Tag: K-State Research and Extension

Kansas and Oklahoma will host three workshops in early August to educate canola growers on the crop's benefits and management within sustainable cropping systems. Presentations will cover performance factors, marketing, and insights from Australian expert John Kirkegaard. The events aim to help attendees explore canola's potential for enhancing profitability and resilience in farming.

Raccoon populations in Kansas have surged over the past 40 years, posing challenges for home gardeners, particularly for sweet corn harvests. Wildlife expert Drew Ricketts suggests electric and kennel fencing as effective deterrents. It's crucial to install fencing before corn ripens to prevent raccoons from becoming accustomed to the crop.

A Kansas State University expert warns that agricultural dust, containing mold, bacteria, and other harmful components, poses serious health risks to farmers. Common illnesses include organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) and chronic lung diseases like hypersensitivity pneumonitis and COPD. Farmers are advised to implement safety measures to protect their respiratory health.

K-State agriculture expert Deepak Joshi emphasizes the importance of yield data from modern combines during wheat harvest. This data enables farmers to analyze yield patterns and make informed decisions. Additionally, spray drones are emerging as effective tools for targeted application of chemicals, helping to reduce costs and improve efficiency in diverse field conditions.

Kansas growers of corn, grain sorghum, and cotton are facing limited herbicide options due to recent heavy rains and crop growth. Experts recommend careful planning, as common herbicides like atrazine have strict application height limits. Alternatives like Diflex and various Group herbicides exist, but timing and product selection are crucial for effective weed control.

Tar spot is a rapidly spreading disease affecting Kansas corn, characterized by black lesions on leaves. Favorable wet, cool conditions have been observed in three counties. Farmers are advised to monitor crops, understand hybrid resistance, and apply fungicides at specific growth stages. Awareness and quick response are crucial for effective management.

Kansas farmers will benefit this growing season from enhanced monitoring and free diagnostic testing for corn leafhoppers and the corn stunt disease pathogen, thanks to a partnership between Kansas Corn and Kansas State University. The Kansas Corn Disease Network, with 35 trapping sites, aims to ensure early detection and informed decision-making for producers.

Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts emphasize the importance of careful water management for cattle, especially during droughts. Rapid access to water after dehydration can lead to salt toxicity, a potentially fatal condition. Producers should gradually rehydrate cattle, monitor water quality, and consider alternative sources to ensure livestock health.

Kansas farmers benefit from soil health practices like no-till and cover crops, but profitability depends on matching methods to specific farm conditions. Research shows higher soil health scores correlate with profitability through reduced expenses rather than just increased yields. A customized approach is essential for long-term success in farm management.

The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership program recently graduated Class XVII and welcomed 30 new members for Class XVIII. The program, which enhances leadership in agriculture and rural communities, celebrated its milestone during a graduation ceremony. Keynote speaker Mary Snapp addressed AI's implications for rural America, highlighting the program's growing interest.

As Kansas prepares for wheat harvest, K-State food scientist Karen Blakeslee emphasizes food safety in the field. Key guidelines include washing hands, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking to proper temperatures, and keeping food at safe temperatures. Pre-prepared meals can be frozen for convenience, enhancing family bonding during breaks.

Cattle experience heat stress in high temperatures due to their inability to sweat, which can be identified by behaviors like increased panting and seeking shade. Kansas State University’s A.J. Tarpoff emphasizes the importance of monitoring environmental factors and managing feed and water to enhance cattle comfort, wellbeing, and productivity.