Marestail or horseweed (Erigeron canadensis) is a challenging weed to manage in no-till or minimum-till soybeans systems. This weed is classified as a winter annual, but it germinates well into spring and summer, making it even more difficult to manage. In addition to an extended germination window, marestail can produce up to 200,000 seeds/plant, with approximately 80% of those seeds being able to germinate immediately after maturation. Kansas producers also face the added difficulty of trying to manage glyphosate-and ALS-resistant marestail.

Acceptable control of fall-emerged marestail with herbicide applications at planting will be unlikely because the marestail are generally too large, but control can be achieved with both fall and early spring herbicide applications. Other control options include tillage and cover crops.

Residual herbicides for marestail control include chlorimuron (Classic, others), flumioxazin (Valor, others), sulfentrazone (Spartan, others), and metribuzin products.  Group 4 herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, fluroxypyr (Starane Ultra), or haluxifen (Elevore) are good options to control emerged marestail, especially populations that are resistant to glyphosate or ALS-inhbiting herbicides.  Control of marestail in the rosette stage is similar among the Group 4 herbicides, but dicamba controls bolted marestail better than 2,4-D. Saflufenacil (Sharpen) or glufosinate (Liberty, others) can also control bolted marestail.

Fall and spring tillage has been shown to be effective in controlling marestail for a spring-planted crop. When tillage is not utilized in the fall, marestail will establish and be present in the spring. If implementing a minimum tillage system is the goal, research suggests that marestail can be controlled when a fall herbicide application is followed by shallow tillage in the spring or vice versa.

Utilizing cover crops can result in fewer and smaller marestail plants in a field. Research in Kansas has shown control of marestail with a cereal rye cover crop paired with spring herbicide applications. The key to achieving effective suppression of marestail with cover crops is the accumulation of adequate cover crop biomass before marestail emerges, so timely cover crop planting is important for this strategy to succeed.

In summary, to have the best chance at a successful weed control program you must be proactive and stay ahead of the curve. Like all weeds, marestail are easier to kill the smaller they are. Many of next year’s plants will come up in the fall and a simple and cheap broadleaf herbicide can reduce the number of weeds for the next spring allowing you to get you ahead and have fewer weeds to contend with.

For additional information, see the “2024 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, and Noncropland” (K-State publication SRP-1183) or check with your local K-State Research and Extension office for a paper copy.

The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Sarah Lancaster, Extension Weed Science Specialist
[email protected]

Jeremie Kouame, Weed Scientist, Agricultural Research Center – Hays
[email protected]

Get Prepared in Case of an Emergency

Emergency preparedness can seem intimidating, and costly, but by taking just three preparedness actions, all Americans can help build their confidence in knowing what to do when disaster strikes and understand that those preparedness actions will make a difference in their recovery from a disaster or emergency. The National Preparedness Month toolkit provides simple, low and no cost preparedness actions you can take today to be prepared!

• Get informed about what kind of disasters and emergencies occur where you live.
• Sign up for emergency alerts in your area to receive life-saving information.
• Download the FEMA App to receive weather alerts, safety tips and reminders.
• Create an emergency communication plan using FEMA’s free template to record important contact and medical information about your family, which you can share with others. Here are some tips to use when developing your plan:
  • Plan and practice an evacuation route with your family.
  • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood or other wide-spread event. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.
  • Plan how you will communicate if you have a communications need.
  • Plan for food, water, and essentials for you and pets or service animals.
  • Plan for your transportation if you need help evacuating.
  • Include items that meet your individual needs, such as medicines, medical supplies, batteries and chargers, in your emergency supply kit.
  • Plan how you will have your assistive devices with you during an evacuation.
  • Make copies of your home and medical insurance cards.
• Build your emergency supply kit over time. Start with items you may already have in your home, then when you go to the grocery store, pick up an extra item each time that you use regularly, especially if it’s on sale!
• Talk with members of your household about where you will go if told to evacuate.
• Store important documents and items like passports, birth certificates, maps, and electronics in a flood-safe place like a high shelf or upper floor in resealable water-tight plastic bags. Store important documents like insurance policies digitally.
• Check online for free or discounted First Aid and CPR courses offered near you.
• Visit www.floodsmart.gov to know your area’s level of flood risk.
• Download free preparedness resources.

For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

One way to get a sense of a community is to drive or walk around, observing and taking note of the different characteristics and opportunities that the community may have to offer. A walk or a drive through a community may also serve as an assessment of what projects have happened or would like to happen.

Community Assessments are tools that allow interested citizens and community partners to gather and analyze information. This is typically to determine the current condition of a particular aspect of the community. While there are different modes of assessment, they are generally most useful when they capture the diversity of the community. In addition, the assessment may also be focused on a particular program, event or segment of the community.

Community assessments are often conducted to collect data that affects how programs get implemented. More specifically, they can:

• Gauge public opinion, rather than rely on the opinion of a few key leaders or local gossip
• Increase awareness of particular issues
• Create an opportunity for community input and/or ownership of the process
• Be required to satisfy a grant or program.

Important considerations before conducting a community assessment is the time available

for the assessment, the information needed from the assessment and the diversity being

captured in the assessment.

There are several ways to conduct community assessments and the most common techniques include taking assets walks, small group exercises or conducting a survey.

Other methods include: personal interviews, focus groups, public forums and informal group processing.

Today we will talk about conducting an asset walk. This technique works well for all group sizes and it can be part of a larger program or event, if time allows. To complete a Community Asset Walk simply WALK (this is key!) your group through your community.

Throughout the walk, ask those with you to write down and/or talk about what they observe-it could be vacant lots, buildings, businesses, people etc. Walking is key because it is slow, and it allows the group to interact and observe. The ideas are transcribed into a single list after the walk is completed.

You may also include voice recordings and have people take pictures of what they observe or simply record notes to discuss later. The time requirement for an asset walk maybe one or two hours to walk through a neighborhood.

To get a complete assessment of the entire community, it could require multiple walks.

Plan for a few hours to transcribe notes and assemble photographs into a meaningful format to be shared with others.

In addition to being an assessment tool that can identify opportunities in your community, this technique can be a great conversation starter for a group, organization, or community. It can get people talking to one another and from this, they are able to identify areas of common interest to pursue more deeply.

Larger groups are often broken into smaller groups of 8 or less people. Remember to make sure your groups are mixed appropriately.

Once the observations are collected from those participating in the walk, simply tally the number of times a particular theme, observation, specific asset or idea is made. By doing this you can possibly pursue a program or project and eventually make plans for a planning group discussion.

The next step is to take your observations and plans a step further and fully develop them in a facilitated group exercise that results in a community development action plan to move forward.

For More information, contact Community Vitality Agent, Amanda Clasen at [email protected] or at 620-244-3826.

Did you know that you can review and change your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan annually?    Medicare Annual Election Period, running from October 15^th-December 7^th, is the time to do just that!

On Tuesday, October 29^th, from 9:00am-2:00pm, at 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott; area Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansas (SHICK) will be available for you!  Call 620-244-3826 to schedule an appointment.

Even if you have been happy with your plan in the past, plans and your medications do change!  It is a good idea to compare options to see what meets your current needs.  Last year, counselors helped beneficiaries save on average $1,075.00 per person changing plans.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

Bulbs are a good addition to any landscape or garden because they offer a variety of bloom color, flowering time, plant height and shape. From the end of September to the first of November is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs. Spend some time thinking about the location you intend to plant before making a purchase. So many times we buy on impulse and then have to really squeeze plants into a spot that may be less than desirable!

Bulbs can be planted in a variety of locations including around house foundations, under deciduous shrubs and trees, along borders, in perennial beds and rock gardens, in containers and even on steep slopes.

When planted along a foundation, bulbs will add color in the early spring if planted in a grouping of twelve or more bulbs. If you have evergreen shrubs planted along a foundation, they will provide a nice background for planting of bulbs. Bulbs will “pop” with color in contrast to the green of the shrubs.

Spring bulbs can be planted under deciduous shrubs or small trees. You may be wondering how this can be because of a lack of sunlight. Early blooming bulbs receive plenty of light because they start growing long before trees and shrubs start to develop leaves. Some bulbs that do well in this type of setting include grape hyacinths, crocus, bluebells and early maturing daffodils.

A border of bulbs planted along the edge of the lawn will add a splash of color to the lawn area. Or consider planting low growing bulbs around the edge of a flower bed to add interest. You can add them directly into a perennial bed and the bulbs will bloom in March, April and May before perennials start to grow. Make sure to locate the bulbs so the dying foliage will not be noticed.

For steep slopes that are difficult to mow and maintain, bulbs with a fiberous root system such as daylilies, are an effective plant to use. The foliage is attractive and the bloom adds color to the area. The problem of trying to mow a steep area will be eliminated.

Both spring and summer bulbs can be planted in portable containers. The nice thing about container plantings is their versatility. For spring bulbs, once bloom is past, the container can be moved to a location out of sight while the foliage matures. Summer bulbs will add color all summer long to areas such as a patio or deck.

Keep in mind that planting bulbs of one variety or color in mass will have greater visual impact. This will provide uniform color and texture that is pleasing to the eye. With bulbs such as tulips or daffodils, plant at least twelve bulbs of one variety in a grouping. Smaller bulbs should be planted in groups of fifty to have visual impact.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Social media brings both advantages and drawbacks, with particular concerns for young people. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlights in his Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health that children aged 10 to 19 are in a critical stage of brain development. During this time, their sense of identity and self-worth is still developing. They are also more emotionally sensitive, prone to peer pressure, and likely to engage in risky behaviors they might otherwise avoid.

More research is needed to see if social media is the direct cause of mental health issues but we shouldn’t ignore the correlations.  Parents can take practical action now to help protect our youth.

• Set guardrails early. Setting ground rules before giving kids a smart phone can set you up for success.  Examples include making certain rooms technology-free or limiting use to certain times of day. Delay social media use until 16.
• Navigate and strategize together. Have an open, non-judgmental conversation about social media.  Explore what they enjoy, share any challenges you face, and work together to establish guidelines, such as deciding when to take breaks, adjusting privacy settings, or considering which platforms to avoid.
• Have an ongoing conversation about needing to put real-life effort into forging meaningful relationships.

• Work with teens to choose appropriate privacy settings for their social media. Social media sites provide tools for parents on how to set privacy settings. You can also visit Common Sense Media – the “Parents need to know” section – provides everything you need to know about social media, how different apps work, and how to set privacy controls.
• Be clear about what is unsafe to post: full name, address, specific places they go, phone numbers, vacation plans, or anything else that would help someone identify or locate them.
• Not allowing teens to sleep with their cell phone nearby. When teens are always connected, their rest will be interrupted.

• Monitor for any behavioral changes that could be linked to internet use. Look out for signs such as increased secrecy, spending excessive time online, and withdrawal from friends, schoolwork, or previously enjoyed activities.
• Make sure your teen knows they are loved unconditionally and can come to you with any problem. Engage with your child by joining them in an activity you both enjoy, like watching a baseball game or playing a video game. Use this shared experience as a starting point for meaningful conversation.

Today’s article was adapted with articles by the Greater Good Science Center and University of Minnesota Extension.  For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

In the last week or so, I’ve had many calls about fall fertilizer applications on fescue and brome pastures and meadows. Much of the nitrogen (N) applied to tall fescue and smooth bromegrass hay meadows and pastures goes on in January or February in eastern Kansas but fall is the best time to apply phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for the spring growing season. The amount of N-P-K depends heavily on forage use such as grazing vs haying.

Normal N fertilization rates for established fescue and bromegrass hay fields are 90 to 120 pounds actual N per acre, or about 30 pounds of N per ton of expected yield. A summary of K-State N response data shows the average yields for unfertilized brome and fescue were about 1.4 tons of hay per acre, while maximum yields averaged 3.2 tons of hay with 140 pounds of N. Protein levels will also be increased at the higher N fertilizer rates, assuming timely harvest. In cases where producers are relying on high-quality hay as their primary protein source, they will want to push N rates to the upper end of the recommended range.Timing of N application is another factor to consider. While most growers apply all the N and any needed P and K for hay production in a single application in the spring, research in Kansas has shown that applying all the fertilizer in the fall will normally result in slightly higher yields, though the protein values will normally be slightly lower. Prior K-State research indicates that smooth brome responded to spring applications as late as April without effects on tonnage of dry matter produced and significantly greater crude protein levels than fall applications. Fall applications of N and P stimulate root growth and produce more tiller buds, resulting in more stems the following spring. Under normal conditions, tall fescue and smooth bromegrass pastures that are grazed in both spring and fall should receive about 100 pounds total N per acre, with 60% applied in the winter or early spring and 40% of the N along with any needed P and K in late August or early September. So, producers should plan on applying 60 to 70 lbs N per acre in late winter or early spring, starting as early as January in southeast Kansas or February in the central and northern parts of the state.

Both smooth bromegrass and fescue are efficient users of soil P and K. One of the reasons for this is the dense root system — two to three times more roots per unit of soil volume than corn or soybeans. As a result, these crops can grow and thrive at lower soil test levels than other crops commonly grown in Kansas. But both smooth bromegrass and fescue do remove about 12 pounds of P₂O₅ and 40 pounds of K₂O per ton of hay, which will lower soil test values. Thus, these grasses will respond to P and K fertilization on soils with low or very low soil test levels. Recent work in northeast Kansas has shown response to applied P at soil test levels below 12-15 ppm. P and K application rates should be based on soil tests, as with most crops. In any type of fertilizer management program for tall fescue and smooth bromegrass, whether for hay production or grazing, needed phosphorus and potash should be applied in the late summer or fall for best results, along with a light application of N. Research with smooth bromegrass and fescue production has shown that fall applications of N and P, while these cool-season grasses are still actively growing, will help the grass develop a good root system for the winter, and develop buds for new tillers the next spring. P and K applied in late winter or early spring won’t provide the same benefits. One option for hay production not widely used is to apply all the N, P, and K needed for the following year in late fall, rather than early spring. Research has shown that the yields from a late- fall application are actually higher than from an early spring application, but the protein levels in the hay are slightly lower (a dilution of the N due to higher biomass production). The increased production from a late fall application is due to the stimulation of root growth and production of additional tiller buds.

One additional nutrient producers should be aware of for tall fescue and smooth bromegrass pastures or hayfields is sulfur (S). If the pasture or hayfield is receiving adequate nutrients and precipitation, but is dropping off in production, it could be deficient in S. Sulfur deficiency will cause a general reduction in forage production long before it results in visual deficiency symptoms. An application of S to a tall fescue or smooth bromegrass pasture or hayfield that is deficient in S can result in forage yield increases up to 500 to 800 lbs per acre. Sulfur is taken up by plants as sulfate. If a sulfur application is needed to correct a deficiency in a growing crop, a sulfate-S source should be used, such as ammonium sulfate or gypsum. Elemental sulfur sources can be used if applied far enough in advance of crop uptake needs to allow soil organisms to oxidize the S to sulfate. This will normally take several weeks to months, depending on soil temperature and moisture.

To determine whether P, K, S, and lime are needed on tall fescue and smooth bromegrass fields, producers should consider soil sampling. The best time to sample is in the fall, prior to fertilizer application. However, soil testing can be done in the spring. Samples for a P and K soil test should be taken to a 6-inch depth. A profile S test to a depth of 24 inches should be used to evaluate S needs.

Fall fertilizing also allows Producers to overseed their brome and fescue. One major factor which we all seem to be struggling with is the lack of moisture. It is important that when you overseed to try to overseed right before or right after a rain event to maximize the stand of new grass.

You can no till new seed into existing grass stands or if you wish to start over with a new stand of grass. Moisture is hard to come by right now if you plan to no till I would recommend doing so after a rain event if overseeding or right before in new stand.

The simplest and most common way to do it is to put in a fertilizer buggy with your fertilizer. There are some restrictions with doing it this way. First of all, you will need to check with your local fertilizer dealer to make sure they are ok with mixing in seed in their fertilizer blender. Second fescue and brome seed will not travel as far as the fertilizer… I would recommend a 50-foot double spinner spreader that you will have to half the rate and double spread it aka drive on 25ft centers to get an even seed distribution. Lastly do not spread on a windy day. The wind will have a significant effect on the seed spread pattern.

To conclude

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, Nutrient Management Specialist
[email protected]

Stu Duncan, Northeast Area Crops and Soils Specialist
[email protected]

Budgeting is a critical skill that builds healthy financial behaviors and habits. Establishing financial goals that are important to you and writing them down sparks a commitment to achieving those goals. A budget can help you decide what you must spend money on each month and also if you can spend less money on some items and more other. A budget shows you how much money you make as well as how much and where you spend your money. While budgeting can be intimidating, it’s possible to have confidence in your budget, even in uncertain times.

Knowing where your money goes each month and writing it down has been found to improve financial confidence.  A bill calendar is a tool that can provide a monthly visual reminder of when bills are due, how much you owe, and to whom. Taking it one step further, you can add your sources of income to the calendar to compare when amounts are due and when you receive income to cover those expenses. This is a similar process to a cash flow budget. If you have more bills than income in a given week, consider asking to change the due dates of those bills to better align with your income. You can create a bill calendar multiple ways, including electronically or even with a pocket calendar that can easily be carried with you. You can find an example of a bill calendar at  https://bit.ly/3LhdrZy.

Another suggestion on gaining control of your monthly budget is to create spending categories and only spending on items that matter the most help to identify your spending habits. Make a list of your wants/needs/ and personal values. You can still save for and spend money on things that align with personal values but by following your budget based on your values, you are more likely to feel happier and more satisfied with your purchase decisions.

Make the most of your “monthlies” that recurred each month. Make a list of each of your monthly subscriptions that are automatically withdrawn each month and decide if there is anything you are willing to put on hold. Tips: Search your email inbox for recurring receipts, check for recurring payments and auto draft in your bank statements, and remember to look for quarterly and annual charges- not just monthly!

Another popular approach to budgeting in the 50/30/20 Rule. 50% of your monthly income is allotted to your essential needs, such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance and minimum loan payments. 30% of your income is allotted to your wants, such as dining out, entertainment, hobbies, etc. The remaining 20% is set back for savings and personal investments. A budget ensures that you have an emergency fund to fall back on and allows you to prevent relying on accruing more credit card debt in hard times.

Discover how quickly you can become debt free, and how much you can save in interest costs by following a debt reduction plan. PowerPay is an online platform that will give you the tools to develop a personalized, self-directed debt elimination plan. Utah State University Extension is pleased to provide this debt management tool without any cost to consumers worldwide. Create your personalized debt reduction plan online at https://extension.usu.edu/powerpay/.

For More information, contact Community Vitality Agent, Amanda Clasen at [email protected] or at 620-244-3826.