A new year often feels like a fresh notebook, clean pages, new possibilities, and plenty of motivation to make positive changes. January is when many people sit down to set personal goals, and while health-related resolutions are often top of mind, your financial health deserves the same level of attention. Just like an annual physical helps you stay on track with your well-being, a financial checkup can give you clarity, direction, and renewed confidence in your money management.

K‑State Extension offers a practical and easy-to-use resource titled How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup, which walks individuals and families step-by-step through evaluating their current financial situation. The publication is available online through the K‑State Extension bookstore, or printed copies can also be picked up at your local Extension office.

A financial checkup is simply a structured way to take stock of where you are and where you want to go. There’s no universal formula for financial success; every household faces different needs, priorities, and challenges. But having a clear picture of your finances can help you identify what’s working, what needs attention, and what steps will move you closer to your goals.

One of the first tools in the publication is the Financial Fitness Quiz, a short but meaningful self-assessment designed to help you reflect on important parts of your financial life, scoring your responses to give you a better understanding of strengths and areas where habit improvements could happen, such as:

• Financial Management: Do you keep accurate records, use a checking account to pay bills, or follow a budget or spending plan?
• Saving and Investing: Are you building an emergency fund, saving regularly for long-term goals, or investing for retirement?
• Insurance & Estate Planning: Do you have the insurance coverage you need? Is your will or estate plan up to date?

The publication goes a step further by guiding you through practical tasks such as creating a net worth statement, a simple calculation of what you own (assets) minus what you owe (debts). Many people find this eye-opening, and it often serves as a motivational starting point for reducing debt or increasing savings. You’ll also find tips for setting clear, realistic financial goals and building a spending plan that reflects your priorities rather than simply tracking where money went in the past.

As part of a complete financial review, the checkup encourages you to look over your taxes, obtain and examine your credit reports, review insurance policies, and evaluate retirement accounts and other investments. These periodic reviews help ensure your financial decisions remain aligned with the changes in your family, job, income, or long-term plans.

Start the year with clarity and confidence. Your future self will be grateful for the steps you take today.

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

What do we mean by eating “real food”?

 Do you ever glance in someone’s grocery cart and see all processed, easy-to-warm-up box meals, chips, sodas, and such, and wonder how healthy they are? What does your own shopping cart look like? Do you buy ingredients to make meals? You may have seen in the news recently that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Agriculture released their new dietary guidelines for the next five years.

These new guidelines place a heavy emphasis on eating real, whole foods and encourage individuals to increase the nutrient-dense foods they consume, while reducing heavily processed foods. The new guidelines do retain many of the previous recommendations, but it is important to understand the key differences between them. The hope is that these guidelines will help Americans make informed nutrition decisions for themselves and their families for the next five years.

Key Takeaways from the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:

 Build most meals around whole foods with limited ingredients.

• Consume a variety of protein foods from animal and plant sources.
• When cooking, focus on baking or grilling rather than deep-frying.
• Incorporate fiber rich foods such as beans, lentils, and other legumes.
• Avoid highly processed foods that contain many ingredients such as chips, cookies, candies, and sodas. When consuming processed foods, choose those with shorter ingredient lists.
• Pay attention to portion sizes, especially for foods higher in calories.

Eating real food means choosing foods with a few ingredients without added sugars, industrial oil, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Did you know there is such a thing as a “healthy fat”? Examples would include meat, seafood, dairy, nuts, olives, and avocados. It’s also recommended to avoid trans fat oils such as canola, and to use oils such as olive, avocado, peanut, or safflower oil.

Understanding changes in dietary guidelines can be overwhelming and confusing. Research is always happening, and we are continuing to learn more about foods and what they do for and to our bodies. The first step in taking charge of your health is becoming more informed. Focusing more on protein and vegetables can support muscle health, metabolic function, gut health, and stable energy while naturally phasing out of eating highly processed foods.

You may have heard of the MyPlate Eating Plan of one fourth each of the plate for vegetables, fruit, protein, and grains. This has been replaced by an “upside down pyramid” which recommends 3 servings of vegetables, 2 servings of fruit, 2-4 servings of whole grains, and 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (approximately 5-7 ounces per day).

Instead of the MyPlate diagram of the past, the recommended visual is the Healthy Eating Plate from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which emphasizes consuming more protein and vegetables:

For more information, visit realfood.gov, or contact Sandy Haggard, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, Southwind District at [email protected] or by calling 620.365.2242.

K-State Garden Hour – 2026 Line-Up

If you haven’t participated in the K-State Garden Hour in the past, plan to start this year! The K-State Garden Hour began in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for K-State Research and Extension horticulture experts to share research-based information to gardeners of all abilities and experience. Due to the overwhelming success, the K-State Garden Hour is gearing up for its sixth year!

The 2026 lineup has been announced, featuring great topics and hosted by K-State Research and Extension horticulture staff across the state. Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month, online from 12 noon to 1 p.m. (CST), including a 45-minute presentation and 10-15 minutes for viewer questions.

The 2026 webinars are based on the topics participants request most often. A one-time registration gives viewers free access to all of the 2026 sessions, which include:

• February 4 – Honey Bee Colony Management and Key Floral Resources in Kansas

• March 4 – Naturalistic Landscape Design Style

• April 1 – April Showers, Rain Garden Flowers

• May 6 – Natives vs. Cultivars – Making Informed Choices for Your Landscape

• June 3 – Maximizing Garden Success with Extension Resources

• July 1 – Addressing Food Insecurity Through Extension

• August 5 – Local Food Gardening Projects in Kansas

• September 2 – Garden Renewal – How to Divide and Transplant Like a Pro

• October 7 – Groundcovers for Kansas – Covering Your Bases

• November 4 – Houseplant Propagation and Care

• December 2 – Spiff, Sharpen, and Stow – Wintering Garden Tools

To register for this free, online series, visit: hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/garden-hour/ If you cannot join the live session, all sessions are recorded and can be accessed later at the same link.

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.

Sharing the Road in the Winter
By Lonnie Mengarelli

Fort Scott, Kan. — As winter hay feeding and field work is ramping up in the Southwind District, I was recently reminded how dangerous our roads can be for farmers. Tractors, sprayers, and tillage equipment move steadily from pasture to pasture and field to field, often at a crawl, while motorists impatiently line up behind them. It’s a scene immortalized in the Craig Morgan hit “International Harvester,” but in real life, the stakes are much higher than a country song lyric.

I reached out to my academic advisor at Kanas State to visit with him about farm equipment on public roads.

With increased interaction between farm machinery and passenger vehicles comes an increased risk of crashes and injuries, said Ed Brokesh, assistant professor in Kansas State University’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

“When there is a collision with machinery on main roads, most of the time somebody is traveling at a higher rate of speed that greatly contrasts that piece of equipment,” Brokesh said. “That leads to rear-end or side-swipe incidents, and 39% of the time it involves a tractor.”

Wrongful passing and left-hand turns are also common causes of serious incidents. The danger, Brokesh explained, stems from the extreme size and weight difference between agricultural equipment and automobiles.

“The smaller party is the one that is going to take the brunt of the damage,” he said. “When there is harm — a fatality or an injury — it is usually to those in the pickup, car or utility vehicle.”

These realities place added responsibility on producers to ensure experienced operators are behind the wheel when equipment is on public roads. According to Brokesh, younger or less-skilled drivers are disproportionately involved in roading accidents.

“Those who are under 16 or are newly hired are more likely to get into trouble,” he said.

To reduce the likelihood of incidents, Brokesh recommends producers set minimum age requirements for employees who operate machinery on public roads.

“If someone is unfamiliar with a piece of equipment, let’s just not send them out on the road,” he said. “At a minimum, operators should have a driver’s license or learner’s permit.”

Training is equally important. Simply pointing to a tractor and telling a new hire to “go figure it out” is a recipe for disaster, Brokesh said.
“Take some time with them and explain the equipment, how it handles, and how it should be operated both in the field and on the road,” he said.

Other safety practices producers should prioritize include driving defensively, monitoring traffic in rear-view mirrors, properly marking equipment, cleaning reflectors, and replacing faulty lighting systems.

Still, Brokesh emphasized that roadway safety is a shared responsibility.

“This is a two-way street,” he said. “As an industry, we need to advocate for more training and awareness involving agricultural equipment on roads. Educating all motorists on how to safely share the road with farm machinery will lower the risk of accidents for everyone.”

For motorists and farmers alike, patience, visibility and awareness can mean the difference between a safe harvest season and a tragic one. Remember Farmers have the same right to use public roads as other vehicles. Share the road.
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

Power in Daily Rituals

When you think of rituals, you might imagine spiritual ceremonies or sports superstitions. Major events like weddings or funerals also come to mind. While these are classic examples, rituals are present in your everyday life. Research has found that rituals often reduce anxiety and, in turn, help performance.

We can think of rituals as routines that have special meaning. The repetitive action of brushing your teeth day and night may be a mundane routine, but maybe there is something else in your repeated habits that you can add some emotion to. Author, Michael Norton states that it then moves a task from just getting the job done to more about how you complete it and how you feel about it.

You already have daily routines. By adopting the right mindset, you can turn some of these routines into positive rituals. These rituals can help you stay focused, motivated, and inspired, ultimately aiding you in achieving your goals.

So how do you add intention and purpose to a routine and make it into a daily ritual?

• Part of it is about noticing what you already do. Think about your morning—what do you do? When you get to work, what do you do? What special things do you and your spouse do together? What special things does your family do with your kids? These are all rituals, even if you don’t realize it. When you do them on purpose, they can mean more to you.

• Reframe what you are doing, for example, my weekly trip to the grocery store doesn’t have to be a drudgery, I can think about it as fueling my family for success!

• Start small, pick one routine you want to add intention to and evolve into a ritual.

I’ve transformed my morning coffee routine from a groggy, half-asleep process into a cherished ritual. Now, I enjoy quiet time with coffee followed by exercise, making it a part of my day that I truly look forward to!

What will you start with? For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

Herbicide resistance: What it looks like in Kansas fields—and what to do next

By Lonnie Mengarelli Ag and Natural Resources Agent – Southwind District

Herbicide resistance is one of the most serious and persistent challenges facing Kansas agriculture and crop production worldwide. Since the first documented case of resistance—wild carrot surviving 2,4-D in 1957—the problem has expanded dramatically. Today, 273 weed species worldwide have evolved resistance to 21 different herbicide modes of action, including many species found right here in Kansas.

When weed control fails, it is critical to determine why. If herbicide resistance is the cause, management programs must be adjusted quickly and decisively. Resistance develops through repeated use of herbicides with the same or similar mode of action at the same site over several years. This repeated selection pressure favors survival of resistant individuals within what was once a susceptible population. Timely diagnosis, regular field scouting, and early detection are essential—not only to reduce yield losses but also to slow the spread of resistance across fields and regions. According to the Weed Science Society of America and Take Action on Weeds, there are three broad field indicators that may signal herbicide resistance.

Species-specific survival occurs when a particular weed survives an herbicide application while nearby plants of the same species are controlled.
Spreading patches appear as clusters of surviving weeds that often expand in following seasons through seed movement by tillage, harvest equipment, or wind.
Mixed injury responses happen when a single weed species shows a range of reactions—some plants dead, others injured, and some completely healthy. This uneven response suggests genetic diversity that can drive further resistance evolution.

These warning signs should raise concern, but it is important to remember that not all herbicide failures are due to resistance. In fact, roughly nine out of ten failures are caused by other factors such as unfavorable weather, incorrect application rates, poor spray coverage, improper timing, large weed size, soil moisture conditions, skips, or equipment problems. Producers typically rely on pre-emergence (PRE), post-emergence (POST), or residual herbicides—often in combination—for broad-spectrum weed control. Knowing how these products should perform is key to identifying potential resistance. POST herbicides normally produce visible injury symptoms such as yellowing, burning, stunting, drooping, or plant death. Residual herbicides, by contrast, should suppress new weed flushes for weeks after application. When weeds continue to emerge or survive despite proper application and favorable conditions, resistance should be suspected and investigated. Field observations provide valuable clues. For example, kochia surviving ALS inhibitors without any stunting, waterhemp emerging weeks after a residual Group 15 herbicide under moist conditions, or horseweed showing no injury following a glyphosate application are all documented red flags.

Field patterns can also hint at the type of resistance involved. Target site resistance often produces uniform, healthy survivors with little or no visible injury. Non-target site resistance tends to show patchy survival and partial injury and is generally more difficult to manage because it may confer resistance across multiple herbicide groups. While laboratory confirmation is needed for certainty, these field-level observations help guide immediate management decisions. If herbicide resistance is suspected, quick action is essential. Post-spray scouting should occur soon after application to assess weed responses. Survivors should be compared across species and field areas. When possible, re-sprays should include multiple effective herbicide modes of action. However, if weeds are too large, a second application may fail, and mechanical control such as cultivation or hand removal may be necessary. Scouting should continue through harvest to identify escapes and inform future crop and herbicide rotations. Producers are encouraged to contact their local extension agent, input supplier, commercial applicator, or weed science specialist if resistance is suspected.

Herbicide resistance continues to threaten effective weed control in Kansas and beyond. While herbicide failure is a major warning sign, other agronomic and environmental causes must be ruled out first. Understanding herbicide modes of action and recognizing when weeds do not respond as expected are critical steps in early detection. Watch closely for dead plants next to live ones, increasing weed populations that were once controlled, and patches or trails of survivors after application. Early detection and rapid response remain the most powerful tools to prevent the spread of herbicide resistance and protect long-term crop productivity.

 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

References

Switzer, C. M. 1957. The existence of 2,4-D–resistant strains of wild carrot. Proc. Northeast. Weed Control Conference. 11:315-318.

Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), & Take Action on Weeds. (2015). Field identification and control of suspected herbicide-resistant weeds. United Soybean Board. Retrieved from https://iwilltakeaction.com/uploads/files/Field-Identification-of-Suspected-Herbicide-Resistant-Weeds.pdf

Yasir Parrey, Assistant Scientist, Weed Extension Lab
[email protected]

Sarah Lancaster, Extension Weed Management Specialist
[email protected]

Patrick Geier, Weed Scientist, Garden City
[email protected]

Learn More about Radon Action Month

Did you know that one in four homes in Kansas has elevated radon levels? January is Radon Action Month, making it the perfect time to learn more about this dangerous gas. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers—and you can’t see, smell, or taste it—making it impossible to detect without testing. It naturally seeps up from the soil and can accumulate in your home without you even knowing.

Take action this winter to protect your home and loved ones. Radon test kits are available for just $9.00 at your local extension office in Iola, Erie, Fort Scott, or Yates Center.

Learn more by joining a free Radon 101 Webinar (30 minutes):
Jan 6 – Noon
Jan 13 – 2 PM
Feb 3 – 6 PM
Register here: https://shorturl.at/B1jCa

For more information, call Tara at 620-244-3826.

Walk with Ease Begins January 26^th

Need a free, safe, and warm physical activity option?  A six-week Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease Program starts January 26^th!  The class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Bronson Community Building, located at 509 Clay Street. Call 620-244-3826 to enroll.

 Walk with Ease Benefits to You:

• Walk safely and comfortably
• Improve flexibility, strength, and stamina
• Reduce pain and improve health
• Motivate yourself with others!

This free walking program includes health education, stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. The program consists of a guidebook and a walking schedule to get you safely moving toward better health.

Walk with Ease is made available by a partnership between K-State Extension and the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging.

As we close out 2025 and welcome a new year, it is a perfect time to reflect on the past and look ahead to new goals, fresh opportunities, and continued growth. K-State Extension- Southwind District remains committed to serving our communities through practical, research-based education and support for residents of all ages. As 2026 begins, we are excited to highlight the services available to help individuals, families, farms, and communities start the year strong.

Southwind’s 4-H Youth Development, led by Extension Agents Jennifer Terrell and Kendal Henson, continues to be a cornerstone of Extension programming. Youth have opportunities to participate in local 4-H clubs, camps, project-based learning, leadership activities, and competitive events that build confidence and real-world skills. Extension also offers school enrichment programs and career exploration experiences designed to prepare young people for future success while remaining engaged in their communities.

Through Family and Consumer Sciences, Extension Agents Tara Solomon Smith and Sandy Haggard provide services that support healthy families and strong households. Programs include nutrition education, healthy cooking classes, food preservation workshops, and food safety education. Extension also offers Senior Insurance Counseling, aging well programs, and overall wellness education, helping families set positive habits and goals as the new year begins.

The Southwind District proudly supports local producers through Agriculture and Natural Resources programming offered by Extension Agents Hunter Nickell and Lonnie Mengarelli. Services include research-based information on crop and livestock production, pasture and forage management, soil health, pest management, pond management, and conservation practices. Producers can also receive assistance with farm management decisions, recordkeeping, and navigating changes in agricultural technology and markets.

Homeowners and gardeners can work with Horticulture Extension Agent Krista Harding for assistance with insect identification, plant and weed identification, lawn and garden troubleshooting, tree and shrub care, and general gardening questions. Research-based recommendations help residents plan and maintain successful gardens and landscapes throughout the year.

Community Vitality programming, led by Extension Agent Amanda Clasen, helps strengthen local economies and support thriving communities. Services include entrepreneurship education, youth and adult business programs, community planning support, facilitation for local groups, and financial literacy education. By working alongside community members, Extension helps towns identify opportunities, address challenges, and plan for a sustainable future.

One of the greatest strengths of K-State Extension is its local presence. Extension services are accessible, affordable, and tailored to the unique needs of our communities. Whether you are setting personal goals, managing a farm or business, raising a family, or serving your community, Extension is here to help you move forward in the new year.

As we step into 2026, K-State Extension Southwind District looks forward to continuing to serve as a trusted resource and partner. We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year. To learn more about upcoming programs and services, contact your local Extension office or visit southwind.k-state.edu.