Empowered Caregiver Series Offered in Fort Scott

Do you want to show up as the strongest version of yourself—for you and the people you love? Build the skills that help you thrive in a caregiving role and feel confident doing it. Join The Empowered Caregiver, an Alzheimer’s Association program, for a free, two-part educational series.

The sessions are on Tuesday, October 6 and 13, from 6–8 p.m., at Fort Scott Community College’s Burris Ag Hall, 2108 S. Horton Street. Participants will learn caregiving strategies, communication techniques, ways to support independence, and resources available for caregivers. A light meal will be provided.

Topics in the program include:

• Building foundations of caregiving.
• Supporting independence.
• Communicating effectively.
• Responding to dementia-related behaviors.
• Exploring care and support services.

Please RSVP at 620-244-3826 or tsolomon@ksu.edu.

Visit alz.org/CRF to explore additional education programs in your area.

For more information contact: Tara Solomon-Smith, Family and Community Wellness Agent, Southwind Extension District — tsolomon@ksu.edu, 620-244-3826.

Documents:

• Flyer_The_Empowered_Caregiver_Program.png

4-H members from the Southwind Extension District in Allen and Bourbon Counties had the opportunity to participate in the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Klara Stock, Hailey Shadden, Marley Sutton, Hunter Hurt, Kendyl Bloesser, Jewel Endicott, Alexa Ellis, Cash Pitts, Korbyn Allison, Makinlee Bloesser and Carla Nemecek (volunteer/coach).

The Southwind Extension District 4-H members studied throughout the summer to participate at the 2026 Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes, held August 22-23 at K-State’s new Bilbrey Family Event Center in Manhattan, KS. Demonstrating consistent excellence, Southwind teams placed in the top ten of every contest, with a dominating win in the State 4-H Meats Judging Contest, and a Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team to ultimately claim the title of 2026 State 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes Champions.

The participants representing the Southwind Extension District were Hailey Shadden, Makinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, Kendyl Bloesser, Alexa Ellis, Jewel Endicott, Klara Stock, Korbyn Allison, Cash Pitts and Hunter Hurt.

The Sweepstakes event consisted of four contests: Livestock Judging, Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon, with scores combined and averaged to determine the overall Sweepstakes winners.

Top Individual Sweepstakes Results:

Hailey Shadden, Reserve Individual Overall (for the second consecutive year); Jewel Endicott, 5th (for the second consecutive year); Marley Sutton, 10th; Klara Stock, 11th; and Kendyl Bloesser 12th.

The Southwind teams excelled in the Livestock Quiz Bowl qualifying exam, which began with 21 teams. Southwind #1 (Shadden, Ellis, K. Bloesser, M. Bloesser) was the high-scoring team in the exam, but lost in the first round. Because of their bye and a high test score, they were 5th Team Overall. Southwind #2 (Endicott, Stock, Pitts, Hurt) was the second-highest-testing team and earned a bye in the first round. However, they stepped up to the challenge, and won 2 matches before a tough loss in the finals, and were named Reserve Champion Livestock Quiz Bowl Team.

In the Livestock Judging contest, Southwind #1 (Shadden, K. Bloesser, Ellis, Stock) had an outstanding day, earning 4th in Cattle, 13th in Sheep, Champion Team in Hogs, Champion Team in Reasons, and being named 5th High Team Overall. There were 42 teams from across the state and 220 individuals in the contest. Individual highlights include: Hailey Shadden – 5th High Individual Overall, High Individual Cattle; 6th Reasons, and 9th Hogs; Alexa Ellis was 8th in Cattle. Both Hailey and Alexa qualified to try out for the Kansas 4-H Livestock Judging All-Star Team later this fall.

The Meats Judging contest involved identifying 30 retail cuts, six placings classes, and three sets of reasons. Southwind #1 (Endicott, Sutton, Shadden, Stock) was named the Champion Meats Judging Team, with a standout performance by winning Retail Identification, and also earning 2nd in both Placings and Reasons. 75 Senior Individuals and 13 teams competed in the contest. Southwind #2 (K. Bloesser, M. Bloesser, Ellis, Pitts) was 8th in Placings, 9th in Reasons, 7th in Retail ID, and 7th Team Overall. Those in the Top 10 were offered the opportunity to try out for the All-Star team later this year. Individual accomplishments for the Southwind squad include:

• Jewel Endicott – High Individual Overall, High Individual Placings, 4th Reasons, 3rd Retail ID
• Hailey Shadden – 3rd Individual Overall, 8th Placings, 8th Reasons, 8th Retail ID
• Kendyl Bloesser – 4th Individual Overall, 7th Placings, 5th Retail ID
• Klara Stock – 7th Individual Overall, 6th Retail ID
• Marley Sutton – 9th Individual Overall, 7th Retail ID
• Makinlee Bloesser – 10th Placings

In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols, and determining proper cattle breeding decisions. Out of 33 teams and 180 individuals, Southwind #1 (Shadden, Ellis, Endicott, M. Bloesser) worked together to be named the 7th Team Overall. Individual Skillathon results include: Jewel Endicott – 4th Individual Overall, 5th Exam, 4th Practicum; Hailey Shadden – 5th Individual Overall, 8th Exam, 5th Practicum.

This particular Sweepstakes championship is proof that Southwind 4-H members push through tough contests with grit, talent, and a team spirit. True to their motto of “Making the Best Better,” these members pushed each other to new heights. The District credits its success to the support of parents, dedicated coaches, loyal alumni, Extension Agents, and the entire Southwind 4-H community.

Documents:

• image0.jpeg

Amanda Clasen – Community Vitality Agent
August 2026

Back-to-School Safety: Start the Year on the Right Foot or Pedal

Back-to-school season is happening in the Southwind District. The backpacks are coming out, school supplies are being purchased, and families are getting back into their school-year routines. The weather is nice, and for some students, that back-to-school routine includes walking or riding a bicycle to and from school. As another school year begins, it is a great time for families to talk about and practice safe habits for getting to school.

If your child will be walking or biking to school, make the trip together before the first day. Identify safe places to cross, stop signs, traffic signals and areas where extra caution may be needed. Younger children should have adult supervision as they learn their route. Older children should still have a planned route and know where they should cross. Whenever possible, encourage children to walk or bike with a sibling, friend or group.

A properly fitted helmet should be part of every bike ride. Remind young riders to:

• Ride on the right side of the road, traveling with traffic.
• Stop at intersections and obey stop signs and traffic signals.
• Look both ways and make sure it is safe before entering a street or turning.
• Use bike lanes and appropriate hand signals when available.

Before school starts, check the bicycle to make sure the tires are properly inflated, the brakes work and the bike is in good condition.

Since not all children ride their bikes to school, students that are walking have some important safety skills to learn as well. Teach children to cross at designated intersections rather than in the middle of a block. Before crossing, look in all directions and continue watching for vehicles. Even when a pedestrian has the right-of-way, drivers may not always see them.

Children should follow traffic signals and listen to crossing guards. Older students should also put away their phones and avoid distractions such as texting or wearing headphones while walking. During early morning or evening hours, brightly colored clothing and reflective materials can help children be more visible to drivers.

Back-to-school safety does not have to be a lecture. Take a practice walk or bike ride and ask your child to point out where they would stop, where they would cross and what they should watch for. Whether your child walks, bikes, takes the bus or travels by car, a few minutes of preparation can help start the school year safely and on the right foot!

For additional information, visit HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics or explore Bike Easy’s Bike & Walk Education Resources.

For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at amclasen@ksu.edu.

Eating Out with Diabetes: Making Healthier Choices at Restaurants

Managing diabetes does not mean giving up the enjoyment of dining out. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, people with diabetes can make restaurant meals fit into a healthy eating plan.

One of the best ways to make healthier choices is to plan ahead. Many restaurants provide menus and nutrition information online, allowing diners to review options before arriving. Look for menu items described as baked, broiled, grilled, roasted, or steamed, as these preparation methods are often lower in fat. Limit items described as battered, breaded, crispy, fried, smothered, scalloped, or au gratin, which are typically higher in calories and fat. Foods labeled as barbecue, cured, pickled, smoked, teriyaki, or marinated may also contain higher amounts of sodium.

Restaurant portions are often larger than needed. Consider sharing an entrée with a friend or asking for a take-home container when the meal arrives and setting aside half for another meal. This simple step can help prevent overeating while providing a second meal for later.

Using visual cues can also help with portion control. Three ounces of meat is about the size of a deck of playing cards. One cup of cooked rice is roughly the size of a tennis ball, while one cup of ready-to-eat cereal is about the size of a baseball. A serving of cheese is similar in size to a pair of dice, one tablespoon of oil is about the size of a poker chip, and a serving of nuts is approximately the size of a golf ball.

When ordering, ask for dressings, gravies, and sauces on the side so you can control how much is used. Grilled or steamed vegetables often make nutritious side choices. Ordering from the à la carte menu can also be a good way to create a balanced meal without oversized portions.

Fast-food restaurants can offer healthier choices as well. Skip extra cheese, special sauces, and bacon when possible. Choose grilled chicken sandwiches instead of fried options, and consider a side salad, fruit, or another vegetable-based side instead of French fries. Water or unsweetened tea are good beverage choices.

Specific cuisines can also be navigated with a few simple adjustments. At Italian restaurants, choose tomato-based sauces instead of rich cream sauces. For Chinese food, select steamed dishes with extra vegetables and limit deep-fried appetizers. At Mexican restaurants, salsa is often a healthier option than sour cream or queso-based toppings, and chicken fajitas can provide a satisfying combination of lean protein and vegetables.

Breakfast can be another opportunity to make smart choices. Whole-wheat toast, eggs, fruit, and lower-sugar beverages can help start the day on a healthy note. Flavored coffee drinks can contain surprising amounts of added sugar, so checking nutrition information may be helpful.

For those looking to learn more about healthy eating while managing diabetes, the Southwind Extension District will offer the four-week Dining with Diabetes program beginning September 8 at the Erie Senior Center. Classes will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, September 8, 15, and 22, skip September 29, and conclude on October 6. Participants will learn practical strategies for managing diabetes while enjoying samples of diabetes-friendly recipes each week. A follow-up session will be held three months later at no additional cost to discuss progress and outcomes. Previous programs were held in Iola and Fort Scott.

The registration fee is $25 and helps cover the cost of food and educational materials. To enroll in Dining with Diabetes or learn more about nutrition, food safety, and health programs offered through K-State Extension Southwind District, contact Sandy Haggard, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, at 620-365-2242 or SJHaggard@ksu.edu.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

By Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent, K-State Extension | Southwind District

For many young people, only a few days remain before summer vacation comes to an end. After months of flexible schedules and free time, getting back into a school routine can be challenging. Teachers face the important task of re-engaging students in the learning process, but fostering a love of learning should not be limited to the classroom. When youth are truly engaged, they become excited, curious, and motivated to learn.

While most young people gain valuable learning experiences through school and part-time work, many have limited exposure to opportunities outside of those settings that help them develop skills needed to succeed in today’s world. Youth who are actively involved in learning and given opportunities to overcome challenges and solve problems are more likely to build self-confidence and believe in their ability to succeed. The process of discovering new knowledge and finding solutions helps develop both competence and confidence.

One place where youth engagement flourishes is in 4-H clubs. These clubs bring together members of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities who work collaboratively to plan activities, complete projects, and serve their communities. Through these experiences, youth develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while building meaningful relationships with their peers. As members take on responsibilities and leadership roles, they gain confidence and learn valuable life skills.

Community Club Leaders play a vital role in creating these opportunities. They encourage youth to think critically, take on meaningful challenges, and participate in projects that make a positive difference. By connecting activities to real-life situations, leaders help young people see the value and relevance of what they are learning.

At the heart of 4-H is experiential learning, often described as “learning by doing.” Youth are active participants in the learning process, gaining hands-on experience through projects and activities. Adults support this process by encouraging discussion and reflection, helping youth understand how to apply what they have learned to everyday situations. This approach places young people at the center of their own learning journey and helps create lasting educational experiences.

As the new school year approaches, now is the perfect time to consider ways to keep youth engaged in learning. School provides many opportunities, but it is only one part of a young person’s development. Activities outside the classroom help youth gain experiences, discover new interests, and develop important life skills. Communities offer a wide variety of organizations and programs that encourage growth and learning.

Encourage the young people in your life to get involved. The experiences they gain today can help prepare them for success tomorrow.

For more information about 4-H Youth Development, contact Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent for K-State Extension | Southwind District by visiting southwind.ksu.edu.

Southern Rust Makes Its First Appearance in Kansas Corn

After a relatively slow start to the growing season, southern corn rust has officially arrived in Kansas.

The disease was recently detected at trace levels in Stafford County on July 20, 2026, marking the first confirmed report of southern rust in the state this year. While southern rust often appears in Kansas by early July, the 2026 season has developed much more slowly than normal, and disease levels remain lower than what we typically see by late July. The first confirmed test of southern rust in southeast Kansas was in Bourbon and Crawford on July 22, 2026.

Unlike several other common corn diseases, including tar spot and gray leaf spot, southern rust does not survive Kansas winters. Instead, the fungus is carried north each year on wind currents from tropical and subtropical regions. Once it arrives, however, favorable weather can allow the disease to spread rapidly.

Warm temperatures near 90 degrees, humid conditions, and warm nights create the ideal environment for southern rust development. As summer heat settles across Kansas, growers should begin paying close attention to their corn fields.

Fortunately, much of the corn in eastern Kansas has already reached or passed the optimum fungicide application window, reducing the likelihood of significant yield losses. The situation is different for later-planted corn in central and western Kansas, where fields remain vulnerable and should be scouted regularly over the coming weeks.

One question many producers ask is whether they should apply a fungicide before finding the disease. The answer is generally no. Preventive fungicide applications specifically for southern rust are not recommended before the disease has been detected. Instead, regular field scouting is the best management strategy. Once the characteristic orange pustules appear on leaves, the disease can reproduce quickly under favorable weather conditions.

When deciding whether a fungicide application is warranted, growers should consider several factors, including hybrid susceptibility, the number of infected plants, and the crop’s growth stage. Early infections on susceptible hybrids during favorable weather present the greatest risk for yield loss.

There is good news for producers who have already applied a fungicide at tasseling or silking for diseases such as tar spot or gray leaf spot. Most products labeled for those diseases also provide effective control of southern rust and typically offer about three weeks of residual protection. Even so, continued scouting remains important because disease pressure can increase after fungicide protection begins to decline.

Identifying southern rust is relatively straightforward. The disease produces bright orange pustules that are usually found on the upper surface of corn leaves. If you rub your finger across the pustules, the orange spores will easily come off onto your hand—a simple field test that distinguishes southern rust from many other leaf diseases.

To help producers stay informed, the Kansas Corn Commission and K-State Plant Pathology have developed an online Corn Disease Resource Center that allows growers to monitor diseases affecting corn across Kansas. The interactive map highlights where diseases have been confirmed and can help producers determine what threats may be approaching their area.

State specialists are also asking for growers’ assistance in tracking southern rust. If you suspect the disease is present in your field, contact your local K-State Research and Extension office or submit a sample to the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab. Reports from across the state help researchers monitor disease movement and provide timely recommendations to Kansas corn producers.

As we move deeper into the growing season, regular scouting remains the best defense. Early detection, combined with timely management decisions, can help protect yield potential if southern rust continues to spread across Kansas.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a Kansas State University Extension Agriculture agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at mengo57@ksu.edu or 620-223-3720.

*The use of trade names is for clarity and educational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by K-State Research and Extension. Always read and follow current pesticide label directions.

Don’t Get Fooled: Spot Scams Before They Cost You

Scams are more common than ever. Scammers use emails, text messages, social media, phone calls, and fake websites to trick people into giving away money or personal information. Many pretend to be someone you trust, such as a bank, business, government agency, or even a family member.

There are several warning signs that a message may be a scam. Be cautious if you receive an unexpected email, text, or phone call asking for personal information or money. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming you must act immediately to avoid a problem. Requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps are also major red flags.

One of the most common scams is phishing. In a phishing scam, criminals send emails or text messages that appear to be from a trusted company. The message may ask you to click a link, update account information, or verify a password. These links often lead to fake websites designed to steal personal information. Misspelled words, generic greetings, outdated logos, and unexpected requests for sensitive information can all be signs of phishing.

To protect yourself, never click on links or download attachments from unexpected emails or text messages. Instead, visit the company’s official website or call the organization directly using a verified phone number. Use strong passwords that are different for each account, and turn on two-factor authentication whenever possible. Regularly checking bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts can also help you spot problems early.

If you think you have been targeted by a scam, contact your bank or financial institution right away. You should also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Acting quickly may help reduce financial losses and prevent others from becoming victims.

Information for this article came from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (occ.gov). For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, Family & Community Wellness Agent, at 620-244-3826 or tsolomon@ksu.edu.

Preparing for Preserving: Check Your Equipment and Use Safe Recipes

As gardens begin producing and farmers markets fill with fresh produce, many southeast Kansans are preparing for another food preservation season. Before canning begins, it’s important to take a few steps to make sure equipment is safe and working properly.

One of the most important checks involves pressure canners. The Southwind Extension District offices in Erie, Yates Center, Iola, and Fort Scott offer free pressure canner gauge testing. The process can help ensure home-canned foods are processed safely. Contact your local office to arrange to leave your pressure canner lid or make an appointment for it to be checked while you wait.

Pressure canning is required for low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats, and soups. An accurate gauge is critical because improper processing can allow the growth of harmful bacteria, including Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism—a serious and potentially deadly foodborne illness.

Pressure canners use either a dial gauge or a weighted gauge. Weighted-gauge canners do not require testing. However, dial gauges should be tested annually for accuracy. Southwind Extension offices use the Presto Testing Unit from National Presto Industries and can test gauges from National, Presto, Maid of Honor, and Magic Seal pressure canners.

According to the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, consumer gauges that test two or more pounds above or below the master gauge should be replaced. A gauge that reads incorrectly can result in food being under-processed and unsafe to eat. Until a replacement gauge is obtained, adjustments can be made to reach the correct pressure. For example, if a recipe calls for 11 pounds of pressure and the gauge reads one pound high, the canner should be operated at 12 pounds of pressure.

In addition to accurate gauges, those who use canners should carefully evaluate the condition of any pressure canner they plan to use. While older canners are often available at garage sales and auctions, replacement parts for some discontinued models may be difficult—or impossible—to find.

When purchasing or inspecting a used pressure canner, consider the following:

• Is the gauge attached and in good condition?
• Is the petcock safety valve complete and functioning?
• Are the threads on the opening undamaged?
• Does the canner require a gasket, and is it in good shape?
• Is the canner perfectly round, with no bulges or distortion?
• Is the bottom flat and level? Canners with recessed or rounded bottoms should not be used.
• On wing-screw models, are all screws and matching lid slots in good condition?

Many replacement parts, such as gaskets, handles, and knobs, can still be purchased through manufacturers and hardware stores. Although replacement parts may not look exactly like the originals, they often serve the same purpose and can safely extend the life of the canner.

Safe equipment is only one part of successful home food preservation. Using a current, research-tested recipe is equally important. While many families treasure canning recipes passed down through generations, some older recipes may not meet today’s food safety recommendations. Changes in research have led to updated guidelines for acidity levels, processing methods, and processing times.

For the safest results, always use research-based recipes from trusted sources, including:

• USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning
• So Easy to Preserve from the University of Georgia Extension
• Kansas State University Food Preservation resources
• Other university Extension publications and research-based sources

By using a well-maintained pressure canner, having an accurate gauge, and following up-to-date, tested recipes, home canners can confidently preserve food that is safe, nutritious, and enjoyable for their families throughout the year.

For more information about food safety and nutrition programs, contact Sandy Haggard, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, Southwind District, at SJHaggard@ksu.edu or 620-365-2242.

From the County Fair to the Classroom: Wrapping Up Summer and Looking Ahead

As the last ribbons are handed out, the livestock trailers head home, and the fairgrounds grow quiet once again, another memorable county fair season has come to an end. Across the Southwind Extension District, our county fairs brought together youth, families, volunteers, sponsors, and community members to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of our 4-H members. While the excitement of fair week may only last a few days, the skills and experiences gained throughout the year leave a lasting impact.

County fair is often viewed as the highlight of the 4-H year, but it represents much more than a week of exhibits and competitions. Behind every project displayed in the exhibit hall and every animal shown in the ring are months of planning, learning, practicing, and dedication. Members spend countless hours caring for livestock, perfecting recipes, creating woodworking projects, taking photographs, sewing garments, growing gardens, and exploring STEM, arts, and countless other project areas. Along the way, they develop responsibility, confidence, problem-solving skills, time management, and perseverance.

The fair also provides opportunities that extend beyond project work. Members practice public speaking while visiting with judges, learn how to accept constructive feedback, and experience both the excitement of success and the lessons that come with disappointment. Whether a project earns a purple ribbon or simply represents a personal accomplishment, every participant has something to be proud of. Success isn’t measured only by awards—it’s measured by the knowledge gained, friendships formed, and personal growth achieved throughout the journey.

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our communities. We extend our sincere appreciation to the volunteers who dedicate countless hours, the judges who provide thoughtful evaluations, the superintendents who organize exhibits, the parents and families who encourage their youth every step of the way, and the local businesses and sponsors whose generosity helps make our fairs possible. County fairs truly are community events, and they continue to thrive because so many people are willing to invest their time and talents in the next generation.

As summer draws to a close, another season begins. Soon school hallways will once again be filled with students carrying backpacks instead of fair supplies, and calendars will quickly fill with classes, sports, music programs, and other activities. While summer may be ending, the opportunities to learn certainly are not.

One of the greatest strengths of 4-H is that it encourages youth to learn by doing. Members are challenged to set goals, try new things, work through setbacks, and celebrate accomplishments. These experiences build confidence and prepare young people to become leaders in their schools, communities, and future careers. The friendships formed through club meetings, camps, and community service projects often become some of the most meaningful memories youth carry with them.

As families settle into new routines this fall, we encourage you to consider becoming involved in your local 4-H program. New members are always welcome, and volunteers are an important part of making these opportunities possible. Whether you have a few hours to help with a project meeting or would like to become more involved with your local club, there are many ways to make a difference. If you are interested in joining 4-H, go to the Southwind Extension District website under the 4-H Youth Development tab, Jennifer Terrel and Kendal Henson will answer any questions you may have.

As we reflect on another successful fair season, we celebrate not only the accomplishments displayed during fair week but also the dedication, hard work, and growth that took place throughout the entire year. Congratulations to every 4-H member for your achievements, and thank you to everyone who played a role in making this year’s county fairs a success.

We wish all students, teachers, school staff, and families a safe, successful, and rewarding school year. We look forward to another exciting year of learning, leadership, service, and fun through 4-H, and we can’t wait to see what our youth accomplish in the months ahead.

Kendal Henson is a Kansas State University Extension 4-H & Youth Development agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at klhenson@ksu.edu or 620-625-8620. Kansas State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

When Is She Due? Understanding Gestation Length in Modern Beef Cattle

Traditional beef-cattle references often cite an average gestation length of 283 days. However, many producers are reporting much shorter gestations for calves conceived by artificial insemination (AI). Recent data suggest that current Angus cattle may calve sooner.

A study of more than 100,000 Angus AI matings from 2000 to 2020 evaluated relationships among gestation length, birth weight, and calving ease¹. Table 1 shows the mean and standard deviation (SD) for the traits studied. Because gestation lengths follow a normal (bell-shaped) distribution, approximately 68% occur within one standard deviation of the mean. In other words, approximately two-thirds of gestation periods ranged from 274.2 to 283.3 days. Interestingly, the average gestation length in this study was 278.6 days—more than four days shorter than the 283-day value commonly found in beef cattle references. Older cows had longer gestation lengths than younger dams (Table 2).

Table 1. Descriptive statistics for gestation length, birth weight, and calving ease in American Angus Cattle.

Table 2. Mean gestation length by age of dam

Estimates of heritability for gestation length in the literature range from 0.20 to 0.64. In this study, heritability was 0.57 for gestation length, greater than for birth weight (0.36) and calving ease (0.20). These traits are related; the correlations between direct gestation length and direct birth weight, or direct calving ease, were 0.29 and 0.31, respectively. The calf genotype (direct genetic effect) had the most influence over gestation length compared to any maternal influence.

Beyond describing current gestation lengths, the researchers also evaluated how these traits have changed genetically over time. Genetic trends calculated from average estimated breeding values over the years are shown in Figure 1. During the years represented by the study data, gestation length decreased by 4.3 days. The reduction in gestation length appears to coincide with industry-wide selection for lower birth weights and improved calving ease, illustrating how genetic progress in one trait can influence others.

Figure 1. Genetic trends of average estimated breeding value by birth year based adjusted for the year 2000 and scaled to the standard deviation of additive genetic effect for gestation length, birth weight, and calving difficulty in American Angus cattle.

The evidence suggests gestation length in Angus cattle has shortened alongside industry selection for lower birth weight and improved calving ease. While these changes have benefited producers, continued monitoring is warranted to ensure that reductions in gestation length do not compromise calf development, vigor, or long-term productivity.

¹Gilleland, Carson. 2022 Master’s Thesis. North Carolina State University. Estimates of Genetic Variation for American Angus Gestation Length.

Thank you to Dr. Sandy Johnson for the content of this article. As a Livestock Agent and Cattle Producer, I am passionate about bovine reproduction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any Southwind District office or by email at nickell99@ksu.edu.