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 nickell99@ksu.edu.

By Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, K-State Extension Southwind District

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and while I love the Christmas smells, beautiful lights, and excitement that comes with this time of year, the thought of holiday shopping and pinching pennies can sometimes take away from the magic. Between gift buying, holiday meals, decorations, travel, and all the extra activities, it is easy to spend more than we originally planned. Before we know it, January arrives, and those holiday expenses are still waiting for us! The good news is that enjoying a wonderful holiday season doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a little planning, creativity, and mindful spending, you can enjoy the season, give to others, and still start the new year on the right financial foot.

One of the best ways to avoid overspending is to start with a budget before the shopping begins. Make a list of everyone you plan to purchase a gift for and decide how much you are comfortable spending on each person. Don’t forget to include other holiday expenses such as meals, decorations, travel, and community events. Once you have a budget, keep track of your spending as you go. It can be tempting to grab an extra gift because it is on sale or looks like the perfect addition, but those little purchases can add up quickly. One trick to try is the 24-hour rule. If you find something that wasn’t on your list, give yourself 24 hours before purchasing it. You may find that the excitement wears off and the purchase isn’t something you really need.

Another helpful tip is to start shopping early when possible. Purchasing one or two gifts each month throughout the year can help spread out expenses and allow you to take advantage of sales without feeling rushed. Once your shopping is complete, resist the temptation to keep adding extras!

While working through your holiday shopping list, consider purchasing a few gifts from local businesses. Small Business Saturday, which takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is a great reminder of the impact our shopping choices can have on our communities. There are plenty of other ways to shop local during the holiday season. Visit local craft shows featuring youth and local entrepreneurs, purchase gift cards from area restaurants and businesses, shop at local flower shops, or stop by a local print shop for unique gifts and greeting cards. You might even consider purchasing ingredients from a local grocery store or farmers market for a homemade gift.

Gift buying is often one of the biggest holiday expenses, but decorating, entertaining, and traveling can add up just as quickly. The good news is that some of the best holiday memories don’t require spending much money at all. Get the kids involved in making homemade decorations, such as popcorn strings or salt dough ornaments. Plan a family movie night, swap favorite Christmas movies with friends, or spend an evening baking holiday treats together. These activities can become traditions that your family looks forward to year after year.

If you are hosting a holiday gathering, consider making it a potluck and asking everyone to bring a dish. Saving grocery store loyalty points throughout the year can also help reduce the cost of holiday meals and even provide opportunities to purchase gifts. If holiday travel is on your schedule, planning ahead is especially important. Booking flights and hotels early can help you avoid some of the higher costs that come with last-minute holiday travel.

It is easy to get caught up in the sales, gift exchanges, and pressure to make everything perfect. Retailers know how to encourage impulse purchases, and sometimes we find ourselves buying things simply because they are a good deal or because we feel like we should.

By setting a budget, being mindful of spending, supporting local businesses, and finding inexpensive ways to celebrate, you can enjoy a holiday season that feels full without the financial regret that sometimes follows in January.

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

November: Growing Grateful Hearts

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

November has always felt like a month that invites us to slow down. The busy harvest season is winding down, the days are getting shorter, and many of us begin looking forward to gathering around a table with family and friends. It’s also a time when we’re reminded to count our blessings and reflect on all we have to be thankful for.

As I think about thankfulness this month, I am reminded that gratitude isn’t something we’re born knowing how to do. Like kindness, responsibility, and respect, it’s something children learn from the adults around them.

Kids are always watching us. They notice how we respond when things don’t go our way. They hear how we talk about our jobs, our neighbors, and our communities. They see whether we focus on what we don’t have or appreciate what we do. The lessons we teach about gratitude often come from our actions more than our words.

In a world that constantly encourages us to want more, being thankful can feel like a lost art. Advertisements tell us we need the newest gadget, the latest style, or one more thing to make us happy. It’s easy for both adults and children to get caught up in the pursuit of what’s next.

That’s why teaching gratitude matters.

When children learn to recognize the good things in their lives, they begin to develop a different perspective. They learn to appreciate the people who help them, the opportunities they have, and even the simple moments that bring joy. A grateful child is more likely to notice the kindness of others and, in turn, share kindness themselves.

The good news is that teaching thankfulness doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking a child at the end of the day, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What’s something you’re thankful for today?” Those conversations help children learn to look for the positives, even on difficult days.

Writing thank-you notes, serving others, helping a neighbor, or taking time to thank a teacher, coach, or volunteer are all meaningful ways to practice gratitude. Through these experiences, children learn that thankfulness is more than saying “thank you.” It’s recognizing the value of people and relationships.

One of the things I admire most about our community is the willingness of people to help one another. Whether it’s volunteering, supporting youth programs, lending a hand during difficult times, or simply checking in on a neighbor, these acts of generosity remind us how fortunate we are. They also provide wonderful examples for young people to follow.

This November, I encourage all of us to be intentional about cultivating gratitude in our homes. Take a few extra moments around the dinner table, in the car, or before bedtime to talk about blessings both big and small. Children may not remember every lesson we try to teach, but they will remember the attitudes and values they see modeled every day.

As Thanksgiving approaches, my hope is that we not only celebrate thankfulness for a day but help the young people in our lives develop grateful hearts that will serve them for years to come. After all, gratitude is a gift that grows when it’s shared.

Fall Is the Perfect Time to Improve Garden Soil

Nothing is more important to gardening success than healthy soil. Fertilizing, watering, and tending plants are all essential tasks, but those efforts will have limited results if the soil is not in good condition. Fall is an excellent time to step back, evaluate how your garden performed during the summer, and make improvements that will benefit next year’s crops and flowers.

Soil forms over long periods as rocks break down through weathering and as plant and animal materials decompose. Healthy soil is a combination of mineral particles, organic matter, air, and water, all working together to support plant growth.

Most soils consist of three distinct layers: topsoil, subsoil, and parent material. Topsoil is the upper layer containing the highest concentration of organic matter and beneficial soil organisms. It is also where most plant roots grow and where plants obtain much of their water and nutrients.

Below the topsoil lies the subsoil, which is denser and contains less organic matter. This layer helps store water and nutrients, regulates soil temperature, and provides structural support for plant roots. The lowest layer, known as parent material, consists of partially weathered rock from which the soil developed.

One of the most important characteristics of soil is its texture, which refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles. Soil texture influences water-holding capacity, drainage, nutrient retention, ease of cultivation, and susceptibility to erosion.

In southeastern Kansas, many soils contain a high percentage of clay. Anyone who has trudged through a garden after a rainstorm knows exactly what that means. The sticky soil that clings to boots and tools has earned the nickname “gumbo” among many gardeners.

A common challenge with clay soils is poor drainage and compaction. Fortunately, one of the best ways to improve clay soil is by adding organic matter. Materials such as composted leaves, grass clippings, and well-rotted manure help create better soil structure. Earthworms, insects, fungi, and beneficial bacteria feed on these materials and gradually convert them into humus, a stable form of organic matter that improves soil health.

As organic matter breaks down, it helps loosen compacted clay, improves water infiltration, increases air movement in the soil, and creates a better environment for plant roots. The result is soil that is easier to work and better able to support healthy plant growth.

Fall is an ideal time to add organic matter to gardens and flower beds. Apply two to four inches of compost or other organic materials and incorporate it into the soil. If conditions are dry, water the area to promote decomposition. Additional applications can be made a few weeks later if more organic material is available. Over the winter months, these materials will continue to break down, leaving the soil in better condition for spring planting.

Home gardeners are sometimes advised to add sand to clay soils, but this practice can create more problems than it solves. Unless large amounts of coarse sand are incorporated, the clay simply fills the spaces between the sand particles. The resulting mixture can become dense and hard, much like concrete. For this reason, organic matter remains a far better choice for improving heavy clay soils.

Before adding any soil amendments, I recommend having your soil tested through your local Extension office. A soil test can identify nutrient deficiencies and provide recommendations tailored to your garden’s needs. For more information about soil testing or how to collect a soil sample, please contact the Southwind Extension District office.

Krista Harding is a K-State Extension horticulture agent assigned to the Southwind District. She may be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.

FORT SCOTT, Kan. — As cooler weather arrives and holiday gatherings approach, community members are invited to learn the art of making homemade egg noodles during a hands-on workshop hosted by K-State Extension’s Southwind District.

The “Let’s Make Noodles!” program will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main Street (U.S. Highway 69) in Fort Scott.

Participants will learn how to prepare traditional homemade egg noodles alongside Southwind Extension Master Food Volunteers and Sandy Haggard, Southwind District Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent.

The workshop fee is $5 per person, payable by cash or check at the event. Space is limited to 20 participants.

To register, call 620-365-2242 or email sjhaggard@ksu.edu.

For more information about Southwind Extension programs, visit the K-State Extension Southwind District website.

Noodles_flyer_

Community members interested in improving the health and longevity of their trees are invited to attend a Tree Care Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott.

The workshop is hosted by the Southwind Extension District and will be presented by Kody Kraemer of the Kansas Forest Service. Participants will learn the essentials of proper tree care, including tree biology, selecting the right tree for the right location, proper planting techniques, pruning practices, and watering recommendations for both young and established trees.

Designed for homeowners, landowners, and gardening enthusiasts, the program will provide practical information to help participants make informed decisions that support healthy and thriving trees.

For more information about the workshop, call the Southwind Extension District at 620-244-3826.

Is This Normal Aging or Something More?

Many people become concerned when they forget a name, misplace their keys, or need an occasional reminder. While some changes in memory and thinking are a normal part of aging, others may be warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Knowing the difference can help individuals and families seek medical guidance when needed.

Here are 10 warning signs to watch for and examples of what is typically considered normal aging:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

A common warning sign is forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events, asking for the same information repeatedly, or relying heavily on reminders.

A typical age-related change is forgetting someone’s name but remembering it later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems

Individuals may have difficulty following a familiar recipe, concentrating, or managing numbers and finances. Normal aging may involve occasional mistakes when balancing a checkbook or preparing a meal.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks

A person may struggle with routine activities such as driving to a familiar location, performing work responsibilities, or remembering the rules of a favorite game. Typical aging may mean occasionally needing help with technology or an unfamiliar task.

4. Confusion with time or place

People may lose track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. They may forget where they are or how they got there. A normal age-related change is occasionally forgetting the day of the week but remembering it later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

Difficulty judging distance, reading, or distinguishing contrast and color may occur. Normal changes are often related to vision conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma.

6. New problems with speaking or writing

Someone may have trouble following conversations, frequently repeat themselves, or use incorrect words.

A typical age-related change is occasionally struggling to find the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

Items may be placed in unusual locations, and the person may be unable to recall where they were left. Normal aging involves occasionally misplacing something but eventually finding it.

8. Poor or decreased judgment

Changes may include poor financial decisions, giving away large amounts of money, or neglecting personal hygiene. Typical aging may involve making an occasional poor decision.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person may stop participating in hobbies, work projects, or social events because tasks become difficult or frustrating. In contrast, most people occasionally feel tired and choose to skip activities.

10. Changes in mood or personality

Individuals may become more anxious, fearful, suspicious, depressed, or easily upset. Normal aging may include occasional irritability when things do not go as planned.

Experiencing one of these signs does not necessarily mean a person has dementia. However, if you notice several of these changes in yourself or a loved one, it is important to schedule a medical evaluation. Early detection can help identify the cause of symptoms, provide access to resources and support, and allow families to plan for the future. For more information about the 10 warning signs, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org.

Information for this article came from “Alzheimer’s 101,” Kansas State University Extension, MF3364. For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, Family & Community Wellness Agent, at 620-244-3826 or tsolomon@ksu.edu.

Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent
October 2026

The best part of fall, other than the weather turning cooler, leaves changing, and Friday Night Lights? It’s the start of the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge season across the Southwind District and the state of Kansas! What happens when we give a young person an idea and say, “Why not?” Maybe they have an idea for a product they want to create. Maybe they see a problem in their community and think they have a solution. Maybe they simply want to try something new. Whatever the idea may be, giving young people the opportunity to turn that idea into something real can teach lessons that reach far beyond the classroom.

Youth entrepreneurship isn’t just about teaching young people how to start a business. It’s about helping them develop the confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills they will need no matter where life takes them. When young people develop a business idea, they quickly learn that having an idea is only the beginning. They must ask questions: Who would want this? What should it cost? How will I tell people about it? What could go wrong? How can I make it better? Those questions require critical thinking, decision-making, and a willingness to take risks. And sometimes, things don’t work out as planned. That may be one of the most valuable parts of the experience. Young people learn that failure doesn’t mean they weren’t successful; sometimes, it simply means they learned something that will help them try again differently.

These are skills our communities need. We need young people who are willing to look at a challenge and ask, “Is there a better way?” We need future business owners, community leaders and engaged citizens who can recognize opportunities, develop solutions and work with others. This is especially important in our rural communities. If we want young people to become the leaders and business owners who help shape our future, we need to give them opportunities to practice those skills today. That might mean creating a lemonade stand, developing a product, participating in a Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge or identifying a problem and brainstorming a solution.

Not every young person who participates in entrepreneurship will become a business owner, and that’s okay. The goal is to help develop a generation of problem-solvers, innovators and confident community members. As adults, we sometimes forget how powerful it can be to let young people try. Let them pitch the crazy idea, figure out how to make something work, make mistakes and discover what to do next. Those experiences build confidence and help young people recognize that they have something valuable to contribute.

There are opportunities right here in the Southwind District for young people to put their ideas into action! The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) gives students the opportunity to develop a business plan, pitch their idea, receive feedback from judges and showcase their business at a tradeshow. It’s a hands-on experience that encourages creativity, builds confidence and helps students explore what it takes to turn an idea into a business. Watch for upcoming YEC events throughout the Southwind District and encourage the young entrepreneurs in your life to get involved! Another great opportunity is Lemonade Day, a youth entrepreneurship program that teaches young people the basics of starting and operating their own business through a lemonade stand. Participants learn about setting goals, creating a business plan, budgeting, marketing, customer service, and managing money, all while putting their ideas into practice.

When we invest in young people’s ideas, we are investing in the future of our communities. For more information on upcoming Youth Entrepreneurship opportunities in the Southwind District, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at amclasen@ksu.edu.

How About a Date?

According to the FDA, Americans are throwing away about one-third of our food — roughly 20 pounds per person per month. Uncertainty about the meaning of food dates causes us to waste about 20% of our food. There are a wide variety of phrases used, and food doesn’t necessarily need to be thrown out just because of a date.

“Use By” Date

The “Use-By” date is the last date for use of the product while at peak quality. It is not a safety date, except when used on infant formula.

Guidelines for Freshness

• Eggs: go by “sell-by” date; store 3-5 weeks in the back of the refrigerator.
• Milk: 7 days. Store in the back of the refrigerator.
• Ground meat/poultry: 1-2 days
• Cooked meat/poultry: 3-4 days
• Steaks: 3-5 days
• Lunch meat: 2 weeks unopened, 3-5 days opened
• Dry pasta: 1-2 years
• Canned fruit: 12-18 months, or 5-7 days after opening
• Rice and dried beans: 2 years, or 3-4 days in the refrigerator after cooking

Special exception for infant formula: Federal regulations require a “Use-By” date on infant formula. Consumption by this date ensures the formula contains at least the quality of each nutrient described on the label, and that it will maintain an acceptable quality to pass through an ordinary bottle nipple. Do not buy or use baby formula after its “Use By” date.

“Sell By” Date

This date lets the store know how long to display the product for sale for inventory management.

Special Tips

• Keep your refrigerator below 40 degrees F and use airtight containers.
• Use the “first in, first out” method to rotate pantry goods.
• Freeze meat, cheese, and bread near the “sell by” date.
• Don’t fear the “best by” date. It’s about quality, not safety.
• Trust your nose, mouth, eyes, and your brain to tell you if food is bad.

“Best Before” Date

Indicates when a product will be at its best in terms of quality or flavor. It is not a purchase or safety date.

Signs of Food Spoilage

• Smells “off”
• Moldy
• Different texture than it is supposed to be
• Unpleasant

Above all: when in doubt, throw it out!

For guidance, see the “Safe Food Storage: The Refrigerator and Freezer” Kansas State University Extension publication, available at https://www.extension.k-state.edu/humannutrition/foodstorage.html.

Flyer put together by Thursday Night Live FCE (Family and Community Education) Unit, Bourbon County.

How about a date FLYER