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…
Kansas Forest Service health coordinator urges landowners to look for orange spots MANHATTAN, Kan. – In late spring, especially after a rainstorm, the careful observer may notice alien-like orange, gelatinous objects attached to the branches of their eastern redcedar trees. A Kansas Forest Service official assures it’s not the fruit of a mutant cedar -- or Jell-O from Mars -- but the spore-producing body of cedar-apple rust fungus. “While a bit unusual looking,…
2020 Kansas Farm Management Association data released MANHATTAN, Kan. – Early concerns for a tough year on Kansas farms linked to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 were ultimately alleviated by strong crop yields, dramatically improved grain prices and COVID-19-related government payments, according to the Kansas Farm Management Association. Net farm income for KFMA members climbed to $167,894 last year, up from $108,960 the previous year and the five-year average of $98,282. The data…
K-State team offers programs on mental health, connects Kansans with resources MANHATTAN, Kan. – Fluctuating commodity prices, weather challenges and other factors mean farmers are used to a certain amount of stress. But the pandemic in the past year added that much more, according to a Kansas State University behavioral health specialist. “Farming is difficult in the best of circumstances, and to add a layer of stress such as the pandemic makes it…
Generic drugs are an option for consideration when making animal health decisions. Kansas State beef cattle veterinarians discuss the process of creating generic drugs and their use in food animals MANHATTAN, Kan. — When going to the pharmacy, consumers are often faced with a choice to select the brand name drug for their ailment or opt for the less expensive generic product. Just as with humans, cattle producers and their veterinary partners make…