FORT SCOTT, Kan. — Friends and community members are invited to celebrate the retirement of Pat Simpson, who is concluding 26 years of dedicated service.
A retirement reception honoring Simpson will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bourbon County Courthouse – Southwind Extension District Office, 210 S. National Ave., Fort Scott.
The event will be a come-and-go reception, providing an opportunity for friends, coworkers, and community members to congratulate Simpson and thank her for her years of commitment and service. Refreshments will be served.
By Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, K-State Extension Southwind District
We live in a world where you can click a button and have something at your door tomorrow, and honestly, it is hard not to get used to that. The downside is that long-term planning starts to feel like something we will deal with later. But here is the good news: young people have something you cannot rush or replace — time.
Many young adults are focused on student loans, rent, or the newest phone upgrade, and investing does not always make the priority list. The ones who do start early, though, are setting themselves up for something much bigger: long-term financial freedom. At the heart of investing early is a simple yet powerful idea — compound interest. In short, your money earns money, and then that money earns money too. Given enough time, even small, consistent contributions can grow into something significant.
For example, think about setting aside $50 a week instead of spending it here and there. If a young adult starts doing that in their early 20s and invests it, it can grow into hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. But if they wait 10 years to start, they miss out on a huge portion of that growth. That is the power of getting started early.
So why encourage young people to start investing early? Here are a few key reasons:
#1) It creates more freedom down the road: Whether it is retiring early, traveling, or starting a business, having a strong financial foundation gives people options and reduces the need to rely on credit when life happens.
#2) It builds smart money habits early: Learning how to budget, save, and plan ahead at a young age helps reduce financial stress later on. Just like compound interest, these habits build on themselves over time.
#3) It is easier than ever to get started: With today’s technology, investing is accessible to just about anyone. Many apps allow you to begin with just a few dollars and provide tools and education along the way.
Summer also creates a great opportunity to start building these skills through youth entrepreneurship. With fewer school commitments and more flexible schedules, young people can try out small business ideas like lawn care, pet sitting, selling handmade goods, or even starting an online venture. While earning money is exciting, the real value comes from what they learn — responsibility, problem-solving, customer service, and how to manage their money.
Encouraging youth to take on these kinds of projects helps connect the dots between earning, saving, and investing. When a young person earns their own money, they are much more likely to think about where it goes and how to make it grow. Over time, those early experiences can build confidence, independence, and a mindset that sets them up for long-term success.
At the end of the day, investing early is not about having a lot of money — it is about starting where you are and giving your money time to grow. No matter your age, the best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today.
For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at [email protected].
If you haven’t scouted for bagworms yet, trust me – they are out and about! They are a recurring pest in our area and can cause significant damage to landscape plants. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not become concerned about bagworms until they notice the large bags hanging from trees and shrubs. By that point, the damage has often already been done. Fortunately, the ideal window for control is approaching.
Bagworms overwinter as eggs inside the protective bags left by female moths. From mid-May through mid-June, larvae hatch and emerge through the bottom opening of the old bag. They immediately begin constructing their own miniature silk-lined bags, incorporating bits of foliage into the structure for camouflage. Once the bags are completed, the young larvae begin feeding. As the larvae grow, their bags expand.
By mid- to late August, feeding is complete. The mature larvae firmly attach their bags to twigs and branches, where they remain protected as they complete their life cycle.
Bagworms are most commonly found on eastern redcedar and juniper, but they also attack arborvitae, spruce, and pine. In addition, many broadleaf trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants can serve as hosts. After defoliating a plant, bagworms may migrate in search of additional food sources, attacking either the same species or entirely different plants.
The extent of damage can range from minor to severe. As larvae grow larger, their appetite increases dramatically. In some cases, what appears to be a healthy tree can become heavily defoliated in a very short period of time. Several consecutive years of severe feeding can weaken and eventually kill trees, especially conifers.
There are two primary methods of bagworm control: cultural and chemical.
For those who prefer not to use insecticides, handpicking bags from infested plants can be an effective management strategy. This is often easiest during the winter months when the bags are more visible against dormant foliage and branches. However, it is important to remember that a single overlooked bag may contain hundreds to more than a thousand eggs. Handpicking also becomes impractical when plants are heavily infested or too large to reach safely.
Chemical control is most effective when larvae are young and actively feeding. In most years, bagworm larvae begin emerging from overwintering bags in mid- to late May. Because egg hatch occurs over 4 to 5 weeks, treatment timing is important. Insecticide applications made in late summer are often ineffective because the larvae are larger, more resistant, and may have already stopped feeding.
The third week of June is generally the ideal time to apply insecticides for bagworm control. Products containing spinosad, acephate, cyfluthrin, or permethrin are commonly used and are available under a variety of trade names. Always read and follow label directions, and check the active ingredients to ensure the product is labeled for bagworm control.
For more information on managing bagworms, please get in touch with me at your local K-State Extension, Southwind District office in Iola, Erie, Fort Scott, and Yates Center.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to the Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
To help producers make informed feeding decisions, K-State Extension – Southwind District has been awarded funding through the Bill House Ag Grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas. Through this grant, we are offering a $20 cost-share on full nutrient forage analysis tests to producers of the Southwind District. A typical total nutrient analysis test costs $22 plus shipping, while a full nutrient analysis plus nitrate test costs $35 plus shipping. The program is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to 100 total samples. Producers may receive cost-share assistance on up to two forage samples.
Though the feeding season is a few months away, we are beginning to start the summer haying season. As producers bale hay, many of them are beginning to evaluate hay inventories and maybe even plan winter supplementation. One of the most overlooked management tools is also among the most economical: forage testing.
A common assumption is that all hay is relatively similar, especially when it looks good from the outside. Unfortunately, appearances can be deceiving. Two hay bales harvested from neighboring fields can vary significantly in protein, energy, digestibility, and even nitrate content. Without knowing the nutritional value of your forage, developing an effective feeding program becomes little more than an educated guess.
This year, forage testing may be more important than ever. Across southeast Kansas, weather conditions and harvest timing have created significant differences in forage quality. Hay baling has been significantly delayed due to rain or other environmental factors, such as flooding. As a result, nutrient values ARE going to vary widely this year, especially on cool-season forages still not harvested in June.
Knowing the quality of your forage can provide several benefits:
Stretch feed dollars by matching supplements to actual forage needs.
Avoid overfeeding expensive protein and energy supplements.
Identify lower-quality hay that should be fed to cows with lower nutrient requirements.
Reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies that can affect reproduction, body condition, and calf performance.
Detect potential issues such as nitrate accumulation or other feed quality concerns.
For many operations, the cost of a forage test can be recovered quickly through more precise supplementation decisions. Feeding even one pound of unnecessary supplement per cow per day can add up to substantial costs over the course of a winter-feeding season.
A full nutrient analysis provides valuable information, including crude protein, total digestible nutrients (TDN), fiber levels, energy, and other important nutritional measurements that can be used to balance rations more effectively.
Collecting a representative sample is critical. Producers are encouraged to use a hay probe and sample multiple bales from each lot of hay. Samples can then be submitted through the Extension office for laboratory analysis.
The information gained from a forage test allows producers to make data-driven feeding decisions rather than relying on visual estimates or assumptions. In a time when feed costs remain one of the largest expenses in an operation, understanding the quality of your forage can be one of the best investments you make.
For more information about the forage testing cost-share program or assistance with collecting samples, contact Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent at any K-State Extension – Southwind District office or by email [email protected].
Savoring Summer: A Mindful Moment in the Middle of the Season
With the first official day of summer just around the corner, it feels like the perfect moment to pause and check in. How is your summer unfolding so far? Are the longer days lifting your spirits? Is the warm weather giving you a chance to spend more time outside? I hope you can answer yes to all of the above. Even with a few rainy days sprinkled in, we’ve had some beautiful weather for summer activities.
But if any of your answers leaned toward no, consider this a gentle nudge to step outside for even a few minutes. Early mornings and late evenings are wonderful times to enjoy the outdoors without the heat. A small moment of fresh air can make a big difference. Not only for well-being, but also to offer an opportunity for mindfulness.
Mindfulness is something many of us struggle to prioritize, myself included. This season is one of the busiest for Extension—camps, cooking classes, community programs, partnerships, and of course, the county fair. The days stretch long, and the todo list never seems to shrink. Yet with two little girls and a husband waiting at home, I know I need to be more intentional about slowing down.
So, I’m challenging both you and myself to practice mindfulness through our five senses, no matter what we’re doing. Let’s try it with something simple: a fresh tomato straight from the garden—a true summer treasure.
Imagine holding that tomato in your hand.
What do you see? Notice the color, the size, the shape. Are there tiny imperfections that make it unique?
What do you feel? Roll it gently in your hands. Is the skin smooth? Firm? Does anything surprise you?
What do you smell? Bring it to your nose. The scent may be faint now, but it will deepen once you take a bite.
What do you hear? Hold it near your ear. It may seem silly, but stay with me—you’ll understand in a moment.
Now take a slow, thoughtful bite.
What do you taste? Let the flavor linger. Did you hear the skin break this time? Can you smell the tomato more clearly now?
Continue eating it slowly, savoring each bite. Too often we rush through our days—and our meals—without truly experiencing them. Mindfulness invites us to be present, even in the smallest moments.
When you finish the tomato, take a breath. How do you feel?
As we move deeper into the season, I hope you’ll continue finding small ways to slow down and reconnect—with nature, with your senses, and with yourself. Summer has a way of reminding us that joy often lives in the simplest moments: a quiet walk, a warm breeze, a ripe tomato from the garden. Let’s carry that awareness with us, even on the busiest days. Here’s to a summer filled with presence, gratitude, and moments that ground us in what truly matters.
For more information about mindfulness programs, reach out to Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent at K-State Extension | Southwind District.
By Lonnie Mengarelli- Southwind Extension District
Yes, we are wet here in the Southwind District, and many producers are using this time to get equipment field-ready across the district. Many combines have already headed to the wheat fields in some parts of Kansas, and producers are already looking ahead to the next crop. One management task that deserves immediate attention after harvest is weed control in wheat stubble. This is especially important in 2026, as weather-related challenges throughout the growing season led to thinner wheat stands in many areas, allowing more weeds to establish and compete.
While it may be tempting to delay weed management until later in the summer, allowing weeds to grow unchecked after harvest can be costly. Once the wheat crop is removed, weeds that were suppressed by the crop canopy quickly take advantage of sunlight, moisture, and nutrients. Some weeds damaged during harvest can also rapidly regrow. Left unmanaged, these weeds rob valuable soil moisture, reduce the effectiveness of future weed control efforts, and contribute thousands of seeds that can create problems for years to come.
Successful weed control in wheat stubble starts with timely action. The primary goals are controlling weeds that have already emerged and preventing additional flushes later in the season. For the best results, producers should target weeds before they exceed four to six inches in height. Smaller, actively growing weeds are much easier to control than large, mature plants. In addition to controlling existing weeds, residual herbicides play an important role in preventing future weed emergence and reducing the need for multiple herbicide applications throughout the summer. Herbicide-resistant weeds continue to be a major concern across Kansas. Species such as Palmer amaranth and kochia have developed resistance to several herbicide groups, making control more challenging.
Glyphosate combined with 2,4-D or dicamba remains an important tool in many post-harvest weed control programs. However, these products alone often struggle to provide adequate control of pigweed and kochia, particularly during the hot, dry conditions commonly experienced after wheat harvest. Because of these challenges, producers should consider incorporating additional herbicide modes of action into their weed management programs.
Paraquat products, including Gramoxone and generic formulations, continue to provide effective control of emerged pigweed and kochia when applied correctly. Research conducted in western Kansas has shown strong control of large Palmer amaranth with paraquat-containing treatments. Because paraquat is a contact herbicide, spray coverage is essential. Higher spray volumes and proper adjuvants are necessary to maximize effectiveness. Producers should also remember that federal regulations require paraquat applicators and handlers to complete specialized training every three years.
Although Syngenta has announced it will discontinue production of Gramoxone this year, generic paraquat products are expected to remain available.
When selecting herbicides, producers must think beyond this season and consider crop rotation plans for next year. Products such as atrazine can provide both burndown and residual weed control but may limit crop options the following season. Atrazine use in wheat stubble is restricted to specific crop rotations, including wheat-corn-fallow and wheat-sorghum-fallow systems.
Metribuzin offers another option that can provide residual activity while allowing greater crop rotation flexibility. It may also help manage certain atrazine-resistant weed populations.
Several Group 14 herbicides can be valuable additions to post-harvest weed control programs.
Saflufenacil (Sharpen) and tiafenacil (Reviton) provide effective control of emerged broadleaf weeds, including Palmer amaranth and kochia, while also offering short-term residual activity.
Flumioxazin (Valor) and sulfentrazone (Spartan) provide longer-lasting residual control and can help reduce future weed emergence. However, these products may carry crop rotation restrictions that producers should carefully review before application.
As with all residual herbicides, adequate rainfall is needed for activation and optimum performance.
In many parts of Kansas, preserving soil moisture is one of the most important reasons to control weeds promptly after wheat harvest. Every inch of moisture conserved can benefit the next crop, especially during dry summers. Effective weed management also reduces weed seed production, helping lower future weed pressure and potentially reducing herbicide costs over time.
The weeks immediately following wheat harvest present an excellent opportunity to gain the upper hand on troublesome weeds. Producers should:
Control weeds as soon as possible after harvest.
Target small, actively growing weeds.
Include residual herbicides to manage future weed flushes.
Consider next year’s crop plans before selecting herbicides.
Carefully follow all label directions and crop rotation restrictions.
A timely post-harvest weed control program can help conserve moisture, reduce weed seed production, and set the stage for a more successful crop next season.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a Kansas State University Extension Agriculture agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] 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.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Social Security Basics Every Kansan Should Know
Social Security plays an important role in retirement for many Kansans, but it is often misunderstood. Created in 1935, Social Security was designed to provide basic income protection — not to fully replace your paycheck in retirement. Learning how it works can help people make better decisions throughout their lives.
Most people begin their connection to Social Security at birth when they receive a Social Security number. This number follows you for life. It is used when you apply for jobs, file taxes, open financial accounts, and eventually claim Social Security and Medicare benefits. Because your earnings are tracked using this number, keeping your records accurate is important — especially if your name changes due to marriage or divorce.
How Benefits Are Earned
When you work, money is deducted from your paycheck through a payroll tax called FICA. These dollars fund Social Security and Medicare. As you work and pay into the system, you earn credits, also called work quarters. Most people need 40 credits — about 10 years of work — to qualify for retirement benefits and Medicare Part A with no monthly premium.
More Than Retirement Income
While many people think of Social Security as retirement income, the program also provides other important benefits. Disability benefits may help workers who cannot work because of a serious physical or mental condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. Survivor benefits may offer financial support to spouses and children if a working family member dies. These benefits can be especially important during unexpected life events.
When to Claim Retirement Benefits
Social Security retirement benefits can start as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. Your full retirement age depends on the year you were born. Claiming benefits early results in a smaller monthly payment, while waiting longer leads to a higher monthly payment.
Your benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. Working even one or two extra years can increase future benefits, which may also help provide financial security for a surviving spouse.
Social Security and Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities. Enrollment timing matters. Missing signup deadlines can result in higher premiums for life.
Plan Ahead
It is never too early to learn about Social Security. Creating a free account at ssa.gov/myaccount lets you review your earnings record and estimate future benefits. For Kansans, understanding Social Security can help build a more secure retirement when combined with savings and smart planning.
Today’s article was adapted from the K-State Extension Understanding Social Security Fact Sheet. For more information, contact Tara SolomonSmith, Family & Community Wellness Agent, at 6202443826 or [email protected].
As livestock producers, we spend a great deal of time focused on nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and grassland/forage management. However, one area that is sometimes overlooked until problems arise is biosecurity. To be brief, biosecurity refers to specific management practices designed to prevent disease from entering or spreading within a livestock operation.
Recent discussions surrounding avian influenza, foreign animal disease preparedness, and increasing animal movement during spring and summer have made biosecurity an especially timely topic for livestock producers of all sizes. While large commercial operations often have strict protocols in place, biosecurity is equally important for small farms, youth livestock projects, and cow-calf operations. The good news is that effective biosecurity does not always require expensive equipment or complicated systems. In many cases, small management changes can significantly reduce disease risk.
One of the most important practices is controlling the introduction of animals. Purchased animals, returning show animals, or even borrowed breeding stock can unknowingly bring disease onto a farm. Isolating new arrivals for a period of time before mixing them with the resident herd allows producers to monitor for signs of illness and reduce the risk of exposure. During this isolation period, producers should watch for symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, fever, or poor appetite.
Vehicle and equipment traffic can also contribute to disease transmission. Livestock trailers, feed delivery trucks, manure spreaders, and shared handling equipment may all carry pathogens from one location to another. Cleaning and disinfecting trailers and equipment between uses can help reduce this risk. Even simple practices such as removing visible manure and organic debris before disinfecting can greatly improve effectiveness.
Visitors are another potential source of disease introduction. Veterinarians, livestock haulers, neighbors, and other producers may unintentionally carry disease organisms on boots, clothing, or equipment. Providing a designated parking area away from livestock pens, encouraging clean footwear or washing boots, and limiting unnecessary traffic through animal areas are simple ways to strengthen farm biosecurity.
As the county fair and livestock show season approaches, biosecurity becomes even more important. Fairs bring animals from many different locations into close contact, creating opportunities for disease spread. Producers should ensure livestock are up to date on recommended vaccinations before attending events and monitor animals closely after returning home. If your animal is sick as you approach show day or fair week, consider leaving that animal at home to prevent other animals from being exposed. Avoiding shared water buckets, feed pans, and grooming equipment can also help reduce transmission risks.
Wildlife and pests should not be overlooked either. Rodents, birds, ticks, flies, and feral animals can spread disease between farms and livestock groups. Maintaining clean feed storage areas, controlling standing water, and implementing pest management practices can help minimize these risks.
Perhaps the most important point about biosecurity is that prevention is far less costly than treatment. Disease outbreaks can result in lost performance, reduced reproductive success, treatment expenses, and even death loss. A few preventative steps today may save producers substantial time and expense later. Biosecurity plans do not need to be complicated to be effective. The key is consistency and awareness. Evaluating everyday practices and identifying areas where disease could enter the operation are strong first steps for any producer.
For additional information on livestock biosecurity practices, feel free to reach out to Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent, at any Southwind Extension District Office or by email at [email protected].
Families Invited to Reconnect with Nature During Great Outdoors Month
As the school year ends and summer begins, families have a perfect opportunity to step outside and reconnect with nature. June marks Great Outdoors Month, a nationwide celebration highlighting the importance of outdoor play—not just for fun, but for the lasting benefits it provides to children and adults alike.
Great Outdoors Month encourages people to explore parks, trails, waterways, and even their own backyards. It’s a chance to slow down, unplug from screens, and spend meaningful time together in the fresh air.
Outdoor activities are one of the simplest and most powerful ways to strengthen family connections while supporting healthy development. Time outside promotes physical health, reduces stress, and improves mood and focus. It also fosters creativity and problem-solving as children build forts, explore nature, and invent their own games—skills that may not develop as naturally in more structured environments.
The best part is that meaningful outdoor experiences don’t require travel or expense. Simple activities close to home—such as taking a walk after dinner, visiting a local park, gardening, or planning a picnic—can make a big impact. Even 20–30 minutes outside each day can make a difference.
One goal of Great Outdoors Month is to help families build habits that last beyond June. When outdoor time becomes part of everyday life, children are more likely to develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and physical activity. It also creates opportunities to slow down and make lasting memories together.
To support families in getting outdoors, a variety of events are taking place across the country. National Play Outside Day is June 6 and continues monthly with the first Saturday of each month. The U.S. Forest Service will waive recreation fees at most day-use sites on National Trails Day (June 6) and National Get Outdoors Day (June 13). In Kansas, the Department of Wildlife and Parks is offering a free fishing weekend on June 6–7, along with free entrance to select state parks: Prairie Dog State Park (June 6), Cedar Bluff and Historic Lake Scott (June 13), and Wilson State Park (June 20).
K-State Research and Extension | Southwind District is also encouraging outdoor exploration by hosting an Outdoor Adventure Day at Gunn Park in Fort Scott for youth ages 7–18 on June 7 from 2–6 p.m. Youth ages 14–18 will have the opportunity to build leadership skills by assisting with activities.
For more information about this event and other youth opportunities, visit southwind.ksu.edu or contact Jennifer Terrell at [email protected].
As evergreen trees and shrubs across Kansas begin their annual spring growth flush, now is the ideal time for homeowners to inspect and prune landscape evergreens before summer arrives.
Evergreen species — including pine, spruce, fir, juniper, arborvitae, holly, boxwood, and yew — retain foliage year-round and typically hold two to three years’ worth of needles at any given time. These plants generally require less pruning than deciduous trees and shrubs, but proper timing and technique remain critical to maintaining healthy growth and appearance.
Pruning evergreen plants differs significantly from pruning many other landscape plants because most evergreens do not regenerate growth from older interior wood.
For pine trees, spring is the key pruning season. New pine growth develops once each year from terminal buds, producing soft shoots known as “candles.”
Gardeners looking to manage size and encourage denser growth are advised to trim back one-half to two-thirds of the candle length before needles fully expand. It is recommended to pinch candles by hand using careful cuts to avoid browning at the needle tips. Because pines naturally produce limited side branching, heavy pruning or shearing is discouraged.
Spruce and fir trees also produce a single flush of annual growth from branch tips. Prune branches back only to side buds or lateral branches while avoiding cuts beyond existing needles. Up to half of the new growth may be removed safely, though experts caution that lower branches on mature trees recover slowly because most vigorous growth occurs near the top canopy. Dwarf and slow-growing varieties may be especially sensitive to pruning and should be trimmed sparingly.
Junipers and arborvitae differ slightly by producing multiple growth flushes throughout the growing season, often from April through October. Selective pruning is recommended in early spring by cutting individual branches back to upward-growing side shoots. This method helps preserve a natural appearance while concealing pruning cuts. Do not cut back into older branch wood lacking needles, as those bare areas are unlikely to recover.
Although formal shearing remains common in many landscapes, the practice often damages the plant’s natural form and increases long-term maintenance demands. If shearing is necessary, at least one inch of previous growth should remain to prevent exposing interior dead zones.
Annual spring pruning is generally considered the safest and most effective approach for controlling evergreen growth. When plants are severely overgrown, replacement may be preferable to aggressive pruning.
Do not prune after mid-August, as late-season cuts can stimulate tender new growth that may not harden properly before winter temperatures arrive.
The guidance was provided through Kansas State University horticulture resources from the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources in Manhattan, Kansas.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent serving the Southwind District. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider.
Across Kansas rangeland and pasture acres, three native shrub species are becoming increasingly common: buckbrush, roughleaf dogwood, and smooth sumac. While each plays a role in the ecosystem, unchecked growth can reduce forage production and limit grazing efficiency. Understanding how to identify and manage these species is key to maintaining productive pastures.
Buckbrush is a low-growing shrub that can reach over six feet in height and spreads aggressively through rhizomes and stolons. It is commonly found in disturbed woodlands, along creek banks, old fields, and in pastures. With opposite leaves and red fruit produced in late summer, it is relatively easy to identify during the growing season. However, its tendency to form dense colonies allows it to outcompete desirable grasses and forbs.
Roughleaf dogwood, a larger shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall, is often found along fencerows, streambanks, and woodland edges. It produces clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by white berries in the fall. While it provides valuable wildlife habitat and cover for birds, it can become problematic in grasslands where fire is absent, gradually encroaching and reducing forage availability.
Smooth sumac is another widespread shrub, typically growing 5 to 7 feet tall. It is easily recognized by its compound leaves and bright red fall color, along with its distinctive seed heads that resemble milo. Found on rocky soils, fencerows, and pastures, smooth sumac also provides some wildlife value but can quickly form dense stands.
A common challenge with all three species is their ability to form thick clumps that shade out herbaceous vegetation. Most cattle avoid grazing these shrubs, allowing them to spread further. Sheep and goats may utilize them more readily, but grazing alone is rarely sufficient for control.
Effective management begins with early detection and a planned approach. For buckbrush, mechanical methods such as mowing can be useful if timed correctly. Cutting after leaf-out, when root energy reserves are low, can weaken the plant. However, a single mowing is not enough—multiple cuttings or consecutive years of prescribed burning in late spring are often needed for meaningful control.
Herbicide applications are another option for buckbrush, with the best results occurring when plants are fully leafed out but not yet mature, typically from mid-May to early June. Several herbicide combinations are effective, but producers should always follow label directions and consider potential impacts on desirable species.
Roughleaf dogwood presents a different challenge. It thrives in the absence of fire, and research has shown that infrequent burning allows populations to increase significantly. Annual late-spring burning can help suppress its spread, though established stands are difficult to eliminate with fire alone. Herbicide treatments can reduce top growth, but complete control often requires a multi-year strategy combining burning and follow-up applications after regrowth.
Smooth sumac is generally easier to control compared to the other two species. While late-spring burning can reduce plant height, it may increase stem density. Herbicide applications made between the flower bud stage and early seed development are typically very effective, especially when coverage is adequate.
In addition to foliar sprays, soil-applied herbicides can be used in certain situations, particularly where drift from spraying is a concern. These products can provide control of roughleaf dogwood and smooth sumac, though care must be taken to avoid damage to desirable vegetation downslope.
Growing-season burns, including those conducted in August, may also help reduce populations of roughleaf dogwood and smooth sumac over time.
Ultimately, managing these native shrubs requires a combination of methods and a long-term commitment. No single treatment will provide complete control, but integrating fire, mechanical practices, and herbicides can restore balance and improve forage production.
As always, when using herbicides, consult the product label for the most current recommendations and application guidelines.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a Kansas State University Extension Agriculture agent assigned to the 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.
Together We Can Have More Good Days!
Mental Health America’s More Good Days, Together campaign reminds us that a “good day” can look different for everyone. A good day doesn’t have to mean being happy or getting everything done. Sometimes, a good day is just one that feels calm, comfortable, or manageable.
Here are some ways we can start having more good days together:
Decide what “good” means to you
Take a moment to think about this question: “What does a good day look like for me?”
Your answer might change over time, and that is okay.
It’s okay if it feels hard to think about good days.
You are not alone, and help is available.
You can take a free, quick mental health check at mhascreening.org.
Take care of your whole self
Your mental health and physical health are connected. When one is affected, the other is too. Things like sleep, stress, food, and relationships all play a role in how you feel.
Even though you can’t control everything, small actions can make a big difference.
Drink enough water
Get enough rest
Move your body in ways you enjoy
Spend time with people you trust
Also, listen to your body. Sometimes physical feelings, like headaches or tiredness, are your mind’s way of asking for help.
Work together for more good days
Having more good days is not something you have to do alone. Connecting with others can help you feel supported and less stressed.
Even small moments can help, like talking to a friend or checking in with someone you care about. Simple, honest conversations matter.
You can also help others by being part of your community and supporting mental health efforts.
Learn more at mhanational.org/become-an-advocate.
Find what works for you
Mental health is different for everyone. What works for one person might not work for another—and that’s okay.
Take time to find what helps you feel good. This might include hobbies, relaxing, or being creative. Sometimes, we forget to take care of ourselves because we are busy helping others.
Remember, taking time for yourself is important too.
More Tools
Visit mhanational.org/may to find tools, ideas, and support for your mental health journey.
No matter how you are feeling right now:
More good days are possible
Help is available
You are not alone
Let’s make more good days happen—together. For more information, contact Tara Solomon‑Smith, Family & Community Wellness Agent, at 620‑244‑3826 or [email protected].
