Tag: K-State Research and Extension

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.

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.