Cool weather in April and May helped to extend canola's bloom period in 2021. K-State’s Stamm says cool temps helped lead to extended bloom By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension student news writer MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas farmers know well that having a bountiful crop year is pretty exciting. So, a Kansas State University agronomist said this year’s winter canola likely brought a few smiles. Mike Stamm said that the combination of…
Ponds allow cattle to cool off on a hot summer day. Beef cattle experts talk benefits, drawbacks of giving cattle access to ponds MANHATTAN, Kan. — On a hot summer’s day, there is nothing like a cool dip in the pond to leave a person refreshed. Not only do people enjoy a swim, cattle do too, said veterinarians at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute On a recent Cattle Chat podcast, they discussed the…
Rabies and blackleg are two deadly diseases that cattle are exposed to living outdoors MANHATTAN, Kan. — Just as nature-loving humans can experience anything from a twisted ankle to a bug bite when they are in the outdoors, living in nature can also come with risks for illness in cattle. On a recent Kanas State University Cattle Chat podcast, three veterinarians discussed two rare diseases that can impact cattle – rabies and blackleg. Rabies “Rabies…
Marketing strategies influence the timing of immunizations MANHATTAN, Kan. — With the year we’ve all been through, most would agree that everyone have an increased awareness of how vaccinations and immunity are connected. Not only is this true for people, but it is for cattle as well, and the timing of when calves should be vaccinated will be somewhat dependent on when they will be marketed according to the experts at the Kansas…
First Friday speaker says more than 148,000 have joined the effort MANHATTAN, Kan. – Rick McNary thought he had a great idea when he started an online group to connect America’s consumers to Kansas farm and ranch families. One year and more than 148,500 members later, it appears he was right. McNary is the founder of Shop Kansas Farms, a Facebook group that is helping to direct consumers across the country to buy locally grown…
Kansas Forest Service grant used to reduce sedimentation of federal reservoirs to improve water quality MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas Forest Service official says streamside forests and woodlands have improved during the course of a six-year, $1.8 million project, but work remains to ensure the viability of local water resources. Robert Atchison, coordinator of the rural forestry program at KFS, said the agency has administered the grant from the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to…
Researchers have found that income gained from energy produced on U.S. farms has neither a positive or negative effect on agriculture. (File photo) Findings indicate little effect on farm business MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University agricultural economist has published findings from a study looking at the impact of income gained from energy produced on the farm. Jenny Ifft, an agricultural policy specialist with K-State Research and Extension, said while energy income…
K-State beef cattle experts discuss the dietary needs of first calf heifers and the importance of water to nursing calves MANHATTAN, Kan. — Each season of the year brings management considerations for the beef producer. For summer, two groups in the herd – first calf heifers and young calves – need special attention, according to experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute. “First calf heifers need a lot of extra care because…
Knowing the signs and mitigation strategies will aid in cattle performance over the summer MANHATTAN, Kan. — On a hot summer day, people often dress in light clothing, drink more water than normal and seek shade to minimize the impacts on the body from heat and humidity. Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts said cattle need many of those same strategies for maximum performance over the summer. Talking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast,…
Buy local firewood to protect Kansas trees MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Memorial Day weekend marks the return of camping for many outdoor lovers. No campout -- whether it’s in your back yard or in one of the Kansas state parks -- is complete without a campfire. However, Kansas Forest Service officials caution that invasive pests and diseases may be lurking in firewood, including the devastating emerald ash borer. To monitor the potential spread of EAB, KFS…