Farm analyst program helps Kansas producers make financial decisions

K-State’s Winsor reviews what the program can provide for landowners By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University farm analyst LaVell Winsor is hailing a program in the Department of Agricultural Economics that has a long history of helping farm families review their finances and make a financial plan. The university’s Farm Analyst program offers one-on-one consultation, using active farmers, ranchers and extension agents who are trained as K-State…

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Extend the life of a Christmas tree after the holidays

By Trisha Gedon By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma families looking for a fun activity after the holidays should look no further than the fresh-cut Christmas tree in their living room. The tree came into the home from nature and now, after the sound of jingle bells fade away, it can be returned to nature. “Once the ornaments and lights have been removed, consider using the fresh-cut tree to help the wildlife in your…

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Cattle Chat: Knowing when to feed hay

K-State beef cattle experts discuss ways to best meet the winter nutritional needs of the herd MANHATTAN, Kan. — When training for a sports competition, athletes often match their dietary requirements to the training regimen. In a similar way, a pregnant beef cow’s nutritional demands increase as she gets closer to the birth event, said the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. “As the cows move…

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OSU news release: Rural water wrap-up: Infrastructure funding on the horizon

By Gail Ellis By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahomans in rural areas and small towns are searching for funding to support water and wastewater infrastructure. According to Kevin Wagner, director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Center, more than $80 billion is needed to ensure the state has adequate drinking water and wastewater systems now and in the future. “Almost half of the 800 water supply systems in Oklahoma collectively serve less than 5% of…

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Herbicide-resistant weeds? K-State researcher hopes to crush them

Kumar studying system that destroys weed seed during crop harvest MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University researcher in western Kansas says he may have an innovative way to kill weeds commonly found in farmer’s fields: simply put, he wants to crush ‘em. That’s right, says Vipan Kumar, a weed scientist at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays: He’s studying a method known as Harvest Weed Seed Control (HWSC) in which weed seed…

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Preparation is key to successful calving season

K-State veterinarian reviews steps for cattle producers before and after calving By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek said being prepared ahead of calving season is the best way for producers to assure they will bring home the newborn calves successfully. “We're approaching the end of the second trimester and moving into the third trimester which means the metabolic demands of that cow…

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Feeling low? Overcome the winter blues with self-care

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – When daylight saving time ends in November and end-of-year holidays approach, it’s common to experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Less vitamin D, cold temperatures and the stress of a busy season can take its toll on the human body, physically and mentally. Also known as the winter blues or seasonal depression, the temporary condition causes people to feel tired and sluggish, lonely or sad. They may sleep poorly, have…

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OSU wildfire experts available

Oklahoma State University Extension specialists are available to discuss the weather and environmental conditions that have put the state in a heightened state of fire risk. Citing extended dry weather, warm temperatures, low humidity and high winds, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry recently announced a high risk of wildfires across the state. The department’s regularly updated Fire Situation Report started the week with the state’s preparedness level already at 3 on a 1-5…

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