.&nbsp;If you have ever seen pictures of New England in the fall, you have probably wondered why trees in Kansas usually do not color as well. This difference is partly because of the tree species prevalent in New England. Certain oaks and maples naturally produce good color. Coloring also is influenced by the weather.&nbsp;Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis and, thus, sugar accumulation in the leaves. As fall progresses, each leaf develops an abscission layer at the base of the petiole, or leaf stem, that prevents these sugars from being transported down the trunk to the roots for storage. This high sugar content in the leaves produces more intense colors. Cloudy days and warm nights prevent some of the sugar accumulation in the leaves and results in less vibrant colors.&nbsp;Weather during other parts of the growing season also can have an effect. Heavy rains in the early spring or hot, dry weather during the summer can both have a deleterious effect on fall color.The length of time a tree maintains fall color also depends on weather. Reds, yellows and oranges are short-lived when trees undergo frosts and freezes.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910

BOOR: The changing colors of fall

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension Agent

Fall armyworms began arriving in Kansas in mid-June, and pheromone trap counts continued to increase statewide during September (Figure 1).

Another potential fall pest, army cutworms, have been detected in traps in western Kansas since the beginning of September. Army cutworms are late-fall and early-spring pests of several Kansas crops, including alfalfa, wheat, and triticale. These moths begin migrating into Kansas in the fall from their over-summering locations in the Rocky Mountains. Trap counts of 800 or more army cutworm moths in an area through October may indicate significant caterpillar activity the following spring. Currently, northwest Kansas has the highest number of moths being trapped weekly.

Female moths can lay up to 1000 eggs or more. After hatching, caterpillars will begin feeding until cold weather forces them below ground. Caterpillars will complete their growth next spring as the weather warms and then burrow into the soil to pupate. Sexually immature adults emerge in late spring and migrate back to the mountains for summer. This is the “miller moth” flight that can be a nuisance some years during the spring.

Given the presence of these two pests and continued warmer weather in the forecast, at-risk fields should continue to be scouted weekly for caterpillar activity. In the case of army cutworms, caterpillars may be small and hard to find; pay close attention for window-pane damage on young plants (Figure 3).

Keep in mind that caterpillars increase in size at an exponential rate and most of the feeding occurs during the later stage of development. It is critical to scout early and treat, if needed, when the caterpillars are less than a half-inch long. Larger caterpillars are harder to control and do the most damage. Arrival of cooler weather may help to slow down caterpillar activity and development.

For more information regarding caterpillar management, take a look at the following Insect Pest Management Guides by K-State Research &amp; Extension. 

Alfalfa Insect Pest Management <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/alfalfa-insect-pest-management-2026_MF809.PDF">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.PDF </a>

Wheat Insect Pest Management <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/wheat-insect-pest-management-2026_MF745.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/wheat-insect-pest-management-2025_MF745.pdf</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757047440663.jpeg" alt="Armyworm. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Armyworm. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1790700695528.png" alt="Army Cutworm adult month and Army Cutworm larva. Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Army Cutworm adult month and Army Cutworm larva. Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension AgentFall armyworms began arriving in Kansas in mid-June, and pheromone trap counts continued to increase statewide during September (Figure 1).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1790700163569.png" alt="Figure 1. Total fall armyworms caught in pheromone traps in September. Map by Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Figure 1. Total fall armyworms caught in pheromone traps in September. Map by Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>Another potential fall pest, army cutworms, have been detected in traps in western Kansas since the beginning of September. Army cutworms are late-fall and early-spring pests of several Kansas crops, including alfalfa, wheat, and triticale. These moths begin migrating into Kansas in the fall from their over-summering locations in the Rocky Mountains. Trap counts of 800 or more army cutworm moths in an area through October may indicate significant caterpillar activity the following spring. Currently, northwest Kansas has the highest number of moths being trapped weekly.Female moths can lay up to 1000 eggs or more. After hatching, caterpillars will begin feeding until cold weather forces them below ground. Caterpillars will complete their growth next spring as the weather warms and then burrow into the soil to pupate. Sexually immature adults emerge in late spring and migrate back to the mountains for summer. This is the “miller moth” flight that can be a nuisance some years during the spring.Given the presence of these two pests and continued warmer weather in the forecast, at-risk fields should continue to be scouted weekly for caterpillar activity. In the case of army cutworms, caterpillars may be small and hard to find; pay close attention for window-pane damage on young plants (Figure 3).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1790700301687.png" alt="Figure 3. “Window-paning” caused by young caterpillar feeding. Photo by K-State Entomology" />
 <figcaption>Figure 3. “Window-paning” caused by young caterpillar feeding. Photo by K-State Entomology</figcaption>
 </figure>Keep in mind that caterpillars increase in size at an exponential rate and most of the feeding occurs during the later stage of development. It is critical to scout early and treat, if needed, when the caterpillars are less than a half-inch long. Larger caterpillars are harder to control and do the most damage. Arrival of cooler weather may help to slow down caterpillar activity and development.For more information regarding caterpillar management, take a look at the following Insect Pest Management Guides by K-State Research &amp; Extension. Alfalfa Insect Pest Management <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/alfalfa-insect-pest-management-2026_MF809.PDF">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.PDF </a>Wheat Insect Pest Management <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/wheat-insect-pest-management-2026_MF745.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/wheat-insect-pest-management-2025_MF745.pdf</a>Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430

CAMPBELL: Fall Armyworms continue to increase, Army Cutworms arriving

Heartland Community Foundation is gearing up for another Give Fest, bringing&nbsp;communities across Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties together for a day of giving, connection and&nbsp;Oktoberfest-inspired fun on Wednesday, October 7.

This year, Heartland has committed a $110,000 match pool, giving donors an opportunity to make&nbsp;their gifts go even further while supporting organizations making a difference throughout the&nbsp;region.

Online giving opens October 1 at <a href="https://www.heartlandgivefest.org/">HeartlandGiveFest.org</a> and continues through Give Fest on&nbsp;October 7.

In-person celebrations will also take place simultaneously in all three counties on&nbsp;October 7. 

Give Fest continues to grow from a giving day into a celebration of the organizations and&nbsp;people working to make the Heartland region stronger. In 2025, 56 participating organizations&nbsp;raised nearly $400,000 in a single day, thanks to generous donors, matching opportunities, bonus&nbsp;games and tremendous community support. 

This year, there are 73 organizations signed up to&nbsp;participate.

“Give Fest is an opportunity to celebrate all the good happening across our communities,” said&nbsp;Sarah Meitner, executive director of Heartland Community Foundation. “It brings donors and&nbsp;nonprofits together, introduces people to organizations they may not have known about before,&nbsp;and gives all of us a chance to see just how much can happen when a community comes together&nbsp;around generosity.”

$110,000 available in matching funds

During Give Fest, donations to participating funds will be matched proportionally, up to 100%, from&nbsp;Heartland Community Foundation’s $110,000 match pool. Donor gifts are placed in the&nbsp;organization’s permanent fund at Heartland, where they are invested to provide a lasting source of&nbsp;support for the organization’s mission. Heartland’s matching dollars are then granted to the&nbsp;organization for immediate needs, allowing a single Give Fest gift to make an impact both today and&nbsp;well into the future.

Several organizations are also highlighting specific projects or needs during this year’s event, giving&nbsp;donors an opportunity to learn more about how Give Fest dollars can make a difference throughout&nbsp;the region. With participating organizations representing healthcare, education, youth, the arts,&nbsp;history, human services, recreation, community development and more, donors can support the&nbsp;causes that matter most to them.

Give Fest was created to mobilize the community to give back in a big way while providing&nbsp;participating organizations an opportunity to share their missions and connect directly with the&nbsp;people they serve.

On October 7, donors can visit participating organizations in person, learn more about their work&nbsp;and enjoy the food, music, games, prizes and Oktoberfest spirit that have become part of Give Fest.

In-person Give Fest celebrations will be held at

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet participating organizations, learn about their missions&nbsp;and make their Give Fest gifts in person. Donors will also have a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card&nbsp;and award a $100 bonus grant to their favorite participating organization.

New this year: Lunch &amp; Happy Hour

This year, Give Fest is adding even more opportunities to gather, connect with participating&nbsp;organizations and enjoy the Oktoberfest spirit in each county.

In Rooks and Trego counties, community members are invited to stop by for a Brats &amp; (Root) Beer Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is free, with free-will donations encouraged to the participating organizations of each donor’s choice.

In Ellis County, the celebration will continue into the late afternoon with a Give Fest Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Hays Rec Center Main Gym. Community members are invited to stop by after work for tasty bites and a menu of mocktails, visit participating organizations and make their Give Fest gifts before the celebration wraps up.

Whether donors join us for lunch, spend time visiting nonprofit booths throughout the day or stop by Happy Hour after work, Give Fest offers plenty of ways to connect with local organizations while celebrating generosity across the Heartland region.

Inspiring the next generation of givers

Give Fest also provides an opportunity for young people across the Heartland region to experience philanthropy firsthand.

Through Heartland’s 5th Grade “Give Bucks” initiative, area fifth graders will visit the Give Fest celebrations throughout the day to meet participating organizations, learn about the many ways nonprofits serve their communities and choose where to donate sponsored Give Bucks.

The experience gives students something many adults never have the opportunity to do at such a young age: make their own charitable giving decisions and see firsthand how generosity can strengthen their community.

• Online: Give at <a href="https://www.heartlandgivefest.org/">www.HeartlandGiveFest.org</a> anytime from midnight October 1 through 11:59 p.m. October 7. Donors can support one organization or divide a single gift among multiple participating funds.

• In Person: Visit one of the Give Fest celebrations on October 7. Ellis County’s event runs from 9 a.m.–6 p.m., while Rooks and Trego county events run from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

• Stop by one of local Heartland offices prior to Oct. 7 and we'll hold the donation until Oct. 7, so it gets matched.

o Ellis County: HCF, 1200 Main St., Suite 102, Hays, KS 67601 (There will be a day-off drop off at this location on Oct. 7, as well.) o Rooks County: HCF, 202 W. Mill, Plainville, KS 67663 o Trego County: HCF, 110 N. Main St., WaKeeney, KS 67672

• By Mail: Mail donations to Heartland Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1673, Hays, KS 67601. Mailed gifts must be received by October 7 to qualify for matching funds.

• Out-of-Town Donors: Gifts may also be sent directly to a participating organization for the organization to bring to Give Fest. Checks should be made payable to Heartland Community Foundation with the organization’s name in the memo.

Donors can make a single gift and designate it among multiple participating organizations, making Give Fest a convenient way to support several causes at once. Leading up to October 7, Heartland Community Foundation will spotlight participating organizations and the work they are doing throughout Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties on social media. 

For a complete list of participating organizations, online giving and additional Give Fest information, visit <a href="https://www.heartlandgivefest.org/">HeartlandGiveFest.org</a>.

• Ag in the Classroom Fund (Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom)

• ARC Cares Fund (Arc of Central Plains)

• Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Ellis County

• Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas

• Catholic Tiger Mental Wellness Fund (Comeau Catholic Campus Center)

• Christmas Magic on Main Street (Hays)

• Company 5 Firefighter Legacy Fund (Ellis County Fire Services)

• Ellis County Youth Action Council

• Fort Hays Tech | North Central Foundation

• High Plains Mental Health Center Endowment

• Humane Society of the High Plains

• K-State Extension Cottonwood District

• Oktoberfest Hays (Volga German Centennial Association)

• Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services

• Scouting America- Coronado Area Council

• The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays

• Victoria City Fire and ECFD Company 4

• Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Rooks County

• Damar St. Joseph Church Sustainability Fund

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1790267849371.png" alt="Heartland Community Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Heartland Community Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationHeartland Community Foundation is gearing up for another Give Fest, bringing&nbsp;communities across Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties together for a day of giving, connection and&nbsp;Oktoberfest-inspired fun on Wednesday, October 7.This year, Heartland has committed a $110,000 match pool, giving donors an opportunity to make&nbsp;their gifts go even further while supporting organizations making a difference throughout the&nbsp;region.Online giving opens October 1 at <a href="https://www.heartlandgivefest.org/">HeartlandGiveFest.org</a> and continues through Give Fest on&nbsp;October 7. In-person celebrations will also take place simultaneously in all three counties on&nbsp;October 7. Give Fest continues to grow from a giving day into a celebration of the organizations and&nbsp;people working to make the Heartland region stronger. In 2025, 56 participating organizations&nbsp;raised nearly $400,000 in a single day, thanks to generous donors, matching opportunities, bonus&nbsp;games and tremendous community support. This year, there are 73 organizations signed up to&nbsp;participate.“Give Fest is an opportunity to celebrate all the good happening across our communities,” said&nbsp;Sarah Meitner, executive director of Heartland Community Foundation. “It brings donors and&nbsp;nonprofits together, introduces people to organizations they may not have known about before,&nbsp;and gives all of us a chance to see just how much can happen when a community comes together&nbsp;around generosity.”$110,000 available in matching fundsDuring Give Fest, donations to participating funds will be matched proportionally, up to 100%, from&nbsp;Heartland Community Foundation’s $110,000 match pool. Donor gifts are placed in the&nbsp;organization’s permanent fund at Heartland, where they are invested to provide a lasting source of&nbsp;support for the organization’s mission. Heartland’s matching dollars are then granted to the&nbsp;organization for immediate needs, allowing a single Give Fest gift to make an impact both today and&nbsp;well into the future.Several organizations are also highlighting specific projects or needs during this year’s event, giving&nbsp;donors an opportunity to learn more about how Give Fest dollars can make a difference throughout&nbsp;the region. With participating organizations representing healthcare, education, youth, the arts,&nbsp;history, human services, recreation, community development and more, donors can support the&nbsp;causes that matter most to them.More than a Giving DayGive Fest was created to mobilize the community to give back in a big way while providing&nbsp;participating organizations an opportunity to share their missions and connect directly with the&nbsp;people they serve.On October 7, donors can visit participating organizations in person, learn more about their work&nbsp;and enjoy the food, music, games, prizes and Oktoberfest spirit that have become part of Give Fest.In-person Give Fest celebrations will be held at<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1790266342234.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Visitors will have the opportunity to meet participating organizations, learn about their missions&nbsp;and make their Give Fest gifts in person. Donors will also have a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card&nbsp;and award a $100 bonus grant to their favorite participating organization.New this year: Lunch &amp; Happy HourThis year, Give Fest is adding even more opportunities to gather, connect with participating&nbsp;organizations and enjoy the Oktoberfest spirit in each county.In Rooks and Trego counties, community members are invited to stop by for a Brats &amp; (Root) Beer Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is free, with free-will donations encouraged to the participating organizations of each donor’s choice.In Ellis County, the celebration will continue into the late afternoon with a Give Fest Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Hays Rec Center Main Gym. Community members are invited to stop by after work for tasty bites and a menu of mocktails, visit participating organizations and make their Give Fest gifts before the celebration wraps up.Whether donors join us for lunch, spend time visiting nonprofit booths throughout the day or stop by Happy Hour after work, Give Fest offers plenty of ways to connect with local organizations while celebrating generosity across the Heartland region. Inspiring the next generation of giversGive Fest also provides an opportunity for young people across the Heartland region to experience philanthropy firsthand.Through Heartland’s 5th Grade “Give Bucks” initiative, area fifth graders will visit the Give Fest celebrations throughout the day to meet participating organizations, learn about the many ways nonprofits serve their communities and choose where to donate sponsored Give Bucks.The experience gives students something many adults never have the opportunity to do at such a young age: make their own charitable giving decisions and see firsthand how generosity can strengthen their community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1790268381526.png" alt="Heartland Community Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Heartland Community Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>How to give• Online: Give at <a href="https://www.heartlandgivefest.org/">www.HeartlandGiveFest.org</a> anytime from midnight October 1 through 11:59 p.m. October 7. Donors can support one organization or divide a single gift among multiple participating funds.• In Person: Visit one of the Give Fest celebrations on October 7. Ellis County’s event runs from 9 a.m.–6 p.m., while Rooks and Trego county events run from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.• Stop by one of local Heartland offices prior to Oct. 7 and we'll hold the donation until Oct. 7, so it gets matched.o Ellis County: HCF, 1200 Main St., Suite 102, Hays, KS 67601 (There will be a day-off drop off at this location on Oct. 7, as well.) o Rooks County: HCF, 202 W. Mill, Plainville, KS 67663 o Trego County: HCF, 110 N. Main St., WaKeeney, KS 67672 • By Mail: Mail donations to Heartland Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1673, Hays, KS 67601. Mailed gifts must be received by October 7 to qualify for matching funds.• Out-of-Town Donors: Gifts may also be sent directly to a participating organization for the organization to bring to Give Fest. Checks should be made payable to Heartland Community Foundation with the organization’s name in the memo.Donors can make a single gift and designate it among multiple participating organizations, making Give Fest a convenient way to support several causes at once. Leading up to October 7, Heartland Community Foundation will spotlight participating organizations and the work they are doing throughout Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties on social media. For a complete list of participating organizations, online giving and additional Give Fest information, visit <a href="https://www.heartlandgivefest.org/">HeartlandGiveFest.org</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1790268289835.png" alt="Heartland Community Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Heartland Community Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>Participating nonprofits includeELLIS COUNTY• A Different Mindset Association• Ag in the Classroom Fund (Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom)• ARC Cares Fund (Arc of Central Plains)• Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Ellis County• Cancer Council of Ellis County• CASA of the High Plains• Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas• Catholic Tiger Mental Wellness Fund (Comeau Catholic Campus Center)• Child Care of Ellis County• Christmas Magic on Main Street (Hays)• Company 5 Firefighter Legacy Fund (Ellis County Fire Services)• Developmental Services of NW Kansas• Ellis High School Booster Club• Ellis County Fair Association• Ellis County Historical Society• Ellis County Youth Action Council • Feeding Hays at St. Michaels• First Baptist Church of Hays• First Call for Help• Fort Hays Tech | North Central Foundation• Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County• Hays Area Children's Center• Hays Arts Council• Hays Community Theatre• Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame• HaysMed Foundation• Hays Public Library Foundation• Hays Recreation Commission• Hays Senior Center• Hays Symphony Guild• High Plains Mental Health Center Endowment• Humane Society of the High Plains • K-State Extension Cottonwood District• Leadership Hays• Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund• Oktoberfest Hays (Volga German Centennial Association)• Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services• Pete Felten Legacy Foundation• Play Hays Foundation• Scouting America- Coronado Area Council• St. Joseph Parish of Hays• STEM Harvest• The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays• TMP-Marian School• United Way of Ellis County• USD 489 Foundation• Victoria City Fire and ECFD Company 4• Victoria Community Coalition Impact• Women Who LeadROOKS COUNTY• A Different Mindset Association• Ag in the Classroom Fund (Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom)• Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Rooks County • CASA of the High Plains• Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas• Damar Community Foundation• Damar St. Joseph Church Sustainability Fund• Developmental Services of NW Kansas• High Plains Mental Health Center Endowment• Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund• Northwest Kansas Ag Education Center Foundation• Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services• Plainville Community Foundation Fund• Plainville Fire Family Legacy Fund• Plainville Kids Wrestling Club• Plainville Memorial Library• Rooks County Healthcare Foundation• Rooks County Historical Society• Rooks County Youth Action Council • Scouting America- Coronado Area Council• Stockton Community Fund• Stockton Recreation CommissionTREGO COUNTY• A Different Mindset Association• Ag in the Classroom Fund (Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom)• Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Trego County• CASA of the High Plains• Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas• Collyer Endowment for Tomorrow• Developmental Services of NW Kansas• High Plains Mental Health Center Endowment• Hutchison Memorial Scholarship Fund (Benefiting Trego County students)• Kelly Plaza• Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Fund• Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services• Scouting America- Coronado Area Council• The Well — Center for Hope• Trego Community General Public Transportation• Trego County Food Pantry• Trego County Historical Society• Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital• Trego County Youth Action Council• Trego Grade School PTO• Trego Hospital Endowment FoundationAbout Heartland Community FoundationSince 2007, the Heartland Community Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties through philanthropy. As an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, HCF connects donors with the philanthropic causes they love, supporting initiatives in various areas including education, healthcare, youth, community development, and more. By fostering a spirit of generosity and engaging local donors, nonprofits, and community members, HCF aims to create a vibrant, supportive community for all. The Heartland Community Foundation is committed to promoting generosity, building endowment funds, and empowering communities to thrive. For more information, visit <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.

Give Fest returns Oct.7 with $110,000 match pool to benefit 73 area organizations 

Have you ever dreamed of turning a favorite family recipe into a business? Or perhaps you already operate a small food business and are looking for ways to improve your operations, reach more customers, or explore new markets.

A food business workshop coming to Hays on Tue., October 6 will provide an opportunity for aspiring and existing food entrepreneurs to gain knowledge, explore possibilities and connect with others interested in growing Kansas' local food economy.

The Hays Food Business Workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the K-State Extension Cottonwood District Office, 601 Main in Hays.

The workshop is designed to help participants better understand the opportunities and challenges involved in starting or strengthening a food-based business. Whether someone is considering launching a food product, expanding an existing operation or exploring what it takes to turn a food-related idea into a viable business, the workshop offers an opportunity to learn and ask questions.

Food businesses play an important role in strengthening local food systems and keeping more economic activity within our communities. From specialty food producers and value-added agricultural products to small-scale food entrepreneurs, these businesses can create new markets for local producers while giving consumers additional choices.

The workshop is part of ongoing efforts by K-State Extension and its community partners to support local food entrepreneurs and encourage the development of food-related businesses in Kansas.

 “Helping people turn ideas into opportunities is an important part of Extension’s role in community development,” said Jay Harris, district director for K-State Extension Cottonwood District. “When we support local food entrepreneurs, we’re not only helping individual businesses—we’re also strengthening the connections between producers, consumers and our local economy.”

Anyone interested in learning more about food entrepreneurship is encouraged to attend.

For questions or additional information, contact Jay Harris at <a href="mailto:jayharris@ksu.edu">jayharris@ksu.edu</a> or 785-628-9430.

What: Hays Food Business Workshop When: October 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: K-State Extension Cottonwood District Office, 601 Main, Hays Contact: Jay Harris, <a href="mailto:jayharris@ksu.edu">jayharris@ksu.edu</a> or 785-628-9430

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1790095811223.jpeg" alt="Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwood Extension DistrictHave you ever dreamed of turning a favorite family recipe into a business? Or perhaps you already operate a small food business and are looking for ways to improve your operations, reach more customers, or explore new markets.A food business workshop coming to Hays on Tue., October 6 will provide an opportunity for aspiring and existing food entrepreneurs to gain knowledge, explore possibilities and connect with others interested in growing Kansas' local food economy.The Hays Food Business Workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the K-State Extension Cottonwood District Office, 601 Main in Hays.The workshop is designed to help participants better understand the opportunities and challenges involved in starting or strengthening a food-based business. Whether someone is considering launching a food product, expanding an existing operation or exploring what it takes to turn a food-related idea into a viable business, the workshop offers an opportunity to learn and ask questions.Food businesses play an important role in strengthening local food systems and keeping more economic activity within our communities. From specialty food producers and value-added agricultural products to small-scale food entrepreneurs, these businesses can create new markets for local producers while giving consumers additional choices.The workshop is part of ongoing efforts by K-State Extension and its community partners to support local food entrepreneurs and encourage the development of food-related businesses in Kansas. “Helping people turn ideas into opportunities is an important part of Extension’s role in community development,” said Jay Harris, district director for K-State Extension Cottonwood District. “When we support local food entrepreneurs, we’re not only helping individual businesses—we’re also strengthening the connections between producers, consumers and our local economy.”Anyone interested in learning more about food entrepreneurship is encouraged to attend.For questions or additional information, contact Jay Harris at <a href="mailto:jayharris@ksu.edu">jayharris@ksu.edu</a> or 785-628-9430.Workshop DetailsWhat: Hays Food Business Workshop When: October 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: K-State Extension Cottonwood District Office, 601 Main, Hays Contact: Jay Harris, <a href="mailto:jayharris@ksu.edu">jayharris@ksu.edu</a> or 785-628-9430

Hays Food Business Workshop to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into opportunities

Wheat is considered a highly responsive crop to band-applied fertilizers, particularly phosphorus (P). Phosphorus applied in-furrow can be an effective method for part or all of the P needs. Wheat plants typically show a significant increase in fall tillers (Figure 1), improved root development, and reduced winterkill with the use of in-furrow fertilizer, particularly in low-P-testing soils.

Phosphorus fertilizer application can be done through the drill with the seed. In-furrow fertilizer can be applied, depending on the soil test and recommended application rate, either in addition to or instead of any pre-plant P applications. The use of dry fertilizer sources with air seeders is a very popular and practical option. However, other P sources (including liquid) are agronomically equivalent, and decisions should be based on cost and adaptability for each operation.

When applying fertilizer with the seed, rates should be limited to avoid potential toxicity to the seedling if the fertilizer N also has Potassium K2O in it. This combination has a higher salt content, which can injure seedlings, as well as any urea-containing fertilizers should never be applied in direct contact with wheat seed.

Research conducted at K-State has shown that in-furrow applications of phosphorus fertilizer consistently improved wheat yields compared to no fertilizer. Yield responses were similar across P sources (DAP vs. MESZ). These results highlight that wheat can safely tolerate higher in-furrow P rates, provided application guidelines are followed. No N + K2O and no urea-containing fertilizers.

Air seeders that place the fertilizer and seed in a 1- to 2-inch band, rather than a narrow seed slot, provide some margin of safety because the concentration of the fertilizer and seed is lower in these diffuse bands. In this scenario, adding a little extra N fertilizer is less likely to injure the seed - but it is still a risk.

What about blending dry 18-46-0 (DAP) or 11-52-0 (MAP) directly with the seed in the hopper? Will the N in these products hurt the seed?

The N in these fertilizer products is in the ammonium-N form (NH4+), not the urea-N form, and is much less likely to injure the wheat seed, even though it is in direct seed contact. If DAP or MAP is mixed with the seed, the mixture can safely be left in the seed hopper overnight without injuring the seed or gumming up the works. However, it is important to keep the wheat mixed with MAP or DAP at a lower relative humidity. Humidity greater than 70% will result in the fertilizer taking up moisture and will cause gumming or caking within the mixture.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/9/1790090941098.png" alt="Figure 1. Effects on wheat tillering and early growth with in-furrow P fertilizer on soil testing low in P. Photo taken in 2020 in Manhattan. Photo by Chris Weber/K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Figure 1. Effects on wheat tillering and early growth with in-furrow P fertilizer on soil testing low in P. Photo taken in 2020 in Manhattan. Photo by Chris Weber/K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictWheat is considered a highly responsive crop to band-applied fertilizers, particularly phosphorus (P). Phosphorus applied in-furrow can be an effective method for part or all of the P needs. Wheat plants typically show a significant increase in fall tillers (Figure 1), improved root development, and reduced winterkill with the use of in-furrow fertilizer, particularly in low-P-testing soils.In-furrow fertilizer applicationPhosphorus fertilizer application can be done through the drill with the seed. In-furrow fertilizer can be applied, depending on the soil test and recommended application rate, either in addition to or instead of any pre-plant P applications. The use of dry fertilizer sources with air seeders is a very popular and practical option. However, other P sources (including liquid) are agronomically equivalent, and decisions should be based on cost and adaptability for each operation.When applying fertilizer with the seed, rates should be limited to avoid potential toxicity to the seedling if the fertilizer N also has Potassium K2O in it. This combination has a higher salt content, which can injure seedlings, as well as any urea-containing fertilizers should never be applied in direct contact with wheat seed.Research conducted at K-State has shown that in-furrow applications of phosphorus fertilizer consistently improved wheat yields compared to no fertilizer. Yield responses were similar across P sources (DAP vs. MESZ). These results highlight that wheat can safely tolerate higher in-furrow P rates, provided application guidelines are followed. No N + K2O and no urea-containing fertilizers.Air seeders that place the fertilizer and seed in a 1- to 2-inch band, rather than a narrow seed slot, provide some margin of safety because the concentration of the fertilizer and seed is lower in these diffuse bands. In this scenario, adding a little extra N fertilizer is less likely to injure the seed - but it is still a risk.What about blending dry 18-46-0 (DAP) or 11-52-0 (MAP) directly with the seed in the hopper? Will the N in these products hurt the seed?The N in these fertilizer products is in the ammonium-N form (NH4+), not the urea-N form, and is much less likely to injure the wheat seed, even though it is in direct seed contact. If DAP or MAP is mixed with the seed, the mixture can safely be left in the seed hopper overnight without injuring the seed or gumming up the works. However, it is important to keep the wheat mixed with MAP or DAP at a lower relative humidity. Humidity greater than 70% will result in the fertilizer taking up moisture and will cause gumming or caking within the mixture.Although the wheat response to these in-furrow fertilizer products is primarily from the P, the small amount of N that is present in DAP, MAP, or 10-34-0 may also be important in some cases. If no pre-plant N was applied, and the soil has little or no carryover N from the previous crop, the N from these fertilizer products could benefit the wheat.Information provided by Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, K-State Nutrient Management Specialist.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.