By RAYMOND CLOYD K-State Extension Specialist in Horticultural Entomology

Brood 19 (XIX) and 13 (XIII) of the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada, will be emerging from certain areas in a number of states in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States but Kansas is not on the list for either cicada.

Periodical cicadas are insects with a 13- or 17-year life cycle depending on geography. Seventeen year life cycles are affiliated with the northern and western regions of the United States whereas 13 year life cycles are associated with the southern regions of the United States. Periodical cicadas have the longest life cycle of any insect, spending almost all their lives as nymphs underground that feed on the xylem (water conducting tissues) of plant roots. From April to June, millions of periodical cicada nymphs will emerge from the soil in an area in almost “perfect synchrony.” The factors responsible for the synchronized emergence are still not well understood.

Each periodical cicada emergence is referred to as a brood with each brood represented by a Roman numeral. There are 30 broods. Seventeen-year periodical cicada broods are designated I to XVII- and 13-year periodical cicada broods are designated XVIII to XXX. Different species are associated with the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada life cycles.

Periodical cicada nymphs undergo five instars (stages between each molt). Early instars are translucent or cream colored, and resemble ants or termites. The later instars are over 1 inch in length and move through the soil feeding on the xylem tissue of plant roots for 13 or 17 years. From April to June, fifth instar nymphs emerge from the soil and crawl onto tree trunks, posts, or other objects. The nymphs remain stationary, and then transition into adults that emerge from the hardened exoskeleton of the nymph. These exoskeletons are present long after adult populations have declined. Adults are 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, black, with red eyes and legs, and have orange veined wings that are held roof like over the body. Adults are active for four to six weeks. In the

first two weeks after emergence, adult females and males congregate at chorus centers, which are locations where males sing and mating occurs. Each mated female disperses from the chorus center and creates a series of slits or egg nests, using her sawlike ovipositor (egg laying device), along the length of 1/4 to 1/2-inch diameter twigs or branches of trees. A female can lay 20 to 30 eggs into each slit or egg nest, with each female capable of laying up to 600 eggs during her six week lifespan. Eggs are laid into the twigs or branches of a number of different trees including: ash, elm, hickory, and oak.

Nymphs emerge (eclose) from the eggs after six to 10 weeks and fall onto the soil surface. The nymphs then enter the soil and start feeding on plant roots. Periodical cicada nymphs are the only insect known to feed on the xylem tissue of plant roots. The nymphs will remain in the soil for 13 or 17 years.

The main plant damage caused by the periodical cicada is associated with egg laying wounds created by females when using their sawlike ovipositor to lay eggs into twigs or small branches. Twig or branch dieback, or flagging may be noticeable later on in the growing season, especially on large trees, such as, oaks. Young, newly planted trees can be substantially damaged or even killed. For those interested, the next brood of periodical cicada to emerge in Kansas will be Brood IV (17 year life cycle), which is scheduled to emerge in 2032.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706040197223.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RAYMOND CLOYD K-State Extension Specialist in Horticultural EntomologyBrood 19 (XIX) and 13 (XIII) of the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada, will be emerging from certain areas in a number of states in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States but Kansas is not on the list for either cicada.Periodical cicadas are insects with a 13- or 17-year life cycle depending on geography. Seventeen year life cycles are affiliated with the northern and western regions of the United States whereas 13 year life cycles are associated with the southern regions of the United States. Periodical cicadas have the longest life cycle of any insect, spending almost all their lives as nymphs underground that feed on the xylem (water conducting tissues) of plant roots. From April to June, millions of periodical cicada nymphs will emerge from the soil in an area in almost “perfect synchrony.” The factors responsible for the synchronized emergence are still not well understood.Each periodical cicada emergence is referred to as a brood with each brood represented by a Roman numeral. There are 30 broods. Seventeen-year periodical cicada broods are designated I to XVII- and 13-year periodical cicada broods are designated XVIII to XXX. Different species are associated with the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada life cycles.Periodical cicada nymphs undergo five instars (stages between each molt). Early instars are translucent or cream colored, and resemble ants or termites. The later instars are over 1 inch in length and move through the soil feeding on the xylem tissue of plant roots for 13 or 17 years. From April to June, fifth instar nymphs emerge from the soil and crawl onto tree trunks, posts, or other objects. The nymphs remain stationary, and then transition into adults that emerge from the hardened exoskeleton of the nymph. These exoskeletons are present long after adult populations have declined. Adults are 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, black, with red eyes and legs, and have orange veined wings that are held roof like over the body. Adults are active for four to six weeks. In thefirst two weeks after emergence, adult females and males congregate at chorus centers, which are locations where males sing and mating occurs. Each mated female disperses from the chorus center and creates a series of slits or egg nests, using her sawlike ovipositor (egg laying device), along the length of 1/4 to 1/2-inch diameter twigs or branches of trees. A female can lay 20 to 30 eggs into each slit or egg nest, with each female capable of laying up to 600 eggs during her six week lifespan. Eggs are laid into the twigs or branches of a number of different trees including: ash, elm, hickory, and oak.Nymphs emerge (eclose) from the eggs after six to 10 weeks and fall onto the soil surface. The nymphs then enter the soil and start feeding on plant roots. Periodical cicada nymphs are the only insect known to feed on the xylem tissue of plant roots. The nymphs will remain in the soil for 13 or 17 years.The main plant damage caused by the periodical cicada is associated with egg laying wounds created by females when using their sawlike ovipositor to lay eggs into twigs or small branches. Twig or branch dieback, or flagging may be noticeable later on in the growing season, especially on large trees, such as, oaks. Young, newly planted trees can be substantially damaged or even killed. For those interested, the next brood of periodical cicada to emerge in Kansas will be Brood IV (17 year life cycle), which is scheduled to emerge in 2032.

COTTONWOOD: 13 and 17 year periodical cicada emergence

By JAY HARRIS Cottonwood Extension District

Grassy sandbur is the "sticker" plant that looks like a grass. It will often invade thin lawns, especially in dry years. Therefore, the best control for this weed is a thick, healthy lawn. However, if your lawn is thin this spring and grassy sandbur was a problem last year, use a preemergence herbicide before the sandbur comes up. However, not all preemergence herbicides are effective. The three products that can help minimize grassy sandbur are oryzalin, pendimethalin and prodiamine.

Oryzalin is sold under the trade names of Surflan and Weed Impede. It can be used on all warm-season grasses as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue is the only cool-season grass that is included on the label. Apply oryzalin about April 15 when redbud trees approach full bloom. Oryzalin is also sold as a combination product with benefin as Green Light Amaze. As with oryzalin alone, it can be used on all warm-season grasses, as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses other than tall fescue. Apply Amaze about April 15 when redbud trees approach full bloom.

Pendimethalin is sold commercially as Pendulum as well as several other names. On the homeowner side, it is sold as Scotts Halts. Pedimethalin is best applied as a split application with the first applied about April 15 and the second about June 1. Alternatively, make the first application when redbud trees approach full bloom and the second six week later.

Prodiamine is sold under the commercial name of Barricade. It is also the active ingredient in a number of homeowner products. It can be used on all of our common lawn grasses. Apply as is done for oryzalin, about April 15 or when redbud trees approach full bloom. Only one application is needed per year.

None of the "weed preventers" will give complete control but each should help. Quinclorac (Drive) can provide some postemergence control especially if the sandbur is in the seedling stage. Quinclorac is also found in a number of combination products that control both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass such as one following:

· Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max + Crabgrass Control

· Bayer All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer

· Trimec Crabgrass Plus Crabgrass &amp; Broadleaf Weed Killer

· Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer

· Bonide Weed Beater Plus Crabgrass &amp; Broadleaf Weed Killer

Again, the best control for grassy sandbur is a healthy, thick lawn.

Jay Harris is a Horticulture 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 jayharris@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710532154009.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAY HARRIS Cottonwood Extension DistrictGrassy sandbur is the "sticker" plant that looks like a grass. It will often invade thin lawns, especially in dry years. Therefore, the best control for this weed is a thick, healthy lawn. However, if your lawn is thin this spring and grassy sandbur was a problem last year, use a preemergence herbicide before the sandbur comes up. However, not all preemergence herbicides are effective. The three products that can help minimize grassy sandbur are oryzalin, pendimethalin and prodiamine.Oryzalin is sold under the trade names of Surflan and Weed Impede. It can be used on all warm-season grasses as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue is the only cool-season grass that is included on the label. Apply oryzalin about April 15 when redbud trees approach full bloom. Oryzalin is also sold as a combination product with benefin as Green Light Amaze. As with oryzalin alone, it can be used on all warm-season grasses, as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses other than tall fescue. Apply Amaze about April 15 when redbud trees approach full bloom.Pendimethalin is sold commercially as Pendulum as well as several other names. On the homeowner side, it is sold as Scotts Halts. Pedimethalin is best applied as a split application with the first applied about April 15 and the second about June 1. Alternatively, make the first application when redbud trees approach full bloom and the second six week later.Prodiamine is sold under the commercial name of Barricade. It is also the active ingredient in a number of homeowner products. It can be used on all of our common lawn grasses. Apply as is done for oryzalin, about April 15 or when redbud trees approach full bloom. Only one application is needed per year.None of the "weed preventers" will give complete control but each should help. Quinclorac (Drive) can provide some postemergence control especially if the sandbur is in the seedling stage. Quinclorac is also found in a number of combination products that control both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass such as one following:· Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max + Crabgrass Control· Bayer All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer· Monterey Crab-E-Rad Plus· Fertilome Weed Out with Q· Trimec Crabgrass Plus Crabgrass &amp; Broadleaf Weed Killer· Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer· Bonide Weed Beater Plus Crabgrass &amp; Broadleaf Weed KillerAgain, the best control for grassy sandbur is a healthy, thick lawn.Jay Harris is a Horticulture 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 jayharris@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

HARRIS: Grassy Sandbur control in lawns

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

For Kansas gardeners, St. Patrick’s Day means something much more than donning a favorite green outfit and heading to local celebrations.

Traditionally, the Irish holiday signals the date for planting potatoes.

“Actually, anytime from mid- to late-March is fine for potato planting,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.

“Be sure to buy seed potatoes rather than using those bought for cooking. Seed potatoes are certified disease free and have plenty of starch to sprout as quickly as soil temperatures allow.”

Domenghini notes that most seed potatoes can be cut into four pieces – “though large potatoes may yield more,” she said. Each seed should weight between 1 ½ to 2 ounces, and likely more than one eye.

Each pound of seed potatoes should yield 8 to 10 pieces, according to Domenghini.

“Cut the seed 2 to 3 days before planting so that freshly cut surfaces have a chance to suberize, or toughen, which provides a protective coating,” Domenghini said. “Storing seed in a warm location during suberization will speed the process.”

Domenghini recommends planting each seed piece 1 to 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart in rows.

“Though it is important to plant potatoes in March, they emerge slowly,” she said. “It is often mid- to late-April before new plants poke their way through the soil. As the potatoes grow, pull soil up to the base of the plants. New potatoes are borne above the planted seed piece and it is important to keep sunlight from hitting the new potatoes.”

Domenghini said exposed potatoes will turn green and produce a poisonous substance called solanine. Keeping the potatoes covered will prevent this.

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

&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictFor Kansas gardeners, St. Patrick’s Day means something much more than donning a favorite green outfit and heading to local celebrations.Traditionally, the Irish holiday signals the date for planting potatoes.“Actually, anytime from mid- to late-March is fine for potato planting,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.“Be sure to buy seed potatoes rather than using those bought for cooking. Seed potatoes are certified disease free and have plenty of starch to sprout as quickly as soil temperatures allow.”Domenghini notes that most seed potatoes can be cut into four pieces – “though large potatoes may yield more,” she said. Each seed should weight between 1 ½ to 2 ounces, and likely more than one eye.Each pound of seed potatoes should yield 8 to 10 pieces, according to Domenghini.“Cut the seed 2 to 3 days before planting so that freshly cut surfaces have a chance to suberize, or toughen, which provides a protective coating,” Domenghini said. “Storing seed in a warm location during suberization will speed the process.”Domenghini recommends planting each seed piece 1 to 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart in rows.“Though it is important to plant potatoes in March, they emerge slowly,” she said. “It is often mid- to late-April before new plants poke their way through the soil. As the potatoes grow, pull soil up to the base of the plants. New potatoes are borne above the planted seed piece and it is important to keep sunlight from hitting the new potatoes.”Domenghini said exposed potatoes will turn green and produce a poisonous substance called solanine. Keeping the potatoes covered will prevent this.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

BOOR: St. Patrick's Day

More than 50 years ago, artists Robbie (Hoff) Lamoreux, Randy Schlitter, and Margie (Denning) Hammerschmidt studied art together in classes at Hays High School under the instructions of Mr. Crawford Russell and Mr. Robert Channel. After graduating in 1972, Robbie, Randy, and Margie went their various ways and pursued different paths, but creating visual art remained important to each of them. At their recent 50-year Class Reunion in October 2022, the three classmates reconnected and began to explore the possibility of continuing their art journeys together.

In a current exhibit in the Schmidt Gallery of the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, entitled “Three Point Perspective” they have brought together a sampling of their artwork, representing their unique perspectives, tied together with their shared beginnings. The exhibit will be on display until the last week of April.

Their painting styles, techniques, and mediums are diverse and are influenced by their own experiences and growth as individual artists.

Robbie lives with her husband Gary outside Baldwin City, KS where they raised their two children and owned and operated Arrowhead Hardware in Baldwin for over 30 years. Robbie now works part-time at an antique store in the nearby town of Ottawa. She is widely recognized for her watercolors that reflect fresh and clear colors of local subject matter including sunflowers.

Randy lives with his wife Michele “Shelly” in Hays. He owns and operates RANS Aircraft. His drawing and design talents have been instrumental in his success as an aircraft designer. His art style spans the range of realistic pencil drawings, abstract and fantasy acrylics, and organic and geometric paintings.

Margie lives in Hays with her husband Elden where they raised their two children. Margie retired after a 40-year career in healthcare, after which her interest in horticulture led her to study and become a Master Gardener. Examining botany drawings reignited her interest in art and she has since created a wide portfolio of watercolor paintings of the natural environment and personal connections as well as commissioned work.

In addition to combing their work into the current art exhibition at the library, these three artists have recently spent time together creating art. Perhaps more importantly, they are committed to continue to inspire and encourage each other in their art progression, just as they did back in the Hays High School Art Room Annex in the 1970’s. If you stop by the Hays Public

Library to view their art, feel free to jot a note in the Guest Book to let them know you were there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709755203132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedMore than 50 years ago, artists Robbie (Hoff) Lamoreux, Randy Schlitter, and Margie (Denning) Hammerschmidt studied art together in classes at Hays High School under the instructions of Mr. Crawford Russell and Mr. Robert Channel. After graduating in 1972, Robbie, Randy, and Margie went their various ways and pursued different paths, but creating visual art remained important to each of them. At their recent 50-year Class Reunion in October 2022, the three classmates reconnected and began to explore the possibility of continuing their art journeys together.In a current exhibit in the Schmidt Gallery of the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, entitled “Three Point Perspective” they have brought together a sampling of their artwork, representing their unique perspectives, tied together with their shared beginnings. The exhibit will be on display until the last week of April.Their painting styles, techniques, and mediums are diverse and are influenced by their own experiences and growth as individual artists.Robbie lives with her husband Gary outside Baldwin City, KS where they raised their two children and owned and operated Arrowhead Hardware in Baldwin for over 30 years. Robbie now works part-time at an antique store in the nearby town of Ottawa. She is widely recognized for her watercolors that reflect fresh and clear colors of local subject matter including sunflowers.Randy lives with his wife Michele “Shelly” in Hays. He owns and operates RANS Aircraft. His drawing and design talents have been instrumental in his success as an aircraft designer. His art style spans the range of realistic pencil drawings, abstract and fantasy acrylics, and organic and geometric paintings.Margie lives in Hays with her husband Elden where they raised their two children. Margie retired after a 40-year career in healthcare, after which her interest in horticulture led her to study and become a Master Gardener. Examining botany drawings reignited her interest in art and she has since created a wide portfolio of watercolor paintings of the natural environment and personal connections as well as commissioned work.In addition to combing their work into the current art exhibition at the library, these three artists have recently spent time together creating art. Perhaps more importantly, they are committed to continue to inspire and encourage each other in their art progression, just as they did back in the Hays High School Art Room Annex in the 1970’s. If you stop by the Hays PublicLibrary to view their art, feel free to jot a note in the Guest Book to let them know you were there.

Three-Point Perspective, Collection of artwork by 3 artists at Hays Public Library

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

We often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!

The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.

As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.

Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.

Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project! These are lifetime skills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictWe often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project! These are lifetime skills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Year round learning

Have you every wondered where we find all of the judges who provide evaluation during the fairs? Do you have an interest in helping youth to improve their skills in a particular 4-H project area or an interest in evaluating open class exhibits during the fair?

If your answer is YES, or even Maybe – we have an opportunity for you! A Judges’ Training will be held on Saturday, February 24, at the Western Kansas Ag Research Center in Hays. We will have experienced judges who will provide evaluation training in each of the following areas: Style Revue, Photography, Clothing Construction, Fiber Arts, Foods and Nutrition, Rabbits, Horticulture and Crops, Visual Arts, Woodworking, Wildlife, Shooting Sports, and STEM.

In addition to knowledge of age-appropriate parameters for projects, having an ability to provide kind but constructive criticism is so important. We want youth to have positive and corrective feedback so that their spark for learning more about the project, and themselves, is encouraged!

There is a small fee of $10 to cover lunch and materials which lets you select three areas to learn. We do need your registration by the end of February 20 so that we can accurately provide lunch and supplies.

For more information, be sure to check out the flyer on the K-State Research and Extension-Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page or by accessing the Cottonwood Connection February 2024 newsletter on the website at cottonwood.k-state.edu. You can also contact Tamara Robertson at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tarobertson@ksu.edu">tarobertson@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or myself!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708119774432.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Have you every wondered where we find all of the judges who provide evaluation during the fairs? Do you have an interest in helping youth to improve their skills in a particular 4-H project area or an interest in evaluating open class exhibits during the fair?If your answer is YES, or even Maybe – we have an opportunity for you! A Judges’ Training will be held on Saturday, February 24, at the Western Kansas Ag Research Center in Hays. We will have experienced judges who will provide evaluation training in each of the following areas: Style Revue, Photography, Clothing Construction, Fiber Arts, Foods and Nutrition, Rabbits, Horticulture and Crops, Visual Arts, Woodworking, Wildlife, Shooting Sports, and STEM.In addition to knowledge of age-appropriate parameters for projects, having an ability to provide kind but constructive criticism is so important. We want youth to have positive and corrective feedback so that their spark for learning more about the project, and themselves, is encouraged!There is a small fee of $10 to cover lunch and materials which lets you select three areas to learn. We do need your registration by the end of February 20 so that we can accurately provide lunch and supplies.For more information, be sure to check out the flyer on the K-State Research and Extension-Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page or by accessing the Cottonwood Connection February 2024 newsletter on the website at cottonwood.k-state.edu. You can also contact Tamara Robertson at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tarobertson@ksu.edu">tarobertson@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or myself!Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: 4-H Judge training set for Saturday

EMPORIA&nbsp;– Wild turkey populations have seen declines across the Midwestern and Southeastern United States for the last two decades. And in Kansas, turkey abundance indices, harvest and hunter success have declined substantially, as well. 

To address these declines, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is partnering with the National Wild Turkey Federation to fund key wild turkey research at Kansas State University with researchers within the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and College of Horticulture and Natural Resources.

The purpose of the study will be to examine wild turkey populations and ecology in Kansas to inform state harvest and habitat management. 

The research team will accomplish this by capturing and marking turkeys across Kansas with transmitters and leg bands to monitor their location and movements on sites inhabited by both Eastern and Rio Grande wild turkeys on public and private lands. Researchers will collect information on nesting, habitat use, reproduction, and survival to ultimately inform population models, and harvest and habitat management decisions.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to improve our understanding of wild turkeys in Kansas,” said Kent Fricke, KDWP small game coordinator. “KDWP staff are committed to learning and to informing our habitat and harvest management decisions. We look forward to working with the research team and NWTF to make this project successful.”

NWTF is helping fund several key components of the research project, including funding a hen and poult foraging ecology study in Kansas, as well as a multi-state assessment of disease in Rio Grande turkeys in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.

“We appreciate the support of NWTF for these important projects,” Fricke said. “These additional projects will greatly enhance our understanding of key aspects of turkey ecology in Kansas and across the Midwest.”

Fieldwork for the research project will begin in January 2024. 

Additional information about the NWTF-funded components of the research project can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm53dGYub3JnL2NvbnRlbnQtaHViL2ZvcnRoY29taW5nLXBvdWx0LWFuZC1oZW4tbnV0cml0aW9uLWRhdGEtY291bGQtaGVscC13aWxkLXR1cmtleS1oYWJpdGF0LW1hbmFnZXJzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgwMy44MDYyNzExMSJ9.X2RdCejQF8iNA4otvOJ-2KoAF0dSeOPbp3CGSgB1psM/s/1303179659/br/223702087243-l" target="_blank">https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/forthcoming-poult-and-hen-nutrition-data-could-help-wild-turkey-habitat-managers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm53dGYub3JnL2NvbnRlbnQtaHViL3Jlc2VhcmNoLWludmVzdGlnYXRlcy1kaXNlYXNlLWFuZC1wYXJhc2l0ZS1pbXBhY3Qtb24tcmlvLWdyYW5kZS13aWxkLXR1cmtleSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDMuODA2MjcxMTEifQ.n1j4z0o7F6ir9e41Wu_9Kq13rTA_ZQ_JTABhp6XMWw8/s/1303179659/br/223702087243-l" target="_blank">https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/research-investigates-disease-and-parasite-impact-on-rio-grande-wild-turkey</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691091059924.png" alt="Wild turkeys (Photo courtesy National Wild Turkey Foundation)" />
 <figcaption>Wild turkeys (Photo courtesy National Wild Turkey Foundation)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPEMPORIA&nbsp;– Wild turkey populations have seen declines across the Midwestern and Southeastern United States for the last two decades. And in Kansas, turkey abundance indices, harvest and hunter success have declined substantially, as well. To address these declines, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is partnering with the National Wild Turkey Federation to fund key wild turkey research at Kansas State University with researchers within the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and College of Horticulture and Natural Resources.The purpose of the study will be to examine wild turkey populations and ecology in Kansas to inform state harvest and habitat management. The research team will accomplish this by capturing and marking turkeys across Kansas with transmitters and leg bands to monitor their location and movements on sites inhabited by both Eastern and Rio Grande wild turkeys on public and private lands. Researchers will collect information on nesting, habitat use, reproduction, and survival to ultimately inform population models, and harvest and habitat management decisions.“We’re excited about this opportunity to improve our understanding of wild turkeys in Kansas,” said Kent Fricke, KDWP small game coordinator. “KDWP staff are committed to learning and to informing our habitat and harvest management decisions. We look forward to working with the research team and NWTF to make this project successful.”NWTF is helping fund several key components of the research project, including funding a hen and poult foraging ecology study in Kansas, as well as a multi-state assessment of disease in Rio Grande turkeys in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.“We appreciate the support of NWTF for these important projects,” Fricke said. “These additional projects will greatly enhance our understanding of key aspects of turkey ecology in Kansas and across the Midwest.”Fieldwork for the research project will begin in January 2024. Additional information about the NWTF-funded components of the research project can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm53dGYub3JnL2NvbnRlbnQtaHViL2ZvcnRoY29taW5nLXBvdWx0LWFuZC1oZW4tbnV0cml0aW9uLWRhdGEtY291bGQtaGVscC13aWxkLXR1cmtleS1oYWJpdGF0LW1hbmFnZXJzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgwMy44MDYyNzExMSJ9.X2RdCejQF8iNA4otvOJ-2KoAF0dSeOPbp3CGSgB1psM/s/1303179659/br/223702087243-l" target="_blank">https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/forthcoming-poult-and-hen-nutrition-data-could-help-wild-turkey-habitat-managers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm53dGYub3JnL2NvbnRlbnQtaHViL3Jlc2VhcmNoLWludmVzdGlnYXRlcy1kaXNlYXNlLWFuZC1wYXJhc2l0ZS1pbXBhY3Qtb24tcmlvLWdyYW5kZS13aWxkLXR1cmtleSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDMuODA2MjcxMTEifQ.n1j4z0o7F6ir9e41Wu_9Kq13rTA_ZQ_JTABhp6XMWw8/s/1303179659/br/223702087243-l" target="_blank">https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/research-investigates-disease-and-parasite-impact-on-rio-grande-wild-turkey</a>.

Wild turkey research to be conducted at Kansas State University

LaCROSSE—Betty J. Misegadis, 90, Rush Center, passed away Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed, La Crosse.

Betty was born May 3, 1933, in rural Rush Center, the daughter of Fredrick Samuel “Fred” and Frances Josephine “Fanny” (Schreiber) Keener. She was a lifelong resident of Rush County. A 1951 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Betty was a homemaker and farm wife. &nbsp;Along with her husband, Dean, they owned and operated Dean’s TV &amp; Appliance, Rush Center and La Crosse. They also owned and operated the cable TV system in McCracken.&nbsp;

Betty loved being involved in her community. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, WELCA, Hope Lutheran Church Council, Hope Lutheran Church Quilt Club, and the Walnut Valley Saddle Club, all of Rush Center. She was the last charter member of the Walnut Valley Senior Center, Rush Center. She was a member of the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce and the La Crosse Booster Club, both of La Crosse. She was a 4-H leader. Her unit could be found for many years manning the horticulture booth at the Rush County Fair. She loved holidays and was very proud of the Pride Park tree that she was instrumental in planting, which is decorated every year with lights for Christmas.

On April 24, 1952, she married Dean Misegadis at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center. He preceded her in death April 21, 2014.

Survivors include her children, Lois Misegadis and her husband, Michael James, Ottawa, Darlene Misegadis, Rush Center, and Steve Misegadis and his wife, Kimberley Brand, Lenexa; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and three brothers, William “Bill” Keener, Samuel George Keener, and Ray “Pete” Keener.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. &nbsp;

Church visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, with Rhonda Templing, S. A. M. officiating.&nbsp; The interment will be in Locust Hill Cemetery, Rush Center.

Memorials are suggested to Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, or Walnut Valley Senior Center, Rush Center.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.janousekfuneralhome.com">www.janousekfuneralhome.com</a>.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine St., P O Box 550, La Crosse, KS 67548, 785-222-2517.

LaCROSSE—Betty J. Misegadis, 90, Rush Center, passed away Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed, La Crosse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693429735788.jpeg" alt="Betty J. Misegadis" />
 <figcaption>Betty J. Misegadis</figcaption>
 </figure>Betty was born May 3, 1933, in rural Rush Center, the daughter of Fredrick Samuel “Fred” and Frances Josephine “Fanny” (Schreiber) Keener. She was a lifelong resident of Rush County. A 1951 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Betty was a homemaker and farm wife. &nbsp;Along with her husband, Dean, they owned and operated Dean’s TV &amp; Appliance, Rush Center and La Crosse. They also owned and operated the cable TV system in McCracken.&nbsp;Betty loved being involved in her community. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, WELCA, Hope Lutheran Church Council, Hope Lutheran Church Quilt Club, and the Walnut Valley Saddle Club, all of Rush Center. She was the last charter member of the Walnut Valley Senior Center, Rush Center. She was a member of the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce and the La Crosse Booster Club, both of La Crosse. She was a 4-H leader. Her unit could be found for many years manning the horticulture booth at the Rush County Fair. She loved holidays and was very proud of the Pride Park tree that she was instrumental in planting, which is decorated every year with lights for Christmas.On April 24, 1952, she married Dean Misegadis at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center. He preceded her in death April 21, 2014.Survivors include her children, Lois Misegadis and her husband, Michael James, Ottawa, Darlene Misegadis, Rush Center, and Steve Misegadis and his wife, Kimberley Brand, Lenexa; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and three brothers, William “Bill” Keener, Samuel George Keener, and Ray “Pete” Keener.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. &nbsp;Church visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center.Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, with Rhonda Templing, S. A. M. officiating.&nbsp; The interment will be in Locust Hill Cemetery, Rush Center.Memorials are suggested to Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center, or Walnut Valley Senior Center, Rush Center.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.janousekfuneralhome.com">www.janousekfuneralhome.com</a>.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine St., P O Box 550, La Crosse, KS 67548, 785-222-2517.

Betty J. Misegadis

By JAMES BELL 
Hays Post

Jay Harris, K-State Cottonwood Extension District director,
recently added new responsibilities to his position after accepting the duties
of Horticulture Agent filling the long-time role for the first time in two
years.

He said the district board of directors were “pretty excited”
to have someone in the position after they were unable to fill the job with an
outside hire.

In the new job, Harris will serve the community with their
questions on trees, lawns and gardens.

He will also serve as the coordinator for the Extension Master Gardener Program. The program
has been serving area residents since 1996.

“Master gardeners do a lot of
good things for the public,” Harris said. “These are volunteers that take the
time to do some pretty extensive training.”

The next round of training is
set to begin in September.

“The
biggest thing is being there for people,” Harris said.

Since
assuming the position, he said he has been educating residents on their
trees in the midst of the ongoing excessive drought.

“We've
been in such a drought for a couple of years,” Harris said. “And even though
we've been getting rain, our trees are so far behind in the growth they're
showing dead spots and some fertility issues.”

The
Master Gardener program also maintains demonstration gardens throughout the
area. 

There are
two located at the Ag Experiment Station and one at the Old Fort Hays, he said.

Year-round the program helps residents with questions and provides assistance to all
types of horticulture issues with participants required to complete 40 hours of
volunteer service the first year and 20 each year after.

“The
volunteer service needs to be educational,” Harris said. “It's not truly labor
hours going out and working in the gardens. It is actually helping do some of
the educational part of extensions’ goal and our mission.”

Two
upcoming events will highlight that educational mission.

Today Iris Day will be during Bazaar on the Bricks. They will be providing Iris
bulbs for a suggested donation of $1.

On Aug.
23, the Master Gardeners will conduct a garden tour from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in conjunction with the
Hays Art Council’s Fall Art Walk at the demonstration gardens and at their
perennial garden at the district office at 601 Main.

It is a “good way for the
public to come out and see what Master Gardeners are doing,” Harris said.

Following
the events in September, training for the newest Master Gardeners will begin and
include people from all walks of life, Harris said.

“They do this extensive
training,” he said, in order to help out people with all sorts of questions and
assist with projects throughout the community.

To become a Master Gardner,
Harris said requirements include a high school diploma a desire to “get their
hands dirty” and “a love of gardening.” 

For more information about the Master Gardner program, visit the Cottonwood Extension District's website,<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/MasterGardeners.html">&nbsp;cottonwood.k-state.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689958422362.jpeg" alt="Photo by James Bell/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by James Bell/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL 
Hays PostJay Harris, K-State Cottonwood Extension District director,
recently added new responsibilities to his position after accepting the duties
of Horticulture Agent filling the long-time role for the first time in two
years.He said the district board of directors were “pretty excited”
to have someone in the position after they were unable to fill the job with an
outside hire.In the new job, Harris will serve the community with their
questions on trees, lawns and gardens.<div><iframe title="Cottonwood director assumes horticulture agent, Master Gardener coordinator position" 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/?i=5ewcw-145ed33-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>He will also serve as the coordinator for the Extension Master Gardener Program. The program
has been serving area residents since 1996.“Master gardeners do a lot of
good things for the public,” Harris said. “These are volunteers that take the
time to do some pretty extensive training.”The next round of training is
set to begin in September.“The
biggest thing is being there for people,” Harris said.Since
assuming the position, he said he has been educating residents on their
trees in the midst of the ongoing excessive drought.“We've
been in such a drought for a couple of years,” Harris said. “And even though
we've been getting rain, our trees are so far behind in the growth they're
showing dead spots and some fertility issues.”The
Master Gardener program also maintains demonstration gardens throughout the
area. There are
two located at the Ag Experiment Station and one at the Old Fort Hays, he said.Year-round the program helps residents with questions and provides assistance to all
types of horticulture issues with participants required to complete 40 hours of
volunteer service the first year and 20 each year after.“The
volunteer service needs to be educational,” Harris said. “It's not truly labor
hours going out and working in the gardens. It is actually helping do some of
the educational part of extensions’ goal and our mission.”Two
upcoming events will highlight that educational mission.Today Iris Day will be during Bazaar on the Bricks. They will be providing Iris
bulbs for a suggested donation of $1.On Aug.
23, the Master Gardeners will conduct a garden tour from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in conjunction with the
Hays Art Council’s Fall Art Walk at the demonstration gardens and at their
perennial garden at the district office at 601 Main.It is a “good way for the
public to come out and see what Master Gardeners are doing,” Harris said.An ice cream truck also will be on site.Following
the events in September, training for the newest Master Gardeners will begin and
include people from all walks of life, Harris said.“They do this extensive
training,” he said, in order to help out people with all sorts of questions and
assist with projects throughout the community.To become a Master Gardner,
Harris said requirements include a high school diploma a desire to “get their
hands dirty” and “a love of gardening.” For more information about the Master Gardner program, visit the Cottonwood Extension District's website,<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/MasterGardeners.html">&nbsp;cottonwood.k-state.edu</a>.

🎙 Cottonwood director assumes horticulture agent, Master Gardener coordinator position

By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas District

Monarch butterflies are well known and loved. These butterflies inform our scientific literacy from a young age as we study metamorphosis and their unique relationship with milkweed (their host plant). I always look forward to seeing their beauty each and every season as they migrate north from their overwintering grounds in northern Mexico and fly throughout our region of Central Kansas before returning south later in the year.

The annual monarch census has shown a trend of declines in the monarch butterfly population for many years which is why it is important that we understand how best to provide habitat in our local gardens to help them survive and thrive.

Primary reasons for monarch butterfly decline include the&nbsp;loss of stems of milkweed&nbsp;and the&nbsp;loss of habitat&nbsp;in general due to urbanization and land use changes.&nbsp;Milkweed is the host plant for the monarch butterfly&nbsp;and without it monarch butterflies have no way to reproduce and provide food for their larvae (caterpillars).

It is estimated that&nbsp;an additional 1.8 billion stems of milkweed are needed&nbsp;to conserve our monarch butterflies!

New research is providing some great information on how we can best build our monarch butterfly gardens in our backyards and home landscapes.

Research done at the University of Kentucky has discovered that monarchs will use and thrive in even small gardens that are designed with a few key things in mind.

First, monarchs prefer an easy to find and accessible milkweed plant.&nbsp;When milkweed was planted at the perimeter (edge) of the monarch butterfly garden, research found that it supported 2.5 to 4 times more monarchs.

The image shows an example. The milkweed (m) is planted in clumps on the exterior of the butterfly garden where it is easy to find.&nbsp;Monarchs use visual cues&nbsp;such as leaf shape to locate milkweed and when milkweed is planted on the exterior of the garden it was much more easily found by the butterflies. The nectar plants can be intermixed as desired and planted inside the milkweed.

Isolated milkweed plants are colonized by monarchs much more readily than milkweed that is intermixed with many other types of plants.&nbsp;In fact, it was even better to plant milkweed in individual clumps on the edge of the garden and set them off with mulch.

The research also discovered that monarch butterfly gardens that were placed in an area with open and easy north/south access were more attractive to the butterflies.&nbsp;When possible, plant monarch gardens in a way that allow easy and unobstructed north/south access since this is their natural migration path.

Other monarch butterfly garden components

Don’t forget other key ways to make butterflies feel at home in your garden.

Nectar&nbsp;is the fuel for adult butterflies and every monarch garden should include a variety of nectar producing flowers that bloom throughout the season. The color, as well as the shape, of a flower’s blooms attracts butterflies. While a wide variety of color will attract a greater variety of butterflies, it’s also important to plant your flowers in masses using three or more plants of one variety but remember to keep the milkweed on the perimeter. Here are some examples of plants that can provide nectar.

Water or a ‘puddling’ space&nbsp;is beneficial to monarch butterflies. Provide a “puddling” space by burying a shallow container of sand and keeping it moist. The butterflies will congregate on damp sand to extract needed salts and minerals.

Add a few light-colored stones&nbsp;protected from the wind on which the cold-blooded butterflies can bask in the sun.

Avoid pesticide use.&nbsp;The chemicals that kill undesirable insects will also kill butterflies and their caterpillars.

Deadhead spent blossoms.&nbsp;Not only will this practice encourage more blooms, it also helps control plants that can become invasive by removing seed heads.

To see more lawn and garden information, visit the <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension Lawn and Garden webpage</a>.

And check out the Salina Post Lawn and Garden page, under the Local tab or <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/garden">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684029477177.png" alt="Photos and images courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Photos and images courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas DistrictMonarch butterflies are well known and loved. These butterflies inform our scientific literacy from a young age as we study metamorphosis and their unique relationship with milkweed (their host plant). I always look forward to seeing their beauty each and every season as they migrate north from their overwintering grounds in northern Mexico and fly throughout our region of Central Kansas before returning south later in the year.The annual monarch census has shown a trend of declines in the monarch butterfly population for many years which is why it is important that we understand how best to provide habitat in our local gardens to help them survive and thrive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028440215.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Reasons for decline</h2>Primary reasons for monarch butterfly decline include the&nbsp;loss of stems of milkweed&nbsp;and the&nbsp;loss of habitat&nbsp;in general due to urbanization and land use changes.&nbsp;Milkweed is the host plant for the monarch butterfly&nbsp;and without it monarch butterflies have no way to reproduce and provide food for their larvae (caterpillars).It is estimated that&nbsp;an additional 1.8 billion stems of milkweed are needed&nbsp;to conserve our monarch butterflies!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028608973.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Monarch garden structure</h2>New research is providing some great information on how we can best build our monarch butterfly gardens in our backyards and home landscapes.Research done at the University of Kentucky has discovered that monarchs will use and thrive in even small gardens that are designed with a few key things in mind.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028730308.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First, monarchs prefer an easy to find and accessible milkweed plant.&nbsp;When milkweed was planted at the perimeter (edge) of the monarch butterfly garden, research found that it supported 2.5 to 4 times more monarchs.The image shows an example. The milkweed (m) is planted in clumps on the exterior of the butterfly garden where it is easy to find.&nbsp;Monarchs use visual cues&nbsp;such as leaf shape to locate milkweed and when milkweed is planted on the exterior of the garden it was much more easily found by the butterflies. The nectar plants can be intermixed as desired and planted inside the milkweed.Isolated milkweed plants are colonized by monarchs much more readily than milkweed that is intermixed with many other types of plants.&nbsp;In fact, it was even better to plant milkweed in individual clumps on the edge of the garden and set them off with mulch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028882943.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The research also discovered that monarch butterfly gardens that were placed in an area with open and easy north/south access were more attractive to the butterflies.&nbsp;When possible, plant monarch gardens in a way that allow easy and unobstructed north/south access since this is their natural migration path.<h2>Key points:</h2><ol>
 <li>Monarchs will use even very small gardens</li><li>Avoid ‘hiding’ milkweed&nbsp;among other plants</li><li>Plant gardens where there is easy north/south access&nbsp;to incoming butterflies</li><li>Isolated and taller varieties of milkweed plants are preferred&nbsp;by monarch butterflies, set them off with mulch</li><li>Plant milkweeds on exterior of gardens</li><li>Plant several species of milkweed native to our region&nbsp;but avoid using tropical milkweed in Kansas. When native milkweed stops blooming, it is a cue for the monarch to migrate. Since tropical milkweed blooms much later than our native milkweeds it can interfere with the cue monarchs rely on to migrate at the proper time.</li>
 </ol><h2>Other monarch butterfly garden components</h2>Don’t forget other key ways to make butterflies feel at home in your garden.Nectar&nbsp;is the fuel for adult butterflies and every monarch garden should include a variety of nectar producing flowers that bloom throughout the season. The color, as well as the shape, of a flower’s blooms attracts butterflies. While a wide variety of color will attract a greater variety of butterflies, it’s also important to plant your flowers in masses using three or more plants of one variety but remember to keep the milkweed on the perimeter. Here are some examples of plants that can provide nectar.Water or a ‘puddling’ space&nbsp;is beneficial to monarch butterflies. Provide a “puddling” space by burying a shallow container of sand and keeping it moist. The butterflies will congregate on damp sand to extract needed salts and minerals.Add a few light-colored stones&nbsp;protected from the wind on which the cold-blooded butterflies can bask in the sun.Avoid pesticide use.&nbsp;The chemicals that kill undesirable insects will also kill butterflies and their caterpillars.Deadhead spent blossoms.&nbsp;Not only will this practice encourage more blooms, it also helps control plants that can become invasive by removing seed heads.To see more lawn and garden information, visit the <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension Lawn and Garden webpage</a>.And check out the Salina Post Lawn and Garden page, under the Local tab or <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/garden">click here</a>.

CENTRAL KANSAS L&G: How to build garden for monarch butterflies

Betty Jean Robinson, 94, of Perham, Minn., passed away on April 9, 2023, of natural causes.

The oldest child of Maurice and Goldie (True) Harding, she was born 
on May 28, 1928, in rural Cheney, Kansas, and graduated from Cheney High 
School in 1946. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in home 
economics and art at Kansas State University in 1950, later completing 
postgraduate studies at Fort Hays University and the University of 
Minnesota.

While at K-State, Betty Jean met George H. Robinson, and they were 
married in the chapel there on January 27, 1951. They were blessed to 
have three children: Eugene, George and Audrey.

Betty Jean started her career in K-State Extension Education as the 
first home demonstration agent for Lincoln County. She also served as 
home agent for nearby Ellis County and as associate 4-H agent for 
Sedgwick County. Later, she served as dietitian to the first men's 
dormitory at Fort Hays University.

Upon the death of George's brother and business partner Wallace, 
Betty Jean helped her husband run their truck stop, the Robinson 
Transport Inn, and their creamery, Kings Kwality Ice Cream, in Hays, 
Kan. An adventurous capable woman, she spent two summers as the chef for
 Wagons Ho, a covered wagon tourist experience based on the historic 
Butterfield Trail near Quinter, Kan.

Arriving in rural Perham in 1968, Betty Jean substitute-taught for a 
few years at Perham High School and taught adult education classes. She 
volunteered as a 4-H project leader, judged 4-H fairs for many years and
 was active with the Minnesota Horticulture Society. A University of 
Minnesota Master Gardener, Betty Jean, together with George, grew a 
bounty of fruit and vegetables in their Boedigheimer Lake garden.

True to her Christian faith, Betty Jean served her church as a youth 
leader, choir member, board member (including chairing the board) and 
treasurer of United Methodist Women. She also taught both children's and
 adult Sunday School. While serving 25 years as the Perham United 
Methodist Church historian, she authored history booklets commemorating 
church centennials.

A creative spirit, Betty Jean said she was never happier than when 
she was arranging flowers or painting with watercolors. Welcomed into 
the folds of the Perham art community, she took painting classes and 
advanced her skills. She shared her knowledge and passion for watercolor
 by teaching painting to fellow retirees while wintering in her Texas 
retirement community and summering at home in Perham.

Struggling with the pain of rheumatoid arthritis for decades, Betty 
Jean said she was eternally grateful for the loving care her family 
members provided. Even though her physical capabilities diminished over 
time, her mind remained sharp, and her curiosity about the natural world
 proved to be inexhaustible.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George H. Robinson, and 
sisters Maxine Harding and Joan Kannarr. She is survived by her sister 
Darlene Hansen and brother Richard (Marie) Harding; two sons, Eugene 
(Julie Olson) Robinson and George (Carla) Robinson; and daughter, Audrey
 (Craig) Robinson Favorito.

Betty Jean's pride and joy were her ten grandchildren and three-plus great-grandchildren (one on the way).

A memorial service will be held at Perham United Methodist Church on 
June 10, 2023, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests 
donations be made to the Perham United Methodist Church in her memory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681752063016.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Betty Jean Robinson, 94, of Perham, Minn., passed away on April 9, 2023, of natural causes.The oldest child of Maurice and Goldie (True) Harding, she was born 
on May 28, 1928, in rural Cheney, Kansas, and graduated from Cheney High 
School in 1946. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in home 
economics and art at Kansas State University in 1950, later completing 
postgraduate studies at Fort Hays University and the University of 
Minnesota.While at K-State, Betty Jean met George H. Robinson, and they were 
married in the chapel there on January 27, 1951. They were blessed to 
have three children: Eugene, George and Audrey.Betty Jean started her career in K-State Extension Education as the 
first home demonstration agent for Lincoln County. She also served as 
home agent for nearby Ellis County and as associate 4-H agent for 
Sedgwick County. Later, she served as dietitian to the first men's 
dormitory at Fort Hays University.Upon the death of George's brother and business partner Wallace, 
Betty Jean helped her husband run their truck stop, the Robinson 
Transport Inn, and their creamery, Kings Kwality Ice Cream, in Hays, 
Kan. An adventurous capable woman, she spent two summers as the chef for
 Wagons Ho, a covered wagon tourist experience based on the historic 
Butterfield Trail near Quinter, Kan.Arriving in rural Perham in 1968, Betty Jean substitute-taught for a 
few years at Perham High School and taught adult education classes. She 
volunteered as a 4-H project leader, judged 4-H fairs for many years and
 was active with the Minnesota Horticulture Society. A University of 
Minnesota Master Gardener, Betty Jean, together with George, grew a 
bounty of fruit and vegetables in their Boedigheimer Lake garden.True to her Christian faith, Betty Jean served her church as a youth 
leader, choir member, board member (including chairing the board) and 
treasurer of United Methodist Women. She also taught both children's and
 adult Sunday School. While serving 25 years as the Perham United 
Methodist Church historian, she authored history booklets commemorating 
church centennials.A creative spirit, Betty Jean said she was never happier than when 
she was arranging flowers or painting with watercolors. Welcomed into 
the folds of the Perham art community, she took painting classes and 
advanced her skills. She shared her knowledge and passion for watercolor
 by teaching painting to fellow retirees while wintering in her Texas 
retirement community and summering at home in Perham.Struggling with the pain of rheumatoid arthritis for decades, Betty 
Jean said she was eternally grateful for the loving care her family 
members provided. Even though her physical capabilities diminished over 
time, her mind remained sharp, and her curiosity about the natural world
 proved to be inexhaustible.She was preceded in death by her husband, George H. Robinson, and 
sisters Maxine Harding and Joan Kannarr. She is survived by her sister 
Darlene Hansen and brother Richard (Marie) Harding; two sons, Eugene 
(Julie Olson) Robinson and George (Carla) Robinson; and daughter, Audrey
 (Craig) Robinson Favorito.Betty Jean's pride and joy were her ten grandchildren and three-plus great-grandchildren (one on the way).A memorial service will be held at Perham United Methodist Church on 
June 10, 2023, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests 
donations be made to the Perham United Methodist Church in her memory.

Betty Jean Robinson

With more and more people interested in growing their own vegetables it is common to find that many gardeners in cities have only a little backyard space to utilize and thus a raised bed is called for.&nbsp; Growing in raised beds gets the attention of gardeners not only for space saving reasons, there are actually many other advantages to this type of gardening.

Raised bed gardens offer several advantages over conventional gardening plots. Soil raised above ground level warms up more quickly&nbsp;in the spring, which allows for earlier planting dates. The beds are ﬁlled with&nbsp;high-quality soil mixtures which improves drainage and increases yield.&nbsp;Raised beds are smaller than traditional gardens making them&nbsp;easier to maintain&nbsp;and denser plantings help reduce weed infestations.

Getting started with raised bed gardening isn’t difficult.&nbsp; There are many styles of raised beds that can be easily created.&nbsp; Wood is most commonly used, but cinder blocks, landscape timbers, rock, bricks and many other materials can work just fine.

Treated lumber used to contain arsenic and chromium which was considered unsafe in food gardens, but now most lumber is treated with the wood preservative ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) which is generally considered safe to use for raised bed gardening.&nbsp; If you are uncertain about the safety of treated lumber, place a heavy plastic liner between the treated lumber and the soil used for growing plants to prevent direct contact of plant roots with the treated lumber.&nbsp; Another option is to use a naturally rot resistant wood such as cedar.

Raised bed don’t even have to have a frame at all.&nbsp;You can build unframed (mounded) raised beds by tilling the existing garden soil 6 to 9 inches deep. Then add 2 to 3 inches of organic matter to the raised bed row and till it into the soil. This will have the effect of raising that area above the surrounding soil. Add soil and organic matter as needed to create mounded beds that are 8 to 12 inches above the surrounding soil and 3 to 4 feet wide. Walkways between unframed raised beds should be wide enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow. Spread a layer of mulch such as bark or straw over the walkways to reduce weed growth and mud problems.

Another option that is becoming more popular are galvanized steel raised bed gardening kits.&nbsp; These are easy to put together and strong and make an excellent choice for home gardeners.&nbsp; They come in many different shapes and sizes.

Dimensions of raised beds can vary according to the site.&nbsp;&nbsp;Common dimensions include 4×4, 4×8, or 4×10 sized beds.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 4-foot width or a little narrower is preferred&nbsp;because it allows for an easy reach into the bed from either side to tend the plants. This keeps soil compaction from occurring because the garden soil is not walked on.

The depth of a raised bed is important.&nbsp; Regardless of the material used to build the bed there needs to be enough soil depth to accommodate the type of plants to be grown.&nbsp; For most vegetables a soil depth of 12 inches is generally sufficient but 15 to 18 inches is even better.&nbsp; If bending or stooping is a problem for the gardener, a deeper bed can be built that allows for gardening in the standing position.

Raised beds can be made wheelchair accessible by making the walls about 2 feet tall and limiting the width of the bed to about 3 feet.

The biggest advantage of raised bed gardening is the opportunity to mix and amend your own soil. Most often a 50/50 mix of good quality topsoil and organic matter such as peat moss, compost, or composted manure creates a wonderful growing media that drains well and is easy to work in. Another popular raised bed mix includes 1/3 top soil, 1/3 compost, and 1/3 drainage increasing material such as perlite, vermiculite, bark, or coarse sand.

As with any garden site, the bed should be located in full sun for best production.&nbsp; The best location also provides wind protection. Summer winds can take their toll on vegetable crops. A tree, shrub screen or border will work if it is on the south or southwest side to protect the garden.&nbsp; If possible, raised beds should be also located where there is easy access to a water source.&nbsp; Raised beds can tend to dry out more quickly than traditional gardens and should be monitored for moisture needs regularly.&nbsp;&nbsp;A drip system is an efficient and easy way to provide irrigation to raised beds.

If you haven’t tried raised bed gardening, now is a great time to get started.&nbsp; This gardening method provides great success and is a flexible way to plant, grow, and harvest your own homegrown produce.&nbsp; Check out the Raised Bed Gardening publication below for more information.

<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf2134.pdf">Raised Bed Gardening</a> (pdf)

Another publication that gardeners may also want to refer to is the Vegetable Garden Planting Guide. This guide has all the basic information for planting garden crops in Kansas.

<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf315.pdf">Vegetable Garden Planting Guide</a> (pdf)

Jason Graves'&nbsp;Central Kansas Lawn &amp; Garden&nbsp;blog is republished on Salina Post with permission. For more lawn and garden information, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension website</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681651294589.png" alt="Photos courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas DistrictWith more and more people interested in growing their own vegetables it is common to find that many gardeners in cities have only a little backyard space to utilize and thus a raised bed is called for.&nbsp; Growing in raised beds gets the attention of gardeners not only for space saving reasons, there are actually many other advantages to this type of gardening.<h2>Advantages</h2>Raised bed gardens offer several advantages over conventional gardening plots. Soil raised above ground level warms up more quickly&nbsp;in the spring, which allows for earlier planting dates. The beds are ﬁlled with&nbsp;high-quality soil mixtures which improves drainage and increases yield.&nbsp;Raised beds are smaller than traditional gardens making them&nbsp;easier to maintain&nbsp;and denser plantings help reduce weed infestations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681651418325.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Getting started</h2>Getting started with raised bed gardening isn’t difficult.&nbsp; There are many styles of raised beds that can be easily created.&nbsp; Wood is most commonly used, but cinder blocks, landscape timbers, rock, bricks and many other materials can work just fine.Treated lumber used to contain arsenic and chromium which was considered unsafe in food gardens, but now most lumber is treated with the wood preservative ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) which is generally considered safe to use for raised bed gardening.&nbsp; If you are uncertain about the safety of treated lumber, place a heavy plastic liner between the treated lumber and the soil used for growing plants to prevent direct contact of plant roots with the treated lumber.&nbsp; Another option is to use a naturally rot resistant wood such as cedar.Raised bed don’t even have to have a frame at all.&nbsp;You can build unframed (mounded) raised beds by tilling the existing garden soil 6 to 9 inches deep. Then add 2 to 3 inches of organic matter to the raised bed row and till it into the soil. This will have the effect of raising that area above the surrounding soil. Add soil and organic matter as needed to create mounded beds that are 8 to 12 inches above the surrounding soil and 3 to 4 feet wide. Walkways between unframed raised beds should be wide enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow. Spread a layer of mulch such as bark or straw over the walkways to reduce weed growth and mud problems.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681651547224.png" alt="This garden contains both framed (galvanized steel) and unframed raised beds. Mulch is applied between the unframed raised beds rows to make a nice walking path." />
 <figcaption>This garden contains both framed (galvanized steel) and unframed raised beds. Mulch is applied between the unframed raised beds rows to make a nice walking path.</figcaption>
 </figure>Another option that is becoming more popular are galvanized steel raised bed gardening kits.&nbsp; These are easy to put together and strong and make an excellent choice for home gardeners.&nbsp; They come in many different shapes and sizes.Dimensions of raised beds can vary according to the site.&nbsp;&nbsp;Common dimensions include 4×4, 4×8, or 4×10 sized beds.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 4-foot width or a little narrower is preferred&nbsp;because it allows for an easy reach into the bed from either side to tend the plants. This keeps soil compaction from occurring because the garden soil is not walked on.The depth of a raised bed is important.&nbsp; Regardless of the material used to build the bed there needs to be enough soil depth to accommodate the type of plants to be grown.&nbsp; For most vegetables a soil depth of 12 inches is generally sufficient but 15 to 18 inches is even better.&nbsp; If bending or stooping is a problem for the gardener, a deeper bed can be built that allows for gardening in the standing position.Raised beds can be made wheelchair accessible by making the walls about 2 feet tall and limiting the width of the bed to about 3 feet.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681651750605.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Soil Mix</h2>The biggest advantage of raised bed gardening is the opportunity to mix and amend your own soil. Most often a 50/50 mix of good quality topsoil and organic matter such as peat moss, compost, or composted manure creates a wonderful growing media that drains well and is easy to work in. Another popular raised bed mix includes 1/3 top soil, 1/3 compost, and 1/3 drainage increasing material such as perlite, vermiculite, bark, or coarse sand.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681651918922.png" alt="Drip irrigation is a very efficient way to keep raised bed gardens growing to their potential." />
 <figcaption>Drip irrigation is a very efficient way to keep raised bed gardens growing to their potential.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Location</h2>As with any garden site, the bed should be located in full sun for best production.&nbsp; The best location also provides wind protection. Summer winds can take their toll on vegetable crops. A tree, shrub screen or border will work if it is on the south or southwest side to protect the garden.&nbsp; If possible, raised beds should be also located where there is easy access to a water source.&nbsp; Raised beds can tend to dry out more quickly than traditional gardens and should be monitored for moisture needs regularly.&nbsp;&nbsp;A drip system is an efficient and easy way to provide irrigation to raised beds.If you haven’t tried raised bed gardening, now is a great time to get started.&nbsp; This gardening method provides great success and is a flexible way to plant, grow, and harvest your own homegrown produce.&nbsp; Check out the Raised Bed Gardening publication below for more information.<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf2134.pdf">Raised Bed Gardening</a> (pdf)<h2>Vegetable Garden Planting Guide</h2>Another publication that gardeners may also want to refer to is the Vegetable Garden Planting Guide. This guide has all the basic information for planting garden crops in Kansas.<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf315.pdf">Vegetable Garden Planting Guide</a> (pdf)Jason Graves'&nbsp;Central Kansas Lawn &amp; Garden&nbsp;blog is republished on Salina Post with permission. For more lawn and garden information, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension website</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

CENTRAL KANSAS L&G: Raised bed gardening is great way to grow

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN —Kansas State University horticulture instructor Cynthia Domenghini says home gardeners can expand garden space by taking it to the next level…literally.&nbsp;

Domenghini said many crops can be grown vertically, including the more traditional tomatoes, pole beans, and peas as well as vining crops such as cucumbers, melons, squash and gourds.&nbsp;

“Elevating plants off the ground increases the air flow which can help prevent disease,” Domenghini said. “Bringing the height of the produce up also makes harvesting easier.”&nbsp;

Domenghini recommends edible-pod and snow peas because those crops have longer vines and are therefore more appropriate for growing vertically than English (shelling) peas.&nbsp;

Bush-type vining crops produce short vines and are consequently less suitable for vertical growth. 

“Be mindful of crops that grow large fruit as they could damage the vine if grown vertically,” Domenghini said.&nbsp;

Supporting your vertical garden with a study structure is also important. Domenghini suggests bamboo poles. &nbsp;

“Create a pup tent or A-frame structure by leaning two cattle panels or pallets together and securing them at the top. Alternatively, a single panel can be tied upright to T-posts for support. Plant vining crops at the base and train them to grow upward,” she said.&nbsp;

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to &nbsp;Domenghini at&nbsp;cdom@ksu.edu,&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN —Kansas State University horticulture instructor Cynthia Domenghini says home gardeners can expand garden space by taking it to the next level…literally.&nbsp;Domenghini said many crops can be grown vertically, including the more traditional tomatoes, pole beans, and peas as well as vining crops such as cucumbers, melons, squash and gourds.&nbsp;“Elevating plants off the ground increases the air flow which can help prevent disease,” Domenghini said. “Bringing the height of the produce up also makes harvesting easier.”&nbsp;Domenghini recommends edible-pod and snow peas because those crops have longer vines and are therefore more appropriate for growing vertically than English (shelling) peas.&nbsp;Bush-type vining crops produce short vines and are consequently less suitable for vertical growth. “Be mindful of crops that grow large fruit as they could damage the vine if grown vertically,” Domenghini said.&nbsp;Supporting your vertical garden with a study structure is also important. Domenghini suggests bamboo poles. &nbsp;“Create a pup tent or A-frame structure by leaning two cattle panels or pallets together and securing them at the top. Alternatively, a single panel can be tied upright to T-posts for support. Plant vining crops at the base and train them to grow upward,” she said.&nbsp;Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to &nbsp;Domenghini at&nbsp;cdom@ksu.edu,&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

Maximize garden space by growing vertically 

If you have been following me for the last few weeks, I have been highlighting some of the forty 4-H projects that are available in Kansas!&nbsp;This week’s project highlights Horticulture, Fiber Arts, and Geology which are all good reasons to get outside and explore!

The Horticulture project seems like it would be just be about gardening but the curriculum starts with when, where, and what to plant and continues through selling produce, studying pollination, and food industry careers. Along the way, youth learn about cool versus warm season vegetables, plant parts, and garden tools. Youth also explore seed varieties and preventative pest control. More and more families are interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables and Horticulture is a great project for families to work together!

I love to see the continued activity in our Fiber Arts projects. These include knitting, crochet, quilting, macramé, cross-stitch and other needle work, rug-making, and spinning and weaving. During a day camp last summer at Dilly &amp; Doc, youth used a stick from the yard to make the&nbsp;start of a macramé plant hanger which combined Fiber Arts and Horticulture! Learning about different fibers can provide opportunities to explore how a variety of yarns are made and dyed. More advanced 4-H members may purchase wool and dye it themselves before turning&nbsp;it&nbsp;<a></a>into an item as part of this project.&nbsp;

For youth who love to explore outdoors and always have a pocket full of treasures, the Geology project may be a great fit for them! 4-H Youth learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils. This begins in the local area and expands across Kansas and other regions as the project develops. In addition to collecting a variety of specimens, youth practice record-keeping as they log the location and type of each sample found. They also learn about geological formations as well as types and impacts of erosion. A state 4-H geology trip is scheduled each year in a different part of Kansas providing hands-on learning!

If you are interested in learning more about&nbsp;these or other&nbsp;4-H projects, check out kansas4-h.org in the Projects section!&nbsp;All projects include communications skills, record keeping,&nbsp;career connections,&nbsp;and opportunities for leadership and community service!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>If you have been following me for the last few weeks, I have been highlighting some of the forty 4-H projects that are available in Kansas!&nbsp;This week’s project highlights Horticulture, Fiber Arts, and Geology which are all good reasons to get outside and explore!The Horticulture project seems like it would be just be about gardening but the curriculum starts with when, where, and what to plant and continues through selling produce, studying pollination, and food industry careers. Along the way, youth learn about cool versus warm season vegetables, plant parts, and garden tools. Youth also explore seed varieties and preventative pest control. More and more families are interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables and Horticulture is a great project for families to work together!I love to see the continued activity in our Fiber Arts projects. These include knitting, crochet, quilting, macramé, cross-stitch and other needle work, rug-making, and spinning and weaving. During a day camp last summer at Dilly &amp; Doc, youth used a stick from the yard to make the&nbsp;start of a macramé plant hanger which combined Fiber Arts and Horticulture! Learning about different fibers can provide opportunities to explore how a variety of yarns are made and dyed. More advanced 4-H members may purchase wool and dye it themselves before turning&nbsp;it&nbsp;<a></a>into an item as part of this project.&nbsp;For youth who love to explore outdoors and always have a pocket full of treasures, the Geology project may be a great fit for them! 4-H Youth learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils. This begins in the local area and expands across Kansas and other regions as the project develops. In addition to collecting a variety of specimens, youth practice record-keeping as they log the location and type of each sample found. They also learn about geological formations as well as types and impacts of erosion. A state 4-H geology trip is scheduled each year in a different part of Kansas providing hands-on learning!If you are interested in learning more about&nbsp;these or other&nbsp;4-H projects, check out kansas4-h.org in the Projects section!&nbsp;All projects include communications skills, record keeping,&nbsp;career connections,&nbsp;and opportunities for leadership and community service!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

BERAN: Horticulture, fiber arts, geology 4-H project insights

By GREG DOERING <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2023/02/01/how-the-farm-bill-impacts-everyone-not-just-farmers">Kansas Living</a>

By the time the Great Depression started in 1929, America’s farmers 
and ranchers were already suffering from a yearslong agricultural 
depression that had started shortly after World War I. While Congress 
debated several relief proposals, none was ever enacted.

A lack of policy to ensure an adequate price for crops and livestock 
created a downward cycle. To make up for low prices, farmers and 
ranchers raised more and more, creating larger surpluses that drove 
prices even lower.

It wasn’t until 1933 that the federal government acted to prevent 
further destruction in the agriculture industry. Under the New Deal, 
three closely related programs — the Commodity Credit Corporation, 
Agricultural Adjustment Administration and Farm Credit Administration — 
were created to address the problems of oversupply and low prices. In 
conjunction, the programs essentially set a floor on the price of staple
 crops like corn and wheat, offered incentives for returning farmland to
 grassland and refinanced farm mortgages to lower interest rates. Now 
considered the first farm bill, the original legislation has been 
reviewed and updated every five years or so. Congress is slated to pass 
the 19th iteration in 2023.

Over the decades, the farm bill has evolved alongside agriculture. It
 no longer is just about protecting the work of farmers and ranchers, 
but rather the policies touch nearly every corner of agriculture and 
ensure U.S. consumers have access to high quality, safe and nutritious 
food.

Unlike the 1933 farm bill, which was focused almost exclusively on 
farmers, today’s farm bill is aimed at many aspects of agriculture from 
the growers to consumers through various programs packaged under a 
single bill with “titles” addressing specific areas.

Though the titles vary from bill to bill, the 2018 farm bill included
 12 that covered commodities, conservation, trade, nutrition, credit, 
rural development, research, extension and related matters, forestry, 
energy, horticulture, crop insurance and a catchall for miscellaneous 
matters.

While the list is expansive, 99 percent of farm bill spending is 
currently dedicated to nutrition, commodities, crop insurance and 
conservation. Most has gone toward the nutrition component, primarily 
through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which 
helps vulnerable families purchase healthy food.

The remaining 1 percent is divided among the other eight titles and 
makes investments in rural economic growth, research supporting 
innovation and food safety, farmers markets, local food programs and 
much more.

“In that 1 percent, there are a lot of research and training programs
 that can have a big impact,” says Jenny Ifft, associate professor in 
agricultural economics at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278741410.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING <a href="https://kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2023/02/01/how-the-farm-bill-impacts-everyone-not-just-farmers">Kansas Living</a>By the time the Great Depression started in 1929, America’s farmers 
and ranchers were already suffering from a yearslong agricultural 
depression that had started shortly after World War I. While Congress 
debated several relief proposals, none was ever enacted.A lack of policy to ensure an adequate price for crops and livestock 
created a downward cycle. To make up for low prices, farmers and 
ranchers raised more and more, creating larger surpluses that drove 
prices even lower.It wasn’t until 1933 that the federal government acted to prevent 
further destruction in the agriculture industry. Under the New Deal, 
three closely related programs — the Commodity Credit Corporation, 
Agricultural Adjustment Administration and Farm Credit Administration — 
were created to address the problems of oversupply and low prices. In 
conjunction, the programs essentially set a floor on the price of staple
 crops like corn and wheat, offered incentives for returning farmland to
 grassland and refinanced farm mortgages to lower interest rates. Now 
considered the first farm bill, the original legislation has been 
reviewed and updated every five years or so. Congress is slated to pass 
the 19th iteration in 2023.Over the decades, the farm bill has evolved alongside agriculture. It
 no longer is just about protecting the work of farmers and ranchers, 
but rather the policies touch nearly every corner of agriculture and 
ensure U.S. consumers have access to high quality, safe and nutritious 
food.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278932413.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The modern Farm Bill</h2>Unlike the 1933 farm bill, which was focused almost exclusively on 
farmers, today’s farm bill is aimed at many aspects of agriculture from 
the growers to consumers through various programs packaged under a 
single bill with “titles” addressing specific areas.Though the titles vary from bill to bill, the 2018 farm bill included
 12 that covered commodities, conservation, trade, nutrition, credit, 
rural development, research, extension and related matters, forestry, 
energy, horticulture, crop insurance and a catchall for miscellaneous 
matters.While the list is expansive, 99 percent of farm bill spending is 
currently dedicated to nutrition, commodities, crop insurance and 
conservation. Most has gone toward the nutrition component, primarily 
through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which 
helps vulnerable families purchase healthy food.The remaining 1 percent is divided among the other eight titles and 
makes investments in rural economic growth, research supporting 
innovation and food safety, farmers markets, local food programs and 
much more.“In that 1 percent, there are a lot of research and training programs
 that can have a big impact,” says Jenny Ifft, associate professor in 
agricultural economics at Kansas State University.<h2>Farm safety net</h2>Of all the titles in the farm bill, crop insurance is perhaps the 
most important to Kansas farmers because it gives them certainty when 
making investments to expand, whether that means buying more land or 
upgrading their equipment.Mother nature is a tough business partner, but with crop insurance, 
farmers receive protection from disasters in the same fashion home and 
car owners are guarded against damage to their property. Under the farm 
bill, farmers receive varying subsidies to buy policies from private 
companies to cover perils like frost, wind, disease, drought, fire, 
flooding and insect damage. Coverage for more than 120 crops is 
available, with the premium and amount paid in the event of a loss being
 tied to the actual value of the crop.From lawmakers’ point of view, the risk management tools in the farm 
bill prevent a lot of headaches from trying to pass separate legislation
 for disaster relief after every flood, fire, freeze or other 
catastrophe.“It really takes the place of disaster programs, which are a disaster
 to implement,” says retired Sen. Pat Roberts, who worked on eight farm 
bills during his tenure in both the House and Senate. “It’s far better 
to have crop insurance.”In fact, crop insurance is so important to Kansas farmers that Rep. 
Tracey Mann says it’s the main topic he heard on the campaign trail last
 fall on visits with producers in Kansas’ 1st Congressional District. 
Mann’s district stretches from the Colorado border in the west to 
portions of Douglas County in the east, giving him a broad view of 
agriculture across more than three-quarters of the state.Mann, who grew up on a farm near Quinter, serves on the House 
Agriculture Committee, which is tasked with writing the 2023 farm bill. 
He also sees room in the next bill for expanded trade promotion and 
reduced regulations for farmers and ranchers. Mann says successfully 
drafting the next farm bill involves telling the story of American 
agriculture and how it extends beyond our country’s borders.“Our farmers in Kansas, in the Midwest and throughout the country 
feed a hungry world,” he says. “That need is constantly growing so we 
need to have policy in place to meet it.”Expanding trade and opening new markets gives farmers more incentive 
to raise crops and livestock, while reducing regulations lowers the cost
 of production, which can then be passed on to consumers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680278971826.png" alt="Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Kansas Living Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Investment incentive</h2>“Speaking broadly, the farm bill helps create an environment where our producers can innovate and can keep growing,” Ifft says. “Economic stability is a policy objective. The farm bill helps create that stability so farmers can adapt.”Roberts says the multiyear spending authorized in farm bills adds 
certainty, noting farms are like any other business and benefit from the
 ability to make long-range plans. Ifft agrees.“If you grow row crops like wheat, corn or soybeans, more likely than
 not, you’re using crop insurance,” she says. “Something like 90 to 95 
percent of acres in row crops are covered by crop insurance. That helps 
producers access credit and make investments. If you have a bad year, 
it’s going to help keep your farm and your family in business.”<h2>Food safety net</h2>Ultimately, feeding people is the goal of the farm bill, and the 
nutrition title accounts for about three-quarters of the total spending 
authorized by Congress. Most of the money is distributed through SNAP, 
which was formerly known as the food stamp program. Recent farm bills 
have included provisions for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables 
distributed to school lunch programs.Like crop insurance, SNAP provides a buffer for families facing 
economic hardships, especially if they struggle to put food on their 
table.“It can be the difference between officially being classified as in 
poverty&nbsp;or not,” Ifft says. “It’s countercyclical and sees increased use
 during times of economic hardship.”SNAP also provides indirect benefits for retailers like grocery 
stores and increases the demand for food, which helps farmers and 
ranchers. It also serves a broad range of families across the country, 
in both urban and rural areas. From 2011- 15, SNAP participation 
averaged 13 percent of households in urban areas while the utilization 
rate in rural areas was 16 percent.“SNAP has millions of participants, but the average benefit is $218 per month,” Ifft says. “While urban populations are larger and hence have more beneficiaries, SNAP is relatively more important in rural areas.”<h2>Building a coalition</h2>At first glance, it can be difficult to see the connection between 
policies targeted at a small group like farmers and ranchers and the 
wide safety net funded under the nutrition title, but both Mann and 
Roberts say the union is critical for the legislation.“At the end of the day — whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, Independent or Libertarian — everyone eats,” Mann says. “We’ve got to have a safe, consistent, robust food supply to feed America.”<h2>Supporting everyone</h2>The bill is as diverse and encompassing as agriculture itself, even 
if consumers’ perception of farmers and ranchers differs from the 
reality.“If you look at the general population, people care about their 
food,” Ifft says. “As a society, a lot of people still have a warm place
 in their hearts for agriculture. There is that general support; it’s 
not always linked to an understanding of what modern agriculture looks 
like and what it takes to earn your livelihood in agriculture.”In a way, calling it the farm bill is a disservice since the ultimate
 policy objectives are about ensuring our nation’s pantry is well 
stocked. Groceries start at farm gates long before they wind up on 
dinner plates, so perhaps a better name would be the farm and food bill.
 Because without one, we wouldn’t have the other.