Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent    

March 2026

Entrepreneurship isn’t just something that happens in big cities or corporate boardrooms; it’s alive and growing right here in our local communities. Through youth entrepreneurship programming, local students are discovering that their ideas, creativity, and hard work can turn into real opportunities.

Over the past several years, we’ve seen an exciting increase in young people who are interested in starting their own businesses or learning how businesses operate. Youth entrepreneurship programs give students the opportunity to explore these ideas in a supportive environment while building important life skills. One of the most rewarding parts of youth entrepreneurship programming is watching students gain confidence as they present their ideas to community members, local business leaders, and judges. Events like the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) allow students to showcase their creativity while receiving valuable feedback and encouragement from people who understand the importance of innovation and small business development in rural communities.

This year, local competitions in Allen, Neosho, and Bourbon Counties highlighted the creativity and innovation of youth across our area. Students presented a wide range of ideas, from handmade products and specialty foods to service-based businesses and creative solutions to everyday problems. While awards and prizes are part of the competition, the true goal of the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is to help young people build confidence and realize that their ideas have value. Many students leave the experience with a stronger understanding of how businesses operate and what it takes to turn an idea into reality.

Participants learn how to develop a business concept, identify customers, calculate costs, and create a basic business plan. Along the way, they also gain valuable experience in communication, problem-solving, and financial decision-making, skills that will benefit them no matter what career path they pursue.

Programs like this would not be possible without the support of local businesses, volunteers, and community partners who invest their time and resources in supporting our youth. Their encouragement helps students see that their ideas matter and that their community believes in their potential.

Entrepreneurship is about more than starting a business; it’s about developing the mindset to identify opportunities, solve problems, and think creatively. By helping young people build these skills today, we are investing in stronger communities and local economies tomorrow.

If you are interested in supporting youth entrepreneurship efforts, whether by volunteering, mentoring, or encouraging a young person with a business idea, we would love to connect with you. Together, we can continue empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders right here at home.

For more information about upcoming youth entrepreneurship programs or events, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at [email protected].

Having A Healthy Gut for Physical and Emotional Health

 A healthy gut plays a major role in overall well‑being, yet many people are unaware of its importance. Gut health influences the immune system, weight, chronic disease risk, and even mental health. The gut’s impact comes from the trillions of microorganisms living in the digestive system. These microbes work together to keep digestion in balance. When this balance is disrupted—a condition known as dysbiosis—it can lead to many health concerns.

The gut and brain communicate directly through the gut–brain axis, allowing gut conditions to affect both physical and emotional health.

Understanding gut health begins with understanding the gut microbiota. At any time, trillions of microbes live in and on the body, roughly equal to the number of human cells. Most live in harmony with the body and provide many benefits, though they can cause problems if they become unbalanced. The largest concentration of microbes lives in the gut, which has a surface area roughly the size of a tennis court.

Gut microbiota support the immune system, help break down food, and produce essential nutrients such as short‑chain fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids. They also communicate with the nervous system through the gut–brain axis, influencing mood, cognition, and overall health.

Gut health begins early in life, as microbiota start developing even before birth. For individuals looking to improve gut health, increasing fiber intake is one of the most effective strategies. Fiber comes from plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Many people who follow a typical Western‑style diet consume too little fiber. This diet often contains large amounts of processed foods and simple carbohydrates such as white bread, sugary snacks, and fast food. As a result, it has been linked to higher rates of chronic disease and increased risk of mental health challenges.

The Mediterranean diet, by contrast, contains more fiber‑rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. It also includes healthy fats and antioxidants. This dietary pattern provides significantly higher amounts of fiber and essential nutrients.

Most U.S. adults eat only 10–15 grams of fiber per day—far below recommended levels of 22-28 grams a day. Research shows that fiber can:

• Lower the risk of obesity
• Reduce heart disease
• Lower cancer risk
• Help regulate blood sugar
• Act as fuel for gut microbiota, helping beneficial bacteria thrive and function effectively.

Probiotics also support gut health. These live, helpful microorganisms form naturally during the fermentation of foods and beverages. Fermented foods have existed for thousands of years, but interest in probiotics has grown as research continues to show their potential health benefits. Today, probiotics appear in many foods, drinks, and dietary supplements and may help support immune function, maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, and assist in managing certain conditions.

However, probiotic supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before reaching the market. This means manufacturers are not required to prove the microorganisms are alive or present in the listed amounts. For this reason, healthcare providers recommend consulting a medical professional before taking probiotic supplements. Providers may suggest probiotics during antibiotic treatment, as antibiotics kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria.

Many fermented foods naturally provide probiotics. Fermentation may occur naturally or through the use of a starter culture. Common probiotic‑rich foods and beverages include sauerkraut, sourdough, yogurt, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha.

During recent Gut Health programming in the Southwind District, participants sampled kefir and kombucha. Among the options provided, blueberry kefir and peach kombucha—both available at local grocery stores—were the most preferred flavors.

Prebiotics also play an important role. Prebiotics are types of fiber that feed beneficial gut bacteria and help them grow. While not all fibers are prebiotics, all prebiotics count toward daily fiber intake. Prebiotics should be consumed daily to support a balanced gut microbiome. Prebiotic‑rich foods include bananas, apples, blueberries, asparagus, jicama, leeks, leafy greens, artichokes, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, and whole grains.

The gut microbiome affects digestion, immune function, chronic disease risk, and emotional well‑being. Fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics all play key roles in supporting gut health. A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits help beneficial bacteria thrive—and support overall health.

For further information on nutrition programming such as Gut Health, Cooking for 1-2, Dining with Diabetes or Planning Family Meals, please contact Sandy Haggard, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, Southwind District, [email protected] or 620.365.2242.

Soil Testing – The First Step to a Successful Garden

Whether you’re new to gardening or have years of experience, one essential step should never be overlooked, and that is understanding your soil’s fertility. While your plants may offer clues, you can’t accurately judge soil nutrients by sight, touch, or guesswork alone. As planting season approaches, now is the perfect time to invest in a soil test.

A soil test provides a baseline of your soil’s nutrient levels and pH. With this information, you can determine exactly what type and amount of fertilizer your garden needs—if any at all. In many cases, soils already contain adequate levels of phosphorus or potassium. Applying more not only wastes time and money but can also harm plants and the environment.

Soil nutrient levels naturally change over time, which is why Kansas State University recommends testing garden soil every three to five years. However, the accuracy of your results depends entirely on how well you collect your sample. Follow these simple steps to ensure reliable results:

How to Take a Soil Sample

1. Divide your garden into sections.
   Separate areas based on differences in soil color, texture, slope, or plant growth. Avoid mixing soil from unusual spots, such as low areas or old fence rows—these should be sampled separately.
2. Collect multiple samples.
   Using a clean bucket and a soil probe or spade, take 10 thin cores or slices from across each section. Sample soil to a depth of 6–8 inches. For best results, avoid sampling when the soil is overly wet.
3. Mix and prepare the sample.
   Combine all cores in your bucket, breaking up clumps and removing debris such as rocks, roots, and grass. From this mixture, take about one cup to one pint of soil. Spread it out to air dry on newspaper.
4. Package and label.
   Place the dried soil in a sealable plastic bag or container. Clearly label it with your name, mailing address, and phone number.
5. Submit your sample.
   Drop off your sample at your local Extension office in Erie, Iola, Fort Scott, or Yates Center. Chanute residents may leave samples at Breiner’s Feed Store for pickup. The cost is $20 per sample, and results are typically available within 7 to 10 days.

Phosphorus and potassium levels tend to build up in soil over time. Excess amounts can damage plant growth and may even leach into nearby streams and lakes, contributing to water pollution. In fact, recent tests from the K-State soil lab have found some Kansas samples with nutrient levels so high they were literally “off the charts.”

If your garden didn’t perform as expected last year, poor soil fertility or an imbalanced pH may have been the cause. A soil test takes the guesswork out of gardening and gives you a clear path forward.

Don’t wait until after planting to check your soil. Test now so you have time to make any needed adjustments—and set your garden up for success.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent serving the Southwind District. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Community Gathers to Learn About Ticks and Alpha‑Gal Syndrome at Southwind Extension Program

Fort Scott, KS — March 23, 2026 — Nearly 60 community members joined K-State Extension for the program “Beyond the Bite: Understanding Ticks and Alpha-Gal” last Monday evening at the FSCC campus. This event highlighted how K-State Extension – Southwind District is addressing emerging health issues with timely, research‑based education. An Alpha‑Gal–friendly baked potato bar was provided by Great Western Dining.

Raymond Cloyd, PhD, KSU Professor and Extension Specialist, presented on tick identification and life cycles, strategies for preventing tick bites, proper removal techniques, and recommended steps to take after spending time outdoors. Ticks are typically found just a few inches above the ground on vegetation. To remove a tick, individuals should use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure to remove the entire tick—including the head and mouthparts. After removal, the area should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

Priscilla Brenes, MPH, PhD, KSU Assistant Professor and Nutrition Specialist, discussed how Alpha‑Gal affects the body and shared nutritional strategies for managing life with Alpha‑Gal Syndrome (AGS). While there is currently no cure for AGS, individuals can reduce symptoms by carefully avoiding foods and products that may trigger reactions. Many people are surprised to learn that rotisserie chicken or turkey sausage may be seasoned or processed with beef‑derived ingredients. Some individuals with this allergy may also react to wearing leather boots, and others may need to carry an epinephrine auto‑injector.

Alpha‑Gal Syndrome is an allergy to red meat and mammal‑derived products that is becoming increasingly common across Kansas, particularly in rural areas. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AGS can develop after a bite from the Lone Star tick. When an infected tick feeds on a human, alpha‑galactose (alpha‑gal) enters the body and triggers the immune system to produce antibodies. If the body later encounters alpha‑gal—through red meat or mammal‑derived products—a potentially life‑threatening allergic reaction can occur. Fish and poultry do not contain alpha‑gal antigens, making them safe options for those affected.

Symptoms of AGS may appear after eating red meat or being exposed to mammal‑derived products (including leather) and can include hives or itchy rash, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, heartburn or indigestion, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids, and dizziness or faintness.

To request handouts from the program to be emailed or for additional information about Alpha‑Gal Syndrome, please contact Sandy Haggard, Southwind Extension Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, at [email protected] or 620‑365‑2242.

HAPp Now: Heart Health Starts Here

Did you know that Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often has no symptoms? Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health concerns such as heart disease and stroke. April’s K-State Extension OWL Hour will provide practical, easy-to-understand information to help you take charge of heart health!

HAPp Now is part of the Hypertension Awareness & Prevention (HAPp) initiative. This educational program is designed to help adults understand their blood pressure numbers, why hypertension matters, and what steps they can take to protect their heart health.

During the session, participants will:
• Learn what blood pressure is and what the numbers mean
• Discover simple lifestyle strategies for heart health through the art of ‘habit stacking’
• Learn how to accurately measure blood pressure at home

Small changes can make a big difference, and this session gives participants the tools and confidence to get started!

April’s sessions will be:
• Yates Center: 4/13 at the 4H Community Building.
• St Paul: 4/14 at the Graves Memorial Public Library.
• Fort Scott: 4/15 at the Fort Scott Public Library.
• Iola: 4/16 at the Southwind Iola Extension Office.

There is no cost to attend. All sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. For more information, contact Hollie Yoho at 620-625-8620 or [email protected].

When Armyworms Attack: Evaluating Brome Fields After a Tough Year
By Lonnie Mengarelli, Extension Agent – Crops and Natural Resources

This past year proved challenging once again for forage producers across eastern Kansas. In 2025, fall armyworms arrived in late July and overstayed their welcome through a long, warm fall. Many producers reported partial or complete loss of smooth brome stands, leaving fields that range from lightly affected to areas that appear completely dead.

The level of damage varied widely from field to field. In many cases, the hardest-hit areas were fields that had been harvested in mid-to-late July. Those freshly cut fields created the perfect environment for fall armyworm moths to lay their eggs. Armyworm moths are not particularly picky — they will lay eggs on nearly any foliar material available. Once the larvae hatch, they begin feeding and can quickly move in large numbers across a field in search of food.

Smooth brome is a cool-season grass, which means it does not perform well during hot summer conditions. When a field is cut in late July, the plant is already growing under stress from high temperatures that often reach into the 90s. After cutting, very little leaf material remains, leaving the crown only a few inches tall and exposed. When armyworm feeding occurs under those conditions—especially if rainfall is limited—the result can be rapid browning of the field.

Some fields showed signs of recovery after late-season rains, but others never fully greened back up. With the warmer temperatures we’ve experienced moving into this spring, many producers are asking the same questions: Are the brome plants still alive? Is there potential for regrowth?

Unfortunately, a quick drive-by assessment may not provide an accurate answer. Dormant perennial grasses can sometimes look similar to annual weeds that died over winter. The only reliable way to know is to examine the plants directly.

One method is to check for living rhizomes. Dig up a clod of grass and examine the underground stems. If the rhizomes are alive, new tillers should begin emerging as temperatures warm and precipitation returns. Signs of life include firm roots holding soil and green tissue beginning to develop near the crown.

Another useful method is what many call a “bag test.” Collect several plant samples from the field and rinse the soil from the roots. Trim the shoots to about an inch above the crown and remove most of the roots. Lightly moisten the crowns with tap water and place the samples in a sealed plastic bag. Leave the bag at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for two to five days. Living plants will typically begin producing small shoots or roots. If there is no growth after about six days, the plant is likely dead.

If stands are severely damaged, producers will have several management options to consider.

In a typical year with stable input costs, the recommendation might be to prepare a seedbed and reseed brome at 10 to 15 pounds of pure live seed per acre. Poor seedbed conditions may require seeding rates closer to 20 pounds per acre. As always, soil sampling should guide fertility programs so that lime and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are applied appropriately.

However, with rising costs for seed, fertilizer, and other inputs, spring reseeding may not always be the most economical option. Spring plantings also tend to face heavier weed pressure and typically cannot be harvested until the following year.

Some producers may instead consider alternative forage crops to help fill the gap. Summer annual forages such as pearl millet, sorghum-sudangrass, forage sorghum, or crabgrass can produce between 4,000 and 8,000 pounds of forage per acre under good conditions. Cool-season options like spring oats, triticale, or cereal rye may provide 1,500 to 4,000 pounds of forage and can be useful for early-season grazing or hay production.

Another option is patience. If immediate forage production is not essential, waiting a few weeks to monitor stand recovery may help producers make a more informed decision. This approach allows time to evaluate plant health, watch input costs, and observe market conditions. Of course, there is always some risk if the stand fails to recover and forage yields fall short.

For producers who depend heavily on brome hay sales and have fields that clearly did not survive the winter, reseeding may ultimately be the best path forward. When reseeding is necessary, determining the exact acreage affected and planning for seed, fertilizer, herbicide, and potential insect management will help reduce surprises later.

The important thing to remember is that every field will be different. A neighbor’s plan may not be the right solution for your operation. Taking time to evaluate each field, inspect the plants, and weigh the available options will help determine the best path forward for your forage system.

After a year like 2025, one thing is certain: careful field evaluation this spring will be the key to making sound management decisions for the season ahead

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

Read, Talk, Play: Simple Steps for Smarter Kids

Helping children build early literacy skills is one of the most important things parents and caregivers can do. Long before a child enters school, their brain is rapidly growing. The way adults talk, read, and play with young children shapes how they learn, communicate, and form relationships.

Birth to 12 Months: Early Language Growth

Babies begin learning language by listening to voices and watching faces. They coo, babble, and explore books by touching and looking at them. Caregivers can support learning at this age by talking about daily activities, reading books with simple, high-contrast images, and responding to a baby’s sounds as if they were in a real conversation. These interactions build early brain connections that support later reading skills.

12 to 24 Months: Building Vocabulary

Between the ages of one and two, toddlers start to understand more words. They may point to pictures, mimic sounds, and say a few words. Reading books with short phrases and rhymes, labeling everyday objects, and singing together all help toddlers build vocabulary and confidence.

24 to 36 Months: Early Reading Skills

By age two to three, children begin recognizing letters, noticing rhymes, and retelling simple stories. Caregivers can ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or point out letters on signs and labels. Pretend play also helps them understand stories and use their imagination.

Use Everyday Moments to Teach

Everyday outings are great chances to learn. At the grocery store, children can hear new words, see colors, and practice counting. At the park, they build motor skills and interact with others. These real-world experiences are more valuable for learning than screen time.

Create a Simple Nightly Routine

A simple routine can also make literacy a habit. The “Brush, Book, Bed” approach—brush teeth, read a book, then go to bed—helps families build reading into their daily routine. Even 15 minutes of daily reading helps children grow their vocabulary, build strong bonds, and enjoy books.

Watch for Early Delays

Caregivers should also watch for early signs of delay, such as limited babbling, failure to respond to voices, or little interest in books by age three. Early support can make a big difference.

Information from today’s article came from the K-State Extension Fact sheet, Early Literacy: Building the Foundation for Lifelong Learning. Please contact Tara Solomon-Smith at [email protected] or 620‑244‑3826.

Chick Days are coming!

Each spring, a familiar sign goes up at local feed stores: “Chick Days Are Here.” For many families across the Southwind District, Chick Days mark the true beginning of spring. The sound of peeping chicks, the smell of fresh pine shavings, and the excitement of starting a new flock signal longer days and warmer weather ahead.

Whether you’re adding to an existing laying flock or starting backyard chickens for the first time, Chick Days at your local feed store are a great opportunity to get started. Before bringing those fluffy chicks home, though, it’s important to have the proper setup ready.

Baby chicks cannot regulate their body temperature for the first few weeks of life, so a brooder is essential. A brooder can be as simple as a large plastic tote, a stock tank, or a sturdy cardboard box, placed in a draft-free area such as a garage or outbuilding.

Line the bottom with absorbent bedding, such as pine shavings (avoid cedar shavings, which can cause respiratory irritation). Plan for about half a square foot per chick at first, increasing space as they grow.

You’ll also need a heat source. A heat lamp with a red bulb or a radiant heat plate designed for chicks works well. Start the temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the first week, then reduce by about 5 degrees each week until the chicks are fully feathered. Always secure heat lamps carefully to reduce fire risk, and check them daily. If not secured or checked, they can cause a massive fire and cause loss of animals and structures.

All baby chicks need food and fresh water! Provide a chick starter feed that contains 18–20% protein. Medicated and non-medicated options are available; the medicated starter helps prevent coccidiosis, a common intestinal disease in young poultry. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times in a shallow chick waterer to prevent drowning. Placing marbles or small stones in the waterer during the first few days can help reduce accidents. Keep feeders and waterers clean and positioned so bedding does not constantly contaminate them.

A few additional items will make management easier:

• A thermometer to monitor brooder temperature
• Electrolyte or vitamin supplements for water during times of stress
• A small scoop or sifter for cleaning out wet bedding
• A plan for long-term housing once birds outgrow the brooder

Before purchasing chicks, check local ordinances to ensure backyard poultry are allowed in your area and determine how many birds you can reasonably manage. Also consider predator protection, coop ventilation, and future feed costs.

Impulse buying can be tempting when faced with bins of fluffy chicks, but planning ahead is key. Research breeds that match your goals. Some breeds are known for high egg production, while others are better suited for meat production or dual-purpose use. Think about temperament, climate adaptability, and egg color preferences as well.

Raising backyard poultry can be a rewarding experience for families, youth projects, and small-acreage producers alike. With a little preparation and proper care, those tiny chicks will quickly grow into productive laying hens or meat birds for your household.

As you stop by your local feed store this spring, take time to prepare before bringing chicks home. A well-prepared brooder and a solid management plan will set your flock up for a healthy start — and make Chick Days an enjoyable beginning to the season. Should you have questions regarding nutrition, housing, predator control, or biosecurity practices, feel free to reach out to Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent at any Southwind Extension District Office or by email at [email protected].

Have you ever wondered how the new playground equipment at your neighborhood park was funded? Or who paid for the welcoming sign that guides visitors to a local landmark? Maybe you’ve attended a festival that relied on seed money to get started. In many cases, these community projects are made possible because someone took the initiative to write a grant proposal.

Grants play a vital role in helping communities fund ideas, expand services, and strengthen local economies. While many grants come from federal or state government programs, others are offered by local foundations, corporations, and municipal agencies. Because grants provide such an important source of sustainable funding, K‑State Research and Extension’s Community Vitality Team supports communities by offering grant-writing education.

Residents and community groups can learn how to craft effective grant proposals at an upcoming in‑person Grant Writing Workshop hosted by K‑State Research and Extension in the Southwind District.

Southwind Grant Writing April 2026

The workshop will take place on April 7th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Southwind Extension District office in Iola, KS. To register, call 620‑244‑3826 or email [email protected]. The cost to attend is $60, which includes workshop materials and lunch.

The workshop will be led by Nancy Daniels, a community vitality specialist with K‑State Extension and an experienced grant writer. “This workshop is for everyone, from those who have never written a proposal and don’t know where to begin, to those with experience who want to sharpen their skills,” Daniels said. “It’s incredible to see what happens in a community when people realize they don’t have to wait for change. They can create it themselves.”

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from one another. Daniels noted that even seasoned grant writers often leave the workshop with new ideas, renewed motivation, and valuable insights from peers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their current grant projects or proposal ideas to the sessions.

Workshop topics include:

• Conquering your grant writing fears and start writing
• Identifying sources of data for community needs (where do you find the numbers to back up your request?) ·
• Where to find grants ·
• Practicing the grant writing elements: Problem, Outcomes, Activities, Evaluation and Budget.

For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at [email protected].

Beyond the Bite Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal

Because one bite can change a life

Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can carry diseases and,
in some cases, trigger long-term, life-altering health conditions
such as Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Join Southwind Extension to learn
how to protect your family and navigate life after an Alpha-Gal
diagnosis.

The program will feature two K-State experts:
Priscilla Brenes, MPH, Ph.D. will talk on how Alpha-Gal affects the body and nutritional strategies for managing life with AGS.

Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D. will talk on tick species, life cycles, and behavior, diseases associated with ticks, and prevention and personal protection tips

Whether you spend time outdoors for work, recreation, or everyday
life, this program offers practical, research-based information to
help reduce risk and increase awareness.

Monday, March 23
Fort Scott Community College
Ellis Meeting Rooms
6:00 p.m.
Call 620-244-3826 by March 20 to register.