Category Archives: K-State Extension
Pruning Trees and Shrubs Like a Pro
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District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
K-State’s Garden Hour – “Pruning Like a Pro”
The K-State Garden Hour – a popular online program featuring horticulture experts from across the state – will discuss tips for pruning trees and shrubs on Wednesday, March 17th from noon to 1 p.m.
Pruning is both an art and a science, which means there are many ways to do it correctly.
Every snip, clip, or cut can affect plants in different ways.
Learn how trees and shrubs respond to pruning so that you can prune like a pro.
Garden hour programs will continue two times a month through the summer.
To register and participate in the K-State Garden Hour, visit www.ksre-learn.com/KStateGardenHour-register
For more information, please contact Krista Harding, horticulture agent, at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
Aging with Attitude Regional Expo
Aging with Attitude Regional Expo
Same great information, new format!
Providing inspiration and answers to questions to make the most of life!
9 to 12 p.m. Thursday, April 29, 2021
9 to 12 p.m. Friday, April 30, 2021
Register by April 23rd, at https://tinyurl.com/agingwithattitude2021
or by calling 620-625-8620 to receive connection link and details
Find us on Facebook
www.agingexpo.ksu.edu
Keynote Speaker:
Marci Penner, Kansas Sampler Foundation
Kansas Guidebook co-authors will take you on a pictorial journey of some of the lesser-known explorer attractions in southeast Kansas. Do you know why there is a sculpture of a deer on the courthouse lawn in Girard? Have you seen the Thomas Losey Memorial in the Columbus Cemetery? Have you seen the dinosaurs in Erie? We’ll tell you all about it!
Partial funding is provided by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station, and Cooperative Extension Service
Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities, and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability, contact Southeast K-State Research and Extension Center, 620-421-4826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Due to Covid-19, all sessions will be available in one, easy to access, virtual webinar.
Registration fee is waived for 2021!
Participants provided with sessions, incentives, and resources.
GOING VIRTUAL
Thursday, April 29th
9:00 am Telemedicine and You: Understanding New Healthcare Options
Shawna Wright, Clinical Psychologist/Associate Director, KU Center for Telemedicine
Living in a rural area can have healthcare challenges. The good news is, innovative care is here! This presentation will introduce and define telemedicine while assisting consumers in
understanding how telemedicine can be used as a quality and convenient health care resource.
10:00 am Fraud Awareness: Protecting Yourself from Scams
Matthew Chaplin, Bank Manager, Landmark National Bank
Participants will discuss general fraud while highlighting popular fraud schemes in detail. Join us in learning tips and tricks to avoid and protect yourself from fraud.
11:00 am Hemp Culture
Shelli Hornberger, Director of Operations
Lauren Gabriel, Admissions/Educator America’s Hemp Academy
A discussion on all things Hemp.
Topics will range from Cannabidiol and health to the past, current, and the future of Hemp. Learn the updates on what is going on in the industry, including agriculture, today.
Friday, April 30th
9:00 am Valuable Records and Advance Health Care Planning Conversation
Jessica Atherton, LMSW – Medical Social Worker, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice
This session will discuss the important documents that need to be kept in a safe place and having a conversation with your loved ones to let them know where the forms are located.
Information on advance health care planning will also be presented to ensure you have the resources and tools to state your health care preferences in writing before a health crisis occurs.
10:00 am Smart Homes: How to Make Your Home Safer and More Efficient
Mike McLeod, Director of Emergency Services, Security and Radios CDL-Electric Co., Inc.
Keeping you and your home safe is easier now thanks to technology. Learn about monitoring cameras, security systems, smart locks, and medical alerts. These technologies can save money by improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
11:00 am
Keynote Speaker
Marci Penner, Kansas Sampler Foundation
Educational sponsors of this program include:
Angels Care Home Health; Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas; Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice; Integrity Home Care + Hospice; K-State Research and Extension, Southeast Area; Medicalodges, Fort Scott; Nancy Van Etten Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging; Southeast Kansas Library System
Partial funding is provided by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Fruit Tree Dormant Oil Application
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District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
Winter is still holding on, although I’m optimistic that spring might be within sight. Hopefully we will get some nice warm days here in March since February didn’t have very many to offer us. When we do, have your dormant oil sprays ready for application.
There are a number of dormant sprays used on fruit trees and other plants to control various diseases and insects. However, a dormant oil spray is designed to control scale insects, aphids and mites. Just like the name implies, dormant oils are applied before the tree begins to bud. Dormant oil sprays are important because some pests attack before visible growth even begins. If you have a problem with scale, now is the time to start watching the weather and look for an opportunity to spray.
Scale insects can be seen easily this time of year since there a no leaves. Scale insects are easily overlooked because they are small and immobile most of their lives, and they do not resemble most other insects. Many of them resemble small shells that are oval or circular. Coloring varies but can include white, tan and brown. Plants that should be inspected for scales include apple, pear, other fruit trees, lilac, crabapple, oak, ash, elm, maple, arborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, euonymus and yew.
Plants are not harmed if only a few scales are present, but scale population can increase dramatically during the growing season. Heavy scale infestations can damage fruit crops, destroy branches and kill entire plants.
Normally sprays should be applied around March 1, especially with peaches and nectarines. Apples are tougher and application may be delayed up to the green tip stage. Temperatures need to be at least 40 degrees so spray has a chance to dry before freezing. If the spray does freeze before it dries, plant injury can occur. Applying the spray during the morning will help insure that it dries properly. It is much easier to achieve good spray coverage if the tree is pruned before spraying.
The Extension office has several publications outlining the fruit spray schedule for the entire growing season.
Now is an excellent time to prune. Pruning can be done in March. Prune on days when the temperature is above 20 degrees to prevent injury. Prune older trees first because older, larger wood tolerates lower temperatures than young trees with small diameter wood.
If your trees are overgrown, out of control and you just don’t know where to begin, stop by the Extension office and pick up a pruning publication. This publication offers step-by-step instructions on pruning overgrown trees and it also has nice diagrams.
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.
Thinking About Retirement? What is Your Mental State on the Topic?
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Most often financial preparedness comes to mind when we think about retirement. There are a lot of variables that can create a big gray area in knowing if you have put enough back to live comfortably and do the things you have longed to do in retirement.
Feeling financially prepared can relieve a lot of worry and lends to the thought there will be smooth sailing in retirement. However, we may not be giving enough consideration to our mental preparedness toward retirement.
Retirement is an exciting adventure for most. The term liberation comes to mind. There may be a sense of freedom to do what you want when you want and the ability to start tackling your bucket list. It’s a major transition – moving from a structured work life as you are “getting a new life.” Be prepared to be patient with yourself and those in your household who are experiencing this “new life” transition along with you.
Being productive and having purpose is important in retirement. Getting that all figured out is a normal process for retirees. Having some hobbies in place before retirement is helpful in creating that sense of purpose. Give thought to volunteer opportunities that may be available. Be vigilant in concentrating on those undertakings that are important to you. Volunteering can fill a void and foster new relationships and environments to spend productive time. On the other hand, committing to too much can be overwhelming and taxing on your health.
When considering retirement, it is important to be aware of the effects retirement might have on your most meaningful relationships. Being together with your loved ones more frequently can be wonderful but may also be too much at the same time. The key is to talk about your fears, expectations, and concerns with your loved ones and friends ahead of time. Some helpful questions to consider discussing with family members and close friends include:
- When I retire, I picture spending my time doing ______. How do you feel about that? How/when would you like to be involved?
- What would you like for us to accomplish together once I retire?
- How do you picture balancing our personal space/personal interests with participating in joint activities or socializing together once I retire?
Our expectations and assumptions for retirement may not match up with those we plan to spend time with. There may be expectations that more time together will be automatically accepted. That may not be the desired outcome for one of the parties. It’s good to get those out in the open prior to transitioning.
Retirement can be a rollercoaster of emotions and adventures, both fun and nerve-wracking. Not only are you leaving something, you will be starting something new. There will likely be not one but many transitions. Prepare yourself mentally for the unexpected. Realizing that ups-and-downs are likely to happen, and that it is okay, will help in re-establishing your sense of purpose and assist in enjoying retired life.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Starlite FCE Minutes of Feb. 25
Starlite FCE
February 25, 2021
The February meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Nine members were in attendance, they reported that they had volunteered for four hours and had recycled sixty pounds of cardboard.
The minutes of the precious meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the treasurer report. Glenda Miller passed out the new membership roll and informed us Sekan will except cardboard on Mondays.
Jackie Warren reported that as of now we are planning to have an Open Class at the Fair this year and asked for a show of hands of those who would be able to help.
New Business consisted of planning an Easter party for Tri-Valley. It was decided to make bunny bags and fill with treats and to has an egg hunt. Everyone is to bring wrapped candy to place in eggs and bags.
Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned. After the meeting Deb Lust presented a program on Character Counts- Responsibility. Doris Ericson and Deb Lust provided refreshments of cake, M&M and water, which were enjoyed by all.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
K-State Extension Crop, Forage Management Agent Needed
K-State Extension has a Crop, and Forage Management career opportunity in Southwind District.
The primary office location is negotiable between Iola, Erie, Fort Scott and Yates Center.
See https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/jobs/current_openings/index.html for responsibilities, qualifications and application procedure.
The application deadline is March 17, 2021.
K-State Research Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
A background check is required.
From the website:
The Southwind District is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties in southeast Kansas. There are 2,314 farms and more than 112 million acres of pasture and crops growing primarily soybeans, corn, wheat, and a diverse selection of native and introduced forages. The population of the district is 46,048. The district is home to Neosho County Community College, Allen Community College, and Fort Scott Community College, as well as ten public school systems. Southwind staff are housed in four office locations and include eight agents, four specialized office professionals, and one 4-H program assistant.
Extension agents are community-based faculty of Kansas State University who make a difference by connecting community needs with university resources. Agents are administratively responsible to the local extension director and the local extension board.
This position will provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management, and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages. Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
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What You’ll Need to Succeed: | Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Other Requirements:
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Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development: |
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How to Apply: | Please submit the following documents:
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Screening of Applications Begins: | Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2021 |
Equal Employment Opportunity: | Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees. |
Background Screening Statement: | In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee. |
K-State Extension Agent Needed For Southwind District: Crop, Forage Management
K-State Extension has a Crop, and Forage Management career opportunity in Southwind District.
The primary office location is negotiable between Iola, Erie, Fort Scott and Yates Center.
See https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/jobs/current_openings/index.html for responsibilities, qualifications and application procedure.
The application deadline is March 17, 2021.
K-State Research Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
A background check is required.
From the website:
The Southwind District is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties in southeast Kansas. There are 2,314 farms and more than 112 million acres of pasture and crops growing primarily soybeans, corn, wheat, and a diverse selection of native and introduced forages. The population of the district is 46,048. The district is home to Neosho County Community College, Allen Community College, and Fort Scott Community College, as well as ten public school systems. Southwind staff are housed in four office locations and include eight agents, four specialized office professionals, and one 4-H program assistant.
Extension agents are community-based faculty of Kansas State University who make a difference by connecting community needs with university resources. Agents are administratively responsible to the local extension director and the local extension board.
This position will provide primary leadership for the development and implementation of research-based educational programs related to production, management, and marketing issues involved in crop production, especially forages. Programs will include but are not limited to tillage, planting, and variety selection; irrigation; weed, disease, and pest control; soil testing and fertilization; harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
|
|
What You’ll Need to Succeed: | Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Other Requirements:
|
Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development: |
|
How to Apply: | Please submit the following documents:
|
Screening of Applications Begins: | Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2021 |
Equal Employment Opportunity: | Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees. |
Background Screening Statement: | In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee. |
Starlite FCE Minutes of Feb. 25
Starlite FCE
February 25, 2021
The February meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Nine members were in attendance, they reported that they had volunteered for four hours and had recycled sixty pounds of cardboard.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the treasurer report. Glenda Miller passed out the new membership roll and informed us Sekan will accept cardboard on Mondays.
Jackie Warren reported that as of now we are planning to have an Open Class at the Fair this year and asked for a show of hands of those who would be able to help.
New Business consisted of planning an Easter party for Tri-Valley. It was decided to make bunny bags and fill with treats and to has an egg hunt. Everyone is to bring wrapped candy to place in eggs and bags.
Deb Lust moved that the meeting be adjourned, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned. After the meeting, Deb Lust presented a program on Character Counts- Responsibility. Doris Ericson and Deb Lust provided refreshments of cake, M&M, and water, which were enjoyed by all.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
4-H Beef Introduction
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4-H Beef
In the beef project, youth will learn all aspects of the beef industry by raising a market steer or building your own herd by raising heifers and cows.
There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in the beef project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:
Things to Learn/Do in the Project
Age 7-9
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Identify breeds of beef cattle
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Learn the parts of a calf
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Compare animal differences
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Halter break a calf
Age 10-13
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Learn about cattle feeds and how they are digested
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Judge beef cattle and present oral reasons
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Show a calf and learn showing techniques
Age 14 and Older
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Use performance data to make breeding decisions
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Evaluate beef carcasses and identify meat products
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Explore impact of technology and career opportunities in the beef industry
In addition to the curriculum, youth are also offered the opportunity to attend project meetings held by volunteers. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair. There are other local and state shows available to youth as well.
The beef project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project or the workshop, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State’s Garden Hour – “Best Plants for a Beginning Landscape”
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District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
The K-State Garden Hour – a popular online program featuring horticulture experts from across the state – will highlight best plants for a beginning landscape on Wednesday, March 3rd from noon to 1 p.m. Learn how to choose the right plants for your landscape including tough plants that will grow well for any level of gardener.
Garden hour programs will continue two times a month through the summer. To register and participate in the K-State Garden Hour, visit www.ksre-learn.com/KStateGardenHour-register
For more information, please contact Krista Harding, horticulture agent, at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
Conflict Can Be Opportunity
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Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District Director
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Sir Winston Churchill
Conflict is challenging – I don’t enjoy it and I dread when I know in advance that conflict is headed my way. Most people perceive “conflict” as a difficulty rather than as an opportunity. Those who view conflict as the difficulty in every opportunity are not necessarily pessimists, however they may not be viewing the conflict as a creative dynamic. The reality is, no matter what you do or how you act, there will always be some conflict — especially when you serve as a community board member.
Conflict can be both positive and negative. Conflict allows people to learn about a problem from different sides, and often the most creative ideas and solutions emerge from conflict. Negative aspects of conflict can involve frustration or confusion and sometimes lead to violence. The key to approaching conflict constructively is to recognize it as a process to be managed, not something to be avoided or eliminated.
Managing conflict requires certain skills and techniques that may not always be easy to implement.
For example, when a person learns to paint it involves learning strokes and techniques to create an image. However, only after continuous practice does the person finally become an artist. You may think of conflict management as an art that benefits everyone through learning the skills, but it takes practice implementing the techniques to be a skilled conflict manager.
The skills and techniques outlined here work best when the person applying them carries the attitude that conflict is about a problem that needs solving, rather than something to win.
Listen Actively
Listening involves more than simply hearing the words spoken, it also requires active involvement that includes understanding, acknowledging, and responding. To make sure you understand what the person has said summarize by saying out loud, “What I think I heard you say was … Is that right?”
Keep Emotions in Check
Although Newton is famous for stating, “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction,” he was referring to objects, not people. Objects react, but people can chose not to. You can’t change your emotions, but you can decide how you want to act.
Separate People from the Problem
In every conflict there exists both the content of the problem and the human relationships. As a consequence, “people and the problem” often become entangled in discussions that sometimes lead to treating people and the problem as one.
Reframe
Reframing is a powerful method to reinterpret a statement or comment into a problem-solving frame. For example, if someone is yelling and screaming, don’t think of the person as being disrespectful and rude, but reframe your perception of that person as having limited skills in communication. (Easier said than done, right?) In addition, help the other person reframe the conflict into a problem by asking for their advice. For example, “What would you suggest I do?” “Knowing what my interests are, what would you do if you were in my shoes?”
Conflict is just a part of our lives. Let’s work together to turn a little conflict into a lot of opportunity. For more information about leadership and community vitality, visit the Southwind Extension website at www.southwind.k-state.edu or find us on Facebook.
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1006 N. State, Iola, KS 66749