Hunter Nickell Southwind Extension District Livestock Production Extension Agent 1006 N. State St. Iola, KS 66749 Office: (620) 365-2242 Cell: (620) 473-3298 [email protected]
K-State to Host Calving School in Southeast KS
Program focuses on calving management and handling difficult births.
Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Extension’s Southwind District, Wildcat District, and Cherokee County will host a Calving Management School in Erie as part of a statewide educational effort preparing producers for the upcoming calving season.
The event will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Neosho Valley Event Center, 321 N. Wood, Erie, Kansas. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the meal and program will begin at 6:00 p.m. Producers are asked to register online at: https://bit.ly/SEKCalvingSchool2026 or call 620-244-3826. Thanks to the generous sponsorships from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, Cleaver Farm & Home, Merck Animal Health, and Zoetis, producers can attend the program at no charge.
The program will cover overall calving management, including the stages of normal labor and practical tips for managing difficult calving situations. A.J. Tarpoff, K-State Extension beef veterinarian, said the goal of the program is to increase producer knowledge and hands-on skills to support more successful births when assistance is needed.
“We want producers to leave better prepared for calving season,” Tarpoff said. “We will discuss timelines on when to examine cows for problems, when to call your veterinarian if something isn’t progressing normally, and how to provide proper calf care during the first hours of life. It’s an excellent program for all experience levels.”
Dr. Tarpoff will also demonstrate the proper use of calving equipment using a life-size cow and calf model. Local extension agents will also cover Body Condition Scoring and a Calving Tool-Kit.
For more information, please contact Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent, (620) 244-3826, [email protected].
Those of us in Kansas are used to eating meat and potatoes almost everyday. Who doesn’t enjoy mashed potatoes with chicken noodles on a cold gray day in the winter, or eating potato casseroles? There are many varieties of potatoes in the grocery store, so how do you choose which potato to buy for which situation? While many shoppers choose potatoes based on personal preference, there are some guidelines to help choose the right potato for the right recipe.
Potato preparation is based on two quality characteristics, starch and moisture content. These two components can determine the best way to cook them.
High starch/low moisture – The russet potato fits in this category. The high solids content yields a dry, fluffy, mealy texture well suited for baking, mashing, frying, or pureeing. They also make good French fries.
Low to medium starch/high to medium moisture – Red and yellow potatoes fit in this category. They have a waxy texture which makes them good for boiling, steaming, braising, stewing, in salads, or any other recipe where potatoes need to remain intact. They don’t absorb much water during cooking, so they have a smooth, creamy texture.
Here are some common varieties and their uses:
Russet – baking, mashing, frying, roasting
Whites – boiling, steaming, mashing, baking, roasting and in casseroles (scalloped and au gratin), soups and salads.
Reds – boiling, roasting, steaming and in casseroles (scalloped and au gratin), soups and salads.
Yellows – baking, boiling, mashing or roasting.
Blue/Purple – bake or mash, French fry, steam, or boil.
Fingerlings – steam, bake, or boil; also good in salads.
Potatoes can provide essential nutrients such as potassium, Vitamin C, and fiber. They are suitable for those with digestive issues, and by themselves, they are fat-free, gluten-free, plant-based, and they are often affordable.
Enjoy your family gatherings and keep safe food handling tips in mind for the health of your family members. For further information on nutrition programming such as 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.
50 Years of Herbicide Resistance in Kansas: How We Got Here and What’s Next
By Lonnie Mengarelli Ag and Natural Resources Agent – Southwind District
This year marks 50 years since Kansas documented its first herbicide-resistant weed. That 1976 discovery—triazine-resistant kochia along railroad rights-of-way—seemed like an isolated case at the time. Today, herbicide resistance is one of the most serious challenges facing Kansas farmers. As we recognize this anniversary, it’s worth looking back at how resistance evolved, where we stand now, and what it will take to manage it moving forward.
Herbicide resistance is the ability of a weed population to survive an herbicide dose that would normally kill it. This is different from herbicide tolerance, which is a weed’s natural, built-in ability to withstand a certain herbicide.
Resistance develops when herbicide use selects for rare genetic traits that allow certain plants to survive and reproduce. Over time, those traits become more common in the field.
Kochia set the stage for herbicide resistance problems in Kansas. After atrazine-resistant kochia was identified in 1976, resistance spread rapidly thanks to the plant’s tumbling growth habit and widespread use of triazine herbicides in crop fields.
Another milestone came in 1987, when kochia populations resistant to ALS-inhibiting herbicides (Group 2) were confirmed. Since then, kochia has added resistance to dicamba and fluroxypyr (Group 4) and glyphosate (Group 9), making it one of the most challenging weeds in the High Plains.
Palmer amaranth and waterhemp—two aggressive pigweed species—have become the state’s most notorious resistant weeds.
Palmer amaranth resistance to Group 2 herbicides was identified in 1993, and the species has since developed resistance to at least six herbicide groups. Palmer amaranth is the only Kansas weed with documented resistance to HPPD herbicides (Group 27), and resistance to Group 15 herbicides has been confirmed just south of the Kansas border. More recently, dicamba-resistant Palmer amaranth was identified for the first time.
Waterhemp has a similar story. By 1995, Kansas populations were already resistant to both Group 2 and Group 5 herbicides, and glyphosate resistance followed in 2006. Both Palmer amaranth and waterhemp are dioecious, meaning they cross-pollinate readily—and that genetic shuffling speeds up the spread of resistance traits.
As of 2025, 16 weed species in Kansas have confirmed herbicide resistance. Thirteen of these are broadleaf weeds; three are grasses. Many are winter annuals that emerge in the fall and cause problems the following spring.
The largest number of resistant species—13—is associated with Group 2 herbicides. Glyphosate resistance (Group 9) ranks second, with six resistant species identified.
The busiest years for new resistance confirmations were 2013 and 2021, each with six new cases. Only two new cases have been added since 2021, but researchers caution that this does not signal a slowdown—only that resistance often goes undetected for several years before being confirmed.
Herbicide resistance will continue to evolve. It is a natural biological process, but it is accelerated when the same herbicide modes of action are used repeatedly. Kansas farmers have faced this steady march for five decades, and the path forward will require more than relying on new chemistry.
The most effective long-term strategy is integrated weed management—diversifying herbicide programs, incorporating cultural and mechanical practices, and reducing seed production by surviving weeds. More details on these strategies will be covered in a follow-up article.
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
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Reference:
Heap, I. 2025. International Herbicide-Resistant Weed Database.
For additional information, see the 2025 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, and Noncropland or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.
Patrick Geier, Weed Scientist, Garden City
Yasir Parrey, Assistant Scientist, Weed Extension Lab
Sarah Lancaster, Extension Weed Management Specialist
Libraries with Heart Initiative Expands Access to Blood Pressure Monitoring Across Southeast Kansas
Nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke. In a collaborative effort to improve community health, five local libraries have launched the Libraries with Heart initiative, a program designed to increase access to blood pressure monitoring and education.
This initiative is made possible through a General Funds Basic Human Needs grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, in partnership with K-State Extension – Southwind Extension Education Foundation, the American Heart Association, and participating libraries.
Libraries with Heart empowers individuals to take control of their health by providing tools and resources to monitor and manage blood pressure effectively.
Program Highlights:
Validated Blood Pressure Monitors for Check Out: Patrons can borrow monitors through the Library of Things catalog.
Educational Materials: Staff and community members are equipped with easy-to-understand resources on how to use the monitors, understanding blood pressure, and how to take steps toward better heart health.
Healthcare Connections: Resources of local healthcare providers for further support and follow-up care.
“This initiative is a great example of how libraries truly serve as hubs for community wellness,” said Tara Solomon-Smith, Healthy Heart Ambassador and Extension Agent with K-State Extension. “By making blood pressure monitoring more accessible, we’re helping individuals take proactive steps toward healthier lives.”
The Libraries with Heart initiative reflects a shared commitment to public health, education, and community empowerment. Each participating library brings its own unique approach, while maintaining core elements that ensure consistency and impact across the region.
For more information about the program or to find a participating library near you, contact Tara Solomon-Smith at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Embrace Winter this Season
Do you find yourself ready for bed as soon as supper is over this time of year? You’re not alone—many of us feel that way after the time change. But winter doesn’t have to be something we dread. With a few simple strategies, we can make the most of the season and enjoy it!
Brighten Your Days with Light Therapy
Light therapy can help combat the winter blues by mimicking natural sunlight. Light boxes or lamps produce bright white light that signals your brain, much like daylight does. When choosing a light box, Harvard Health Publishing recommends:
Look for 10,000 lux exposure. (Lux measures light intensity; a sunny day is about 50,000 lux.)
Position it correctly. Keep the box in front of you or slightly to the side, about a foot away. Don’t stare directly at the light—read, meditate, or watch TV instead.
Use it consistently. Aim for about 30 minutes of exposure daily. You can break this into shorter sessions.
Lifestyle Tips for a Positive Winter
Oklahoma State University Extension suggests creating a plan to boost your mood long-term:
Bundle up and spend 15–30 minutes outdoors for sunlight and exercise.
Maintain a healthy routine of sleep, movement, and nutritious meals.
Take medications as prescribed if managing depression.
Limit alcohol, as it can worsen symptoms.
Stay connected—make plans and follow through.
Practice self-care and kindness toward yourself and others.
Find the Bright Side of Winter
Psychologist and author Kari Leibowitz encourages focusing on what you enjoy about winter. Make a list of things you look forward to—like lighting candles. Leibowitz notes that when you light candles with the intention of celebrating the darkness, it can transform your experience and give winter a new meaning.
Wishing you a wonderful season filled with new ways to embrace winter! For more information, please contact Tara Solomon-Smith at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
Hunter Nickell Southwind Extension District Livestock Production Extension Agent 1006 N. State St. Iola, KS 66749 Office: (620) 365-2242 Cell: (620) 473-3298 [email protected]
Vitamin A Matters: Supporting Reproduction, Growth, and Immunity in Cattle
Vitamin A deficiency in cattle can manifest through a range of clinical signs, including reduced feed intake, growth issues, night blindness, and reproductive failures like low conception rates and stillborn calves. Calves born to vitamin A-deficient cows can exhibit signs of a depressed immune system, making them more vulnerable to disease. Recent concerns about the rising incidence of stillborn and weak calves across the United States have led some nutritionists to emphasize the critical importance of vitamin A supplementation in beef cattle production.
All animals require a dietary source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is typically provided to animals in plant products through its precursor, carotene. Cattle convert beta carotene from green vegetation into vitamin A. In a normal pasture season, the daily intake of carotene that is converted into vitamin A is three to five times the requirement. Cattle can store up to four months of vitamin A in the liver during this period. Under ideal conditions cattle fed good quality hay during the winter will maintain adequate vitamin A status.
Green, lush pastures are an excellent source of vitamin A, primarily due to their high beta-carotene content, the pigment found in these plants. During winter months or periods of drought, vitamin A deficiencies can arise because dormant plants contain significantly less beta-carotene compared to fresh forages. Cows grazing on dry, brown grass or consuming hay made from drought-stressed forages are likely to have low vitamin A. Even hay from good green forage may not maintain adequate vitamin A levels over time, as carotene is unstable and can degrade, even when stored properly. This degradation can result in a loss of one-third to one-half of beta-carotene levels each year. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep mineral supplementation sources fresh to ensure adequate vitamin A intake, as feed grains and concentrates typically have low beta-carotene content.
Luckily, adding vitamin A to cattle diets is both simple and budget-friendly. It’s best to provide this supplement in winter since summer pastures offer plenty of green grass. By the end of summer, cattle typically store ample vitamin A in their livers, but without supplementation during winter, deficiencies can develop. If dietary vitamin A is not adequate, a good time for injection in pregnant cows is at least two months prior to calving to build up stores in the cow and ensure that adequate amounts of vitamins are present in the colostrum. For cows deficient in vitamin A, a single injection may not be enough. These cows have a diminished capacity to store vitamin A in their liver, which means they might require more injections until their vitamin A reserves are sufficient or until adequate oral supplementation can be established. Calves have minimal vitamin reserves at birth and are highly dependent on an adequate supply of vitamins from the dam through colostrum and milk.
Thank you to Emma Briggs, Extension Beef Specialist, for the content of this article. If you have further questions regarding Vitamin A as we are approaching the winter, please feel free to reach out to Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent at any Southwind Extension District office, or by email at [email protected].
The holiday season is full of warmth, generosity, and celebration, but it also brings a lot of pressure to spend. Between sales, gift exchanges, and festive outings, it’s easy to swipe the card without thinking. Many shoppers report that they don’t realize how much they’ve spent until January’s credit card statement arrives like an unwelcome guest.
According to Capital One Shopping, 89% of consumers report having made an impulse purchase, and 54% have spent $100 or more on an impulse buy. The good news is that impulse spending isn’t inevitable. With a little planning and awareness, we can keep holiday spending meaningful and manageable.
Start With a Spending Plan
Before gift shopping begins, take a few minutes to outline a holiday budget. List who you want to give to, set a spending limit for each person, and include seasonal extras like holiday meals, travel, décor, and community events. Seeing it written down not only helps you stay accountable but also reduces stress—you know what to expect.
Don’t Shop Without a List
Much like grocery shopping, heading into a holiday store or online sale without a list is a fast track to overspending. Sales are designed to trigger quick decisions. A list anchors your attention to what you actually planned to buy.
Use the 24-Hour Rule
When you find something you want but didn’t plan for, pause—don’t purchase right away. Save the item to your cart or take a picture, then wait 24 hours. Often, the excitement wears off, and you realize you didn’t need it after all.
Beware of Emotional Shopping
The holidays can stir up a lot of feelings—joy, nostalgia, stress, and sometimes guilt. Retailers know this and use it to their advantage. If you find yourself adding items to your cart because “it was a good deal” or “It just feels festive.”, take a breath and remind yourself that the value of a holiday is not measured in the number of packages under the tree.
Make Memories, Not Expenses
Research consistently shows that shared experiences are more meaningful than material gifts. Consider alternatives such as baking together, crafting homemade gifts, or planning a family game night. These experiences build connection—and often cost little to nothing.
Keep the Focus on What Matters Most
The purpose of the season is connection, gratitude, and reflection—not perfection. Your presence and kindness hold more value than anything wrapped with a ribbon.
By slowing down, planning ahead, and being mindful of spending triggers, you can enjoy a holiday season that feels full without financial regret come January.
For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].
Staying a step ahead: Recognizing and preventing modern scams
It’s getting to the time of Holiday season where people are ordering gifts or booking traveling online. One major thing to watch out for is scams. During a Living Well Wednesday webinar hosted by Kansas State University, Ed Burr, investigator with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, shared tips on how to identify fraudulent activity, protect personal information and respond safely if targeted.
Burr emphasized that scams could happen to anyone, regardless of age or experience.
“These scammers are highly trained and very good at what they do,” he said. “Their goal is to make you act quickly and emotionally before you have time to think.”
Common Scams and How to Stay Safe
One of the newest and most alarming tactics involves AI-generated voice cloning. Burr shared the story of a woman who answered a call she believed was from her grandson — only to discover the voice was a scammer using AI technology.
His advice: families should establish a code word to verify a loved one’s identity in unexpected calls.
He also warned against falling for computer locks or tech support scams. Victims may receive a message claiming their computer has been hacked or locked and that they must call a provided number or speak with a supposed FBI agent.
“The best thing you can do is hang up, shut down your computer and unplug it,” Burr said. “Never click links, download attachments, or sign into bank accounts when prompted.”
If you believe you’ve been targeted, contact law enforcement and your bank immediately.
Burr noted that once money is transferred to scammers, recovery is extremely difficult.
Online and Social Media Risks
Burr said scammers are increasingly using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and dating sites to lure victims into conversations that eventually move to other, less secure platforms.
He also urged people to be cautious when buying from online marketplaces and to verify who they’re communicating with.
Burr highlighted the prevalence of romance scams, in which fraudsters build emotional connections over time to gain trust and eventually request money. These scams, he said, are often orchestrated by organized groups in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia and India.
“These operations are highly organized, and they thrive on emotional manipulation,” Burr said.
Protecting Yourself
Burr encouraged Kansans to:
• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages or “wrong number” texts that quickly become personal.
• Verify credentials before investing money or sharing information; check with the Kansas Securities Commission or the FBI’s consumer resources.
• Avoid making decisions under pressure or through emotional appeals.
• Stay educated about emerging scams and talk openly with friends and family to reduce stigma or embarrassment.
“Scammers prey on trust and emotion,” Burr said. “Education and awareness are the best tools we have to stop them.”
For more information, see (www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news) and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office website at (www.ag.ks.gov)
Kendal Henson is a Kansas State Extension 4-H & Youth Development agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-625-8620.
Wet Weather Slows Kansas Soybean Harvest, Raises Risk of Pod Shattering
By Lonnie Mengarelli Ag and Natural Resources Agent – Southwind District
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, as of Tuesday, October 28,2025 at 8am (weekly reporting deadline), most of eastern Kansas is at D0(abnormally dry) to D1(moderate drought conditions). While our pastures and wheat acres were needing the moisture, the recent rains and wet weather have delayed soybean harvest and increased the risk of pod shattering.
Prolonged wet conditions can cause soybeans to reabsorb moisture after pods have dried. When alternating dry and wet periods occur, the pods swell and shrink, creating stress that can cause them to split open and release seeds prematurely.
“If moisture reaches the seeds, they may begin to sprout in the pod,” said agricultural specialist Ignacio Ciampitti. “Once seeds fall to the ground, that’s direct yield loss before harvest.”
Even a small number of lost seeds can add up quickly. Research shows that just four seeds per square foot left on the soil surface equals roughly one bushel per acre of yield loss.
Once conditions allow harvest to resume, farmers are encouraged to prioritize fields showing early signs of shattering or sprouting to minimize losses and protect seed quality. Early sprouting greatly reduces overall seed quality.
Several factors can contribute to pod shattering, including nutrient deficiencies, insect or hail damage, and—most notably this year—unfavorable weather. Management strategies such as timely harvest and careful combine adjustments can help reduce yield losses.
Harvesting soybeans before all the leaves have dropped can be challenging, as the plants can gum up the combine, but taking the time to work slowly and using well-maintained, sharp equipment can pay off in yield preservation.
Farmers will need vigilance and careful management remain key to protecting both yield and seed quality to finish up this challenging crop production year.
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
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Assistive Technology: Tools for Independence and Inclusion
Assistive technology (AT) is any tool or device that helps individuals perform tasks more easily and efficiently. From simple items like glasses and step stools to advanced devices like eye-controlled computers, AT empowers people of all abilities to make daily living easier.
AT supports a healthy, productive, and dignified lifestyle. It can:
Extend independence and reduce reliance on caregivers
Enable longer workforce participation
Prevent injuries and functional decline
Promote inclusion and community living
Some common everyday examples include:
In the kitchen – there are grip foam handles for silverware, cutting boards that hold food in place, a drinking straw holder, and more.
Around the house – Programmable thermostats, robot vacuums, grab bars, handrails, and more.
Dressing and bathing – Buttoning aids, zipper pulls, long shoehorns, one-handed belts, and more.
Communication – Pens and pencils with special grips, talk-to-text devices, electronic screen readers, and more.
Cognition and memory – Audiobooks, identification bracelets, note-taking systems, and more.
At work or on the farm – Ergonomic workstations, anti-fatigue mats, swivel seating, and more.
To get started, ask yourself:
What tasks are complex or frequently forgotten?
Is there a more straightforward or more affordable solution?
Can I try the device before buying?
Consult professionals like occupational therapists, audiologists, or medical supply staff for personalized guidance.
Assistive technology isn’t just for those with medical needs—it’s for anyone seeking greater ease, safety, and independence in daily life. For more information or to schedule an Assistive Technology presentation, please get in touch with Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.
Late October – The Perfect Time to Tackle Lawn Weeds and Fertilize
So far, this fall has brought fairly favorable weather—but winter is just around the corner. Before the deep freeze sets in, there are two important tasks every homeowner should check off their lawn care list: weed control and fall fertilization.
Why Worry About Lawn Weeds Now?
Weeds might be the last thing on your mind this time of year. But think back to last spring—was your lawn speckled with purple henbit or dotted with dandelions? If so, those weeds didn’t just show up in spring—they actually started growing last fall.
Cool-season broadleaf weeds like henbit, dandelions, and chickweed germinate in the cool, moist conditions of September and October. They overwinter as small, low-growing plants that often go unnoticed. Once spring temperatures rise, they rapidly grow and bloom, making them much harder to control.
Fall is the Best Time for Broadleaf Weed Control
Treating these weeds in the fall is your best chance for effective control. During this season, the weeds are actively transporting nutrients to their roots in preparation for winter. Herbicides applied now are carried down to the roots, killing the plant from the inside out. Plus, the young, small weeds are much more vulnerable to herbicide treatments.
Look for broadleaf herbicides that contain 2,4-D, or combination products with 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba—commonly sold under names like Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, or Weed-Out. Another effective option is Weed Free Zone, which includes all of the above ingredients plus carfentrazone for enhanced control.
Important Note: Avoid applying herbicides to newly seeded lawns until the grass has been mowed at least two or three times. Always read and follow the label instructions carefully.
Fall applications also reduce the risk of herbicide drift, a common issue during warm, windy spring days. The cooler, calmer conditions of fall—along with the dormant state of many plants—make this an ideal time for treatment.
Don’t Forget Fertilization
Early November is the perfect time to apply the final dose of nitrogen fertilizer to your cool-season lawn. This late-season application can make a big difference come spring.
Why? As temperatures drop, top growth slows, but grass plants continue producing and storing carbohydrates in their crowns and roots. These stored reserves help your lawn green up earlier and grow more vigorously in the spring—often eliminating the need for early spring fertilizer.
Apply 1 to 1½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Use a quick-release nitrogen source like urea or ammonium sulfate for best results.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
