Summer Droughts Have Lingering Effects for Cattle after Recent Rains

According to Bob Weaber, Kansas State University Extension Cow-calf Specialist, drought-stressed pasture issues linger after rain. For many producers in Kansas, the last couple of weeks have brought much-needed rain to our r rangeland and helped fill ponds on which we depend for watering livestock. Undoubtedly, the rain was welcomed by many and does much to relieve the short surface water supplies. The spring and summer of 2018 will be remembered by many cattle producers due to the hot and dry conditions that persisted. The lack of rain resulted in subpar forage production for both cool and warm season grasslands. As a result, cattle producers will face a wide range of lingering effects of the drought over the coming months and perhaps years.

The lingering effects of a drought can be broadly classified into cow nutritional effects, cow reproductive effects, calf performance effects and rangeland/forage effects. All will take time for recovery but in each case, careful management can hasten the progression of recovery.

In some cases, the reduced forage supply has resulted in cows losing substantial body condition after calving. If calves have not been weaned, consider weaning them to reduce nutritional demands of the lactating cows. Weaning calves will help extend feed resources in short supply and help stop the slide in body condition. Remember cows should be in BCS 5-6 at calving. The interval immediately following weaning of spring-born calves provides the best chance of correcting body condition in cows as inexpensively as possible. Spring-calving cows at this time are in their second or early third trimester and, without the demand of lactation, are at their lowest point of nutritional needs during the production cycle.

Each body condition score that needs to be replaced represents approximately 80 lb. of body weight. Getting cows to gain 2 lb. per day for 90 to 100 days is easy and can be done inexpensively. Seek out your local extension professional for assistance in developing a low-cost supplementation strategy. Two pounds per day gain for 90 days can improve flesh on a BCS 4 cow and account for the growth of the fetus. Neglecting recovery of BCS in the thinner cows will result in extended postpartum intervals and decreased lactation performance in 2019. Worse yet, if these cows don’t recover adequate condition by the 2019 breeding season, conception rates will suffer, and the 2018 drought effects will carry on into 2020. Correcting BCS in drought-affected cows should be a high priority.

The 2018 drought has resulted in reduced fertility or increased embryonic mortality in some cases. Several reports suggest the excessive heat in late June and early July many have stressed cows sufficiently to cause early embryonic losses. A timely preg check by your veterinarian can help uncover the effects of the drought on reproduction in your herd. Embryonic losses may have resulted in cows returning to estrus and settling late in the breeding season and shifting the expected calving distribution for 2019. Knowing that shift now may allow producers to adjust feed supplementation and labor needs for the coming calving season to more appropriately align with demands. The drought may result in a larger than typical number of open cows in your herd. The timely preg check can help find these open cows and assist in developing either a strategy for culling or shifting them to a fall calving system. If feed resources are extremely tight, culling opens can extend feed availability for the reproductive herd.

The substantial recent rains don’t alleviate the short supply of standing forage available for grazing in many areas or the short hay supply. Careful range management and rest following the recent rains can help the grass stands regenerate root resources preparing them for the next spring growing season. If producers have tillable crop acreage, winter annuals or cover crops can help take the burden off pastures. The recent rains should make for good planting and germination conditions. Hay prices are likely to remain high in many parts of Kansas so seeking alternative forage or energy sources for cows is worth exploring. Corn remains fairly inexpensive and can be used as an effective energy source for cows.

Cow-calf producers are encouraged to critically evaluate their cow herd and forage conditions over the next few weeks to devise strategies to mitigate the 2018 drought effects. The clock is ticking on the options available. Don’t let the recent rains and green up of pastures be an excuse for inaction.

Did you have unsightly bare spots in your lawn this year? If so, you may want to consider renovating your lawn. Renovating doesn’t have to be done by plowing under the current turf and starting from scratch. Instead, lawns can be thickened up by overseeding during September.

To start the overseeding process, mow the grass short (1-1.5 inches) and remove the clippings. This will make it easier to get good seed-soil contact and increase the amount of light that will reach the young seedlings. The success of overseeding is dependant on good seed-soil contact. Thatch can prevent the seed from reaching the soil and germinating. If the thatch layer is ¾ inch or more, use a sod cutter to remove it. A power rake can also be used to reduce a thatch layer.

Next, the soil should be prepared for the seed. Holes must be made into the soil for the seeds to fall into. A verticut machine can be used. It has solid vertical blades that can be set to cut furrows into the soil. Another option is to use a core aerator. This machine will punch holes into the soil and deposit the cores on the surface of the ground. Each hole will produce an excellent environment for seed germination and growth.

Fertilizer should then be applied at the rate suggested by a soil test or a starter fertilizer should be used at the rate suggested on the bag.

Seeding is the next step. For overseeding, use half the amount needed compared to seeding bare ground. For tall fescue, the normal rate for bare seeding is 6 to 8 pounds per 1000 square feet so the overseeding rate would be 3 to 4 pounds per 1000 square feet. You don’t necessarily have to overseed with the same variety you planted before. The quality of a lawn by can be raised by overseeding with a fescue with better characteristics. Many stores carry blends of several newer high-quality tall fescues.

Finally, water everything in and then keep the seedbed constantly moist to ensure rapid germination. Frequent light waterings are better than deeper, infrequent watering as the seedlings become established.

Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer again 4 to 6 weeks after seeding to keep plants growing well and to build up food reserves.

On a side note, many homeowners often want to overseed bare spots under trees but have minimal luck. The turf will sprout as fall progresses and will get well established by winter.  It continues to look good going into spring. However, the next summer it begins to die out again – despite any care it is given.

In many cases, this is due to too much shade or the type of turf planted isn’t a good fit for the location. Tall fescue is the only widely used lawn turf in Kansas that can survive some shade. All other cool and warm season turfs need more sunlight.

Instead of establishing grass under trees, consider underplanting the tree with shade tolerant ornamental plants. Examples include ground covers such as vinca minor vines, Boston ivy or liriope, or plants such as hostas or hardy ferns.

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

Medicare’s Preventive Services

With the year more than halfway over, now is a great time to check in and see if you are up to date on your preventive care appointments. These services can find health problems early, when treatment works best, and keep you from getting certain diseases.

Twenty four preventative services including exams, shots, lab tests, screenings, counseling, and education are available to help you take care of your own health.

You will need to talk with your doctor or health care provider to find out what tests or other services you may need and how often you need them.

A reminder that health care providers may suggest exams or tests that Medicare does not cover or you might have a deductible or copay. They may also recommend that you have tests more or less often than Medicare covers them.

If you have Medicare Part B, the following ten examinations and screenings are no cost to you.

• A “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. This is available only in the first 12 months you are on Part B. It includes a review of your medical history, certain screenings and shots, measurements of vital signs, a simple vision test, review of potential risk for depression, an offer to discuss advance directives and a written plan outlining which screenings, shots and other preventive services you need. This visit is covered one time.
• Annual wellness visit. You’re eligible for this free exam if you’ve had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months. The physician will review your medical history; update your list of providers and medications; measure your height, weight, blood pressure and other vital signs; and provide you with personalized health advice and treatment options.
• Mammogram. An annual screening mammogram is free. If you require a diagnostic mammogram, you’ll pay a 20 percent copay and the Part B deductible will apply.
• Colonoscopy. A screening colonoscopy once every 24 months is free if you’re at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren’t at high risk, Medicare covers this test once every 10 years.
• Diabetes screening. You’re eligible for two free screenings each year if you have a history of high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, are obese or have a history of high blood sugar levels. The screenings will also be free if two or more of these issues apply to you: You are over 65, are overweight or have a family history of diabetes, or you had diabetes when you were pregnant.
• Prostate cancer screening. An annual PSA test is free. A digital rectal exam will cost you 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount plus the doctor’s services related to the exam. The Part B deductible also applies.

• Vaccines. Annual flu shots, vaccines to prevent pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia, and shots for hepatitis B (for those at high or medium risk) are covered free of charge.
• Cardiovascular disease (behavioral therapy). As a Medicare recipient, you also get a free yearly visit with your primary care provider to help you lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Lung cancer screening. An annual test with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is free if you are between 55 and 77, don’t have any signs of lung cancer, are a smoker or have quit in the past 15 years, and you have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” (meaning you smoked an average of one pack a day for 30 years).
• Depression screening. A yearly screening is free if conducted in a primary care center where follow-up and referrals are available. Copays may apply for follow-up care.

For a full list of Medicare’s Preventative Services, visit Medicare.gov/publications to view or print “Your Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Services”. You can also register at MyMedicare.gov to get direct access to your preventive health information. You can track your preventive services, get a 2-year calendar of the Medicare-covered tests and screenings you are eligible for, and print a report to take to your next doctor’s appointment.

For additional information, contact the Southwind Extension District, Fort Scott office 620-223-3720. Our website is http://www.southwind.ksu.edu or follow us on Facebook: Southwind Extension District.

Join the Southwind and Wildcat Extension Districts, The Natural Resources Conservation District, and the Neosho County Conservation District for a Fall Burning Demonstration.

This event, free to the public, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on September 11^th, with a rain date scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on September 18.

Dr. K.C. Olson with Kansas State University will discuss the advantages of fall burning for serecia lespedeza weed control.

Additional experts from NRCS, KSRE, or KDWPT will discuss burn safety, protocol and burn equipment. Following the discussions, we will burn several acres of expired CRP ground, with the intent of reducing weed pressure. This pasture is slated to eventually be placed back into livestock production.

Directions to the Duff farm: From Erie, Kansas take 59 south approximately 3 1/2 miles to 100th Rd, and then west approximately 8 ½ miles to farm site. From Thayer, Kansas take 169 north approximately 1 ½ miles to 100th Rd, then east approximately 2 ½ miles to the farm. Signs will be posted.

For more information contact Christopher Petty with the Southwind District Extension Office at (620) 223-3720 or by e-mail at [email protected].

The “dog days of summer” is often a drab time of year for our landscapes. The heat has taken its toll on many annuals, perennials have already done their thing for the year and lots gardens have been overtaken by weeds. In thinking ahead to next year’s planting, there are shrubs that flower later in the growing season that you may want to put in the landscape to brighten it during the summer.

• Rose of Sharon – a tall shrub that produces single or double flowers. Colors range from white to red, purple or violet, or combinations depending on the variety.
• Crapemyrtle – dwarf to tall shrubs or trees. Flower color varies from white, pink, to purple or deep red on different plants.
• Bluebeard – this is also known as blue-spirea, blue-mist shrub, or caryopteris. It is usually found with blue flowers, but some cultivars have a bluish-violet to violet flower color.
• Sweet Autumn Clematis – this is a vigorous vine with large masses of small, white flowers that have a wonderful fragrance. However, use caution as it can outgrow its bounds.
• Davidiana Clematis – this is a bush-type clematis with small but interesting violet-blue flowers. Female plants bear interesting fluffy seed heads into the winter.
• The PeeGee Hydrangea – a coarse plant that develops large clusters of white flowers. It can be trained into a tree-like form.

Even though the summer growing season is winding down, it is the perfect time to think about putting in a fall garden. I know it can be hard to think about getting out in the garden and starting over when it is 90+ degrees out, but fall is a fantastic time to garden!

Salad crops such as lettuce, radishes, spinach, turnips, mustard and other greens can be planted from mid-August to early September for fall harvest. Plant seeds slightly deeper than you did in the spring. This will keep the seed slightly cooler though still warm and the soil should retain moisture longer. Water frequently until seedlings start to emerge. Once the plants emerge, reduce the frequency of watering.

And if you’re needing to improve your “green thumb,” consider taking the Master Gardener training class that will be offered in Chanute this fall. Applications are being accepted until August 27^th. The fall training class will begin September 10^th and will be every Monday through October 15^th from 9 am until 4 pm. Area resident are welcome to attend the training, and one does not need to reside in Neosho county. The Master Gardener training consists of 50 hours of instruction in all aspects of horticulture. Instructors include state specialists from Kansas State University. After training is completed, individuals donate and equivalent number of hours of service as was received in instruction.

Applications can be picked up at the Extension office, e-mailed or mailed to you. The fee for the course is $85 which covers the cost of the Master Gardener course notebook.

Don’t let the summer blahs get you down! There is still plenty of growing season left. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.

Area plant lovers will have a great opportunity this fall to participate in an outstanding horticulture program!

The Master Gardener training will be held in Chanute starting September 10^th and will conclude on October 15^th. The training is held during the day from 9 am to 4 pm. The Master Gardener program is a volunteer program in which K-State Research and Extension “trades” classroom training for volunteer time.

Master Gardener training consists of 40 to 50 hours of instruction in all aspects of horticulture.

Instructors include state specialists from Kansas State University, local extension agents and local experts. After training is completed, volunteers donate an equivalent number of hours of service as was received in instruction.

Topics that will be covered in the training include:

• Plant Growth & Development
• Soils, Water and Fertilizer
• Vegetable Gardening
• Insect Diagnosis & Management
• Fruit Gardening
• Annuals & Perennials
• Woody and Grassy Ornamentals
• Turfgrass
• Landscape Maintenance
• Plant Disease Diagnosis & Management
• Pesticide Use and Safety

Although the Master Gardener program is a volunteer activity, there are some requirements that must be met prior to the selection process. Each individual wishing to participate in the Master Gardener training must meet the following requirements:

• You need to be available for about 40 hours of community horticulture service during the first year. The number of hours to be donated is equal to the number of hours of training received.
• You must have at least a High School Diploma or the equivalent.
• You must be willing to travel to the training site for all classes.
• Enjoy sharing your love of gardening with others through various Extension Master Gardener projects.

The Southwind Extension District currently has an active Master Gardener program consisting of 25 individuals. The Master Gardeners have completed volunteer projects such as demonstration flower beds, vegetable research trials and various other projects in Erie, Chanute, Iola, Humboldt, Moran and Fort Scott. In addition, educational tours and activities are also planned.

Applications are available now and are due to the Southwind Extension District by August 27^th. Applications can be picked up at any of our four Extension office locations, e-mailed or mailed to you. The fee for the course is $85 which covers the cost of the Master Gardener resource notebook. For more information about the Master Gardener training, please contact the Extension office.

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.

Thursday at the Bourbon County Fair started with the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Weekly Coffee and the Open Class Swine Contest. The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office served lunch at the Chuck Wagon eatery at the fair and in the evening was the 4-H Fashion Revue at Fort Scott Community College. There was a corn hole contest fundraiser presented by the Uniontown FFA in the arena.

Friday at the fair includes the livestock judging contest, viewing of open class exhibits, the 4-H Barnyard Olympics, the Buyer’s Appreciation Supper and the Junior Livestock Sale.

Saturday is checking out exhibits and clean-up. There will be a Missouri State Tractor Pullers Contest at the grandstand in the evening.

The Youth Conservation Corp from the Fort Scott National Historic Site were first-time visitors to the Chamber Coffee. They announced Family Day this Saturday at the Fort. Cooking, gardening, and small arms demonstrations will be in the morning session. Crafts and games will be in the afternoon session. Check out what this group planned as part of their duties at the Fort: For Families: Art Show July 28; Scavenger Hunt August 4 at The Fort

From left: Reaghn Dowell, Kaden Primm, Jesseden Kiwan and Anthea Montojo, all of Fort Scott High School, comprise the YCC.

The following are the entries that won Grand Champion in the Open Class Department, housed in the Myers Building.

The Swine Contest was held in the arena.

More Grand Champions in the 4-H Building:

Results for the 4-H Clubs:

Uniontown FFA did a corn hole contest fundraiser: