Coyote populations continue to grow throughout U.S.

K-State expert says trapping is best way to resolve interactions with livestock MANHATTAN, Kan. – If it seems like there are a lot more coyotes mingling in human spaces these days, it’s because…well, there are. “When we look at abundance trends, the population of coyotes has increased three-fold since the fur market crashed in the late 1980s,” said Drew Ricketts, a wildlife management specialist with K-State Research and Extension. Depending on time of…

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Autonomous pest control to benefit farmers economically, environmentally

Researchers are using small, robotic vehicles -- similar to the one shown above -- to identify and treat pest infestations in farm fields. K-State researcher says robotic vehicles could stop a localized infestation before it spreads By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Autonomous pest control vehicles could become a valuable asset to farmers in the future as they create an opportunity for new intelligence and a way of…

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K-State researchers seeking best ways to grow cotton in Kansas

Crop may have a place in areas where water is less available  MANHATTAN, Kan. – Is there room for cotton in Kansas…the Wheat State?  There certainly is, said Kansas State University water resources engineer Jonathan Aguilar, who is currently studying the best ways to grow a crop that is traditionally grown in warmer climates.  “One of the reasons we are looking at cotton is because it is drought resistant, or at least doesn't…

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K-State beef expert lauds cool-season grasses, cover crops for grazing

K-State beef systems specialist Jaymelynn Farney said there are economic benefits to allowing cattle to graze on cover crops; it's also beneficial to soil. (File photo) Cover crops allow cattle producers to put weight on cattle, add organic matter to soil By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news service MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University beef systems specialist Jaymelynn Farney knows that every cattle producer has different herds and goals, but cool…

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K-State: Wheat genomics discoveries have the potential to improve bread quality

University researchers report key breakthrough as part of global project MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University researchers have published recent findings that highlight their discovery of a gene in ancient wheat that gives superior strength and elasticity to bread dough. Liangliang Gao, a post-doctoral scientist in K-State’s Wheat Genetics Resource Center, said the work is part of a larger project involving research groups worldwide and spanning more than 50 years of collecting 242 unique…

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Cattle Chat: Grazing fescue requires close monitoring

Kansas State beef cattle experts talk about the toxins that fescue pastures present to cattle  MANHATTAN, Kan. — We all have that one friend who eats the spiciest food and doesn’t seem bothered by it, while the rest of the people at the table break out into a sweat from the heat of the food. That friend has adapted well to the spice and they handle it with ease. Much like humans, beef…

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K-State expert says cattle producers can save money with alternative sources of phosphorus

As prices rise, some alternatives may be better options for feeding cattle By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news service MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University beef systems specialist said cattle producers may have a few options available to them to offset the rising costs of adding phosphorus to their herd’s diet. Phosphorus is a common deficiency for cattle around the world, but the price of supplemental phosphorus mineral is increasing,…

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Cattle Chat: Heifer weight gain strategy

Kansas State beef cattle experts offer dietary tips for pregnant heifers MANHATTAN, Kan. — As the holiday season gatherings begin, many are seeing those bathroom scales numbers adjust in a less than favorable direction. However, for pregnant heifers that are too thin, late fall is a good time to make dietary adjustments ahead of spring calving, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute. Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, veterinarian Bob…

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Calving Schools Planned

K-State to host four events around Kansas focused on providing tips to help producer prepare for calving season. MANHATTAN, Kan. - In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools beginning in December and continuing through January. The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle…

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