From the Desk of the Director
by Marlin Bates
County Extension Director
We hope you are having a great week so far Marlin! Thank you for visiting our newsletter to see what’s happening at your local Extension Office! Here, you can quickly find updates across all our program areas, get some expert tips, and receive timely information to help you make the most of what is important to you.
We are one month removed from the 2024 Douglas County Fair. This year, we certainly didn’t get a break from the weather, but 328 4-H exhibitors brought 2,514 entries to be judged and showcased throughout the week. We always encourage you to visit the fair – especially to see the hard work that the youth put into these projects. This county fair wouldn’t be what it is without the Douglas County Fair Board and their Executive Administrator Candice Lavalette along with the countless department superintendents, judges, and volunteers. We thank you all for your contributions to this exhibition of community.
Looking forward, our volunteer classes are set to begin, the Heartland Regional Food Business Center has released a call for proposals from food- and farm-based businesses to receive grant support, the Kaw Valley Farm Tour is celebrating 20 years and it’s time to start thinking about next year’s crop.
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There is one special event that we want to make sure you don’t miss. The Douglas County Extension Council is hosting their annual Open House on Thursday, September 5 in the Dreher Family 4-H Building on the Douglas County Fairgrounds. We hope that you’ll consider attending this event to gather with other community members, enjoy good food and conversation, meet our staff and Council members, and learn more about our efforts. Attendance is free, but we kindly ask you to register below so we know that you’re coming.
We hope that you take a moment to connect with us. Reach out to one of us directly, sign up for one of our programmatic offerings, come meet us at the Open House, or let us know that you’re interested in giving back to the community. We’re here to help you make connections and solve the problems you face. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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Meet & Eat! Douglas County Extension Open House 2024 | Join us once again for a free dinner and priceless company on September 5, 2024, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at the Dreher Family 4-H Building!
K-State Research and Extension Douglas County's Open House is for you to get to know us as your local Extension Office and for us to learn more about you, the members of our community!
Meet, Eat, Learn, and share! We can't wait to see you there!
Register by August 29!
Please note that if you have special needs to be met, we'd love to accommodate you. Please give us enough time to do so by letting us know by August 8! | | | |
- Agriculture
- Cover Crops Part 2
- Kaw Valley Farm Tour
- Community Development
- Our Website Makeover
- Build it and Aid Will Come
- Health & Wellness
- 15 Years and Counting
- Extension Master Food Volunteer Shout Out
- Horticulture
- Roundup Branded Herbicides Update
- LiveWell of Douglas County
- Grandparent's Guide to Child Safety
- Natural Resources
- Plants for the Birds this Fall
- SNAP-Ed Nutrition
- Back-to-School Nutrition
- A Thankful Farewell
- Youth Development
- 4-H Year Set to Kick off Oct. 1
- Making a Connection In 4-H
- 4-H Foundation Highlight
- News, Updates, Upcoming Events
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Cover Crops Part 2:
Prepare now to Plant Green next spring
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It seems odd to think about next spring just ahead of the harvest season. But it is a given. We always need to be a few steps ahead and consider crop rotations this fall that will impact our spring planting decisions next spring. The decision to plant cover crops now, in September, will have the potential to benefit winter grazing options, as well as positively impact spring planting next year.
Improvements to soil aggregate structure take a few years after a transition to No-Till, based on keeping the soil covered with living roots and green cover (photosynthesizing even mid-winter). Improved water infiltration can make the difference of getting into fields earlier in the spring, especially if you are ‘planting green’.
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‘Planting Green’ is the expression coined by Dr. Erin Silva’s research at UW-Madison, where their trials proved no negative effect of planting corn or soy into a ‘green’, standing cover crop, followed by terminating the cover crop soon after (or at time of planting), using a roller crimper.
This research showed that the thick mat laid down by roller crimping also had no negative impact on emergence of the newly sown crops.
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KS Specialty Crop Producers Workshop | Welcome to the Specialty Crop Producers Workshop's registration page. This is a 3-day event taking place on the dates below:
July 8 -Tomato Pests & Disease IPM
July 22 -Understanding Pesticides
Sept 16- Pollinators & Pesticides (Rescheduled)
Please see below for more program information and if you have any questions, please contact Agriculture Agent Margit Kaltenekker at 785-843-7058 ext. 113. | | | |
Kaw Valley Farm Tour:
Celebrating 20 Years of Local Agriculture
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by, Hilary Kass
Kaw Valley Farm Tour Coordinator
The 20th annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour is just around the corner. Always the first full weekend in October, this tour is sure to please. Bring your friends and family to explore the land, animals, and practices of 39 farms in the Kansas Kaw Valley.
In 2004, creative community members from Community Mercantile, Pendleton’s Country Market, and K-State Research and Extension Douglas County, collaborated to build this tour with the intent to promote the economic stability of small family farms through engagement with a curious general public. Last year nearly 3000 people traveled across 6 counties visiting farms (many not generally open to the public) purchasing local foods and fiber, and enjoying the rich and diversified agricultural life of this region.
So, mark your calendars for October 5 & 6, purchase a $10 ticket that covers a carload over the entire weekend, and discover amazing products and meet the farmers behind everything. From pumpkins and poultry to wildflowers and wine. Enjoy our added online map with expanded descriptions of farms and special activities. Much more information at kawvalleyfarmtour.org.
| Kaw Valley Farm Tour T-Shirts | |
Show your love and support for your local farms and the farm tour with this vibrant t-shirt in child and adult sizes. Shirts are available for purchase, along with tickets, at the extension office, Cottin's Hardware and Rental, and Community Mercantile.
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Kaw Valley Farm Tour Ticket | We are so excited to offer you this tour! Held annually, the first full weekend in October, area farms open their doors to the public to share their farms.
Bring your friends and family to explore the land, animals, and practices of 39 farms in the 20th annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour. Discover amazing Kansas products, and meet the farmers behind everything. From pumpkins and poultry to wildflowers and wine!
Saturday's Tour Information:
October 5, 2024
9:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday's Tour Information:
October 6, 2024
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | | | |
For More of our Agriculture Resources Online | |
Our Website Makeover
by Elesha Hazel
Communications Coordinator
K-State Research and Extension Douglas County's website has received a makeover! Our visuals have changed but our purpose remains the same! "Enriching Douglas County residents with research-based information, resources, and opportunities!"
This update has changed the overall structure of the site and to help you navigate, we created a video guide to take you step by step through the major changes. We are also very excited to announce that we have added News & Events pages for every program area! These pages provide all the information needed to see what is coming up, timely informational/help articles, and more for our specific program areas!
Helpful Tip - UPDATE YOUR BOOKMARKS if you have a page on our website that you frequent because the links have changed.
Smaller page-by-page updates are still underway but that should not interrupt the flow of information on our site. We hope you enjoy the new look and an easier way to navigate to the research-based information you can trust!
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Build it & Aid Will Come
Submitted by Jenny Doty
Food System Entrepreneurial Resource Navigator
Building up farm and food-based businesses in your community is about to get easier! The Heartland Regional Food Business Center has just launched the Business Builder Grant program. This program is designed to promote business expansion, job creation, business capacity building, and increase local products in the local market throughout the Heartland Region, including Kansas. Please share this opportunity with partners, entrepreneurs, and others across Kansas who may benefit.
Full Article
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For More on our Community Development Resources Online | |
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On June 8th I celebrated my 15th anniversary with K-State Research and Extension. Most days it seems like the time has flown by. It’s true when others say, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” In this fall issue of our newsletter, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the previous 15 years and look forward to opportunities on the horizon.
Looking back to my childhood, my journey with Extension as a 4-H member in Cowley County. While I was an undergrad student at K-State, I worked for Extension on campus at the State 4-H Office and the Animal Science Department. While I was working on campus, a supervisor suggested I consider being an Extension agent as a career. Prior to that nudge, I had never considered Extension as a career option after college. That suggestion led to me starting my career as a 4-H Youth Development Agent in Johnson County in 2009.
Like many organizations, Extension has experienced employee turnover over the past several years. When I am asked why I stay in Extension, my answer is always, “The people”. On our Douglas County team, I work with some of the most talented and passionate colleagues in Extension. Our team at Douglas County Extension really is like a family and the skillset each person brings to our team is valued. Equally important, I work alongside some of the most gracious and skilled volunteers who increase our community reach while delivering our mission...
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Extension Master Food Volunteer Shout Out | |
A big shout out to our Extension Master Food Volunteer Team! They have begun collaborating with community partners to dedicate the 4th Wednesday of every month to helping community members apply for food assistance! To learn more about the Extension Master Food Volunteer program, click here! | |
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Food Preservation Workshop | Canning food at home is a great way to preserve fresh foods for later use. The key is canning food properly and safely to prevent food borne illness. Our Food Preservation Workshop will include hands-on demonstrations of both pressure and water bath canning methods. Workshop participants will learn about food preservation safety and best practices. | | | |
Find More of our Health & Wellness Resources Online | |
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Round-Up Herbicides may no longer contain glyphosate – one more reason to read the label on your pesticide products!
If you use Round-Up products, please read the following summary of the changes from Frannie Miller, K-State’s Pesticide Safety and IPM Coordinator.
– Sharon Ashworth, Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent
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Plant Bulbs Now for Spring Color
by Niki Keniff
Agriculture & Horticulture Program Assistant
Fall is almost here and that means it is the time to plant spring bulbs. Bulbs need to be planted early enough in fall to allow them to begin growing and become established before the ground freezes. In northeast Kansas, planting bulbs in October is ideal. When purchasing bulbs, make sure to pick bulbs that are firm, free of rot or mold, and are a good size. It is important to plant the bulbs soon after purchase. If planting must be delayed, store them in a dry, dark place until planting is possible.
There are multiple factors that should be considered when selecting the site to plant spring bulbs. It is important that the soil is fertile and well-drained and the area must receive adequate sunshine for the bulbs to thrive. Planting bulbs at the correct depth and giving ample space is necessary to ensure healthy bulbs and blooms for years to come. Lastly, mulching the area before the ground freezes can ensure that the soil temperature and moisture stay consistent throughout the winter months.
A soil test is an easy and accurate way to learn more about the soil type and quality and if amending is needed. The Douglas County K-State Research and Extension Office can mail soil samples to the ...
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Find More of our Horticulture Resources Online | |
LIVEWELL OF DOUGLAS COUNTY | |
Grandparent’s Guide to Child Safety
by Ginny Barnard Executive Director LiveWell Douglas County
“I didn’t have to worry about all this safety stuff when my daughter was little,” said a grandmother at a Safe Kids Car Seat Check hosted by LiveWell Douglas County. It’s easy for grandparents to be nostalgic for the “good ol’ days” but today we know more about how to make a child’s environment safer. Here are a few guidelines:
- Cribs made before June 2011 do not meet the most recent federal safety standards (16 CFR 1219). Older cribs may have too much space between slats, drop-down side rails, or decorative cut-outs in the headboard and footboard that can trap a baby's head. A crib made before 1978 may have a finish that contains lead, so a crib that has been in the family for generations, or an older used crib, is no longer safe.
- A bare bed is best. Don't place bumper pads, soft bedding, or soft toys (blankets, fluffy comforters, pillows, plush toys) in your grandbaby's crib. Any of these items could cause a baby to suffocate. Always place babies on his or her back to sleep.
- Place baby’s crib and other furniture away from windows and blinds. A baby could fall or become entangled in window blind cords.
- Don't leave children unattended in the tub, shower, or pool.
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LiveWell of Douglas County Online Resources | |
Plants for the Birds This Fall | |
As fall approaches, the birds we see around us are either passing through on their way south from points north, preparing to leave Kansas for more tropical climates, or are here to stay the winter. All these birds need fuel for travel or for the long winter ahead. Resident winter birds also need the shelter of trees and shrubs. Fall is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs that will provide our feathered friends with food and shelter for years to come.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology researchers have estimated that an average of four billion birds migrate south from Canada each fall. Birds migrate south as winter approaches and the availability of food declines on their summer breeding grounds. Cornell’s Birdcast webpage lets you type in your location to determine when birds are migrating overhead.
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When a large migration is forecast, consider turning off your outside lights from 11:00 PM until 6:00 AM. Bright lights attract and disorient nocturnally migrating birds, potentially causing fatal collisions with buildings.
The Lawrence Bird Alliance has a pictorial guide to 29 of the most common birds that spend the winter with us here in Douglas County.
Backyard Birds of Winter
Click the Full Article button below to see the table of native trees and shrubs to consider planting for the birds. Before planting a tree or shrub, read K-State’s handy brochure on the “Top Ten Tree-Planting Mistakes”. Trees and shrubs with fruit available in the fall and into the winter are marked with an asterisk.
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More Natural Resources Online Resources | |
SNAP-ED OF DOUGLAS COUNTY | |
Back-to-School Nutrition Easy as 1, 2, 3! | |
Back-to-school time brings excitement, new beginnings, and cooler weather! It also brings busier mornings, evening extracurricular activities, and tough transitions! To keep your family’s nutrition on track during this time of year, here are some small steps you can take:
1. Prioritize breakfast! Eating breakfast improves your focus and attention, kick-starts your metabolism, and gives you energy to start your day off right. Preparing breakfast before the morning rush will help your family get out the door on time. Assembling overnight oats, easy omelets, or smoothies beforehand allows your family to grab and go in the morning. A complete breakfast includes 3 food groups: a whole grain, fruit or vegetable, and either a dairy or protein food. Incorporating these food groups does not mean you must spend a lot of time or energy. Consider what you can add to provide a little extra nutrition (i.e., add fruit/nuts to oatmeal, cheese/vegetables/protein to eggs, or vegetables and fruits to smoothies.)
2. Get the kids involved! From shopping to packing lunches to emptying their lunch bags at the end of the day – children will be more likely to try new foods and eat healthier when they are part of the process. At the grocery store, let kids choose a new fruit or vegetable that they’d like to try. This is a great opportunity to let picky eaters have a say in what they eat. Ask for their input on packing lunchboxes and make cleaning it out a part of their daily routine.
3. Enjoy family dinner together! Turn off the TV, focus on each other, and be mindful of what you are eating. Set realistic goals of how frequently you can share meals together. With new schedules and activities, it may not be possible to do this every day – and that’s okay. Aim for quality over quantity!
I have just the recipe for you to put these steps into action...
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Congrats to our SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator Sofia! She will be joining Shawnee County Extension as their new Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) & SNAP-Ed Agent! Join us in wishing her all the best
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More SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Online Resources | |
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As fall begins, families begin a new series of activities. With so many extracurricular programs available for youth to choose from, it can be difficult and overwhelming when selecting new activities. 4-H programs are an excellent option for young people and offer something for everyone in the family. 4-H had its beginnings in rural America, but it now serves youth in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
4‑H programs are grounded in the belief that kids learn best by doing. Youth complete hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture, communications, and civic engagement. Projects and activities are held in a positive environment where youth receive guidance from adult and teen mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids can concentrate on one project area or several throughout their 4‑H experience.
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4-H project work is how 4-H’ers learn subject matter which is significant and of interest to them. Projects are a way for youth to learn, set goals, and gain other valuable life skills through hands-on learning experiences at their own pace and skill level.
In Douglas, County youth participate in 4-H programming through many avenues. Some of those opportunities include in-school programming, day camps, and specific project-related training. The most common avenue is by joining a 4-H club, which can help guide them through the 4-H experience. 4-H club meetings provide opportunities to share their project work (speak), plan service-learning activities, and practice running effective meetings. Some clubs may have ‘sub' clubs for individual projects, led by adults or teens. For some specialized projects like horses, Douglas County has a county-wide project club that operates similarly.
Douglas County also offers...
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Making the Connection in 4-H through Programming
by Nancy Noyes
4-H Youth Development Program Assistant
One of the biggest showcases of our Douglas County 4-H Program, the Douglas County Fair, once again was a success with our members! We love ending the year on a high note. I hope you were able to attend some of the shows and visit the exhibit halls to view the year’s project work.
There were contests in a variety of project areas to test the skills of competitors- Photography, Horticulture, Family & Consumer Science, Livestock and Poultry Skillathons, Reading and Livestock Judging. Many of these contests also determine county teams to advance to the 4-H State Contests held in Manhattan and at the Kansas State Fair.
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Behind the scenes this programming thread has been nurtured for years. Some of our members began as Cloverbuds for 5–7-year-olds; a non-competitive program to introduce the seven project areas of 4-H, then become 4-H members in their respective community clubs, all the while developing skills unique to their interests. The adult volunteers and mentors have cultivated a bountiful crop of 4-H members who make Douglas County proud at Regional and State level events. It is this kind of support that equips our members with essential life skills, in addition to subject knowledge.
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4-H Foundation Highlights | |
Meet 4-H Foundation Board Member
Charlie Cooper
What led you to become involved with the 4-H Foundation?
I grew up in 4H and was involved in many projects. I have been a 4H leader and 4H camp counselor for many years. I wanted to be part of the 4H Foundation because it helps develop programs and encourages youth to join and grow within the organization. The foundation is able to provide sponsorship for various educational trips, training, and collegebound 4Hers. Being part of the board is a way for me to give back to Douglas County 4H and see it thrive.
Describe one aspect of community impact that the 4-H Foundation provides for our community.
The impact is knowing that the support from the 4-H Foundation helps expand programs that contribute to the growth and development of the next generation of leaders.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I am the newest member of the 4H Foundation, joining in 2024. I am looking forward to getting to know all the families that make the foundation possible and helping 4Hers.
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More Local 4-H Youth Development Online Resources | |
News, Updates, & Upcoming Events | |
Other Scheduled Upcoming Events | |
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K-State Garden Hour - Finish out your gardening year with the K-State Garden Hour! Learn how to extend your harvest, choose evergreens to plant this fall, and deal with a variety of mammals that mess with your garden.
Sept. 4th from noon to 1:00: Season Extension in the Vegetable Garden
Oct. 2nd from noon to 1:00: Evergreens in Kansas
Nov. 6th from noon to 1:00: Rabbit, Mole, and Deer Mitigation
Douglas County Extension Master Gardener Education Programs - Join the Douglas County Master Gardeners (EMGs) for their monthly educational series. The EMGs meet alternately on Wednesday and Saturday mornings monthly and host a wide variety of speakers on a wide range of horticultural topics.
Sept. 21st at 10:15 am: The Art of Gardening – Money Style with Gale McRoberts
Oct. 16th at 10:15 am: Chestnuts with Charles “Chestnut Charli”) NovoGradac and Deborah Milks
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K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. Program information may be available in languages other than English. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) may be requested by contacting the event contact our main office or the event's program leader four weeks prior to the start of the event at 785-843-7058. Please see the full Douglas County staff list for detailed contact information. Requests received after programs' deadline dates will be honored when it is feasible to do so. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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