Tag: K-State Research and Extension

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.

K-State experts emphasize the need for risk management strategies amid high cattle prices and market volatility. They recommend tools such as understanding market basis and utilizing Livestock Risk Protection insurance to help producers safeguard profitability. The discussion highlights the importance of preparedness in the face of uncertainties like weather and herd management.

Kansas wheat producers face significant challenges for the 2026 crop due to drought, freeze damage, and disease pressure, according to K-State specialists. While the season began favorably, weather extremes have raised concerns, leading to observations of crown rot and potential abandonment of some fields. Timely rainfall may still improve conditions.

Trisha Moore, a K-State associate professor, is assessing sediment buildup in the Kansas River affected by water injection dredging at Tuttle Creek Reservoir. Collaborating with various institutions, the team monitors sediment variation, which seems to be within natural levels. The project aims to balance sediment removal with ecological health downstream.

Tawnie Larson from Kansas State University highlights the risks associated with ATVs and UTVs, essential tools on farms that cause over 600 deaths annually in the U.S. Proper safety measures are crucial, especially for older operators. Larson emphasizes the need for education and training to prevent accidents, urging caution and adherence to guidelines.

Kansas wheat producers are facing significant challenges due to extreme weather changes, including drought, freeze damage, and emerging diseases. While fall conditions initially promoted growth, recent cold snaps have damaged crops and reduced yield potential. Experts advise continued monitoring for diseases and highlight the need for additional moisture to recover crop performance.

Prescribed burning is an essential practice in Kansas, particularly in the Flint Hills, where it promotes healthy tallgrass prairie and improves cattle grazing conditions. Managed burns require careful planning and community cooperation among ranchers. This process enhances grassland health, cattle productivity, and ultimately influences the quality of beef available to consumers.

Kansas State University has achieved its eighth national championship in meat animal evaluation in the past decade. Team members Riley Miller and Olivia Nitschke highlighted the extensive preparation and teamwork that led to their success, emphasizing the experience's impact on their professional development and their commitment to the agricultural industry.

The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference, hosted by Kansas State University, will take place in Courtland, Kansas, from June 24-26, 2026. This immersive event promotes rural entrepreneurship, featuring local venues and businesses. Attendees will gain practical entrepreneurial insights while networking and supporting rural communities, showcasing innovation and resilience in Kansas.

K-State experts highlight the significance of beef imports in meeting U.S. consumer demand for ground beef. They explain that imported lean beef complements domestic production, especially for ground products. This balance of imports and exports allows the beef industry to optimize animal value and cater to varying consumer preferences, ensuring consistent supply.

K-State economist Gregg Ibendahl warns that rising oil prices, potentially reaching $90 per barrel, threaten farm profitability by increasing production costs. Higher diesel and fertilizer prices could add significant expenses for farmers, with fertilizer costs expected to rise by about 10%. Producers should closely monitor these market trends for potential impacts.