Community Gathers to Learn About Ticks and Alpha‑Gal Syndrome at Southwind Extension Program

Fort Scott, KS — March 23, 2026 — Nearly 60 community members joined K-State Extension for the program “Beyond the Bite: Understanding Ticks and Alpha-Gal” last Monday evening at the FSCC campus. This event highlighted how K-State Extension – Southwind District is addressing emerging health issues with timely, research‑based education. An Alpha‑Gal–friendly baked potato bar was provided by Great Western Dining.

Raymond Cloyd, PhD, KSU Professor and Extension Specialist, presented on tick identification and life cycles, strategies for preventing tick bites, proper removal techniques, and recommended steps to take after spending time outdoors. Ticks are typically found just a few inches above the ground on vegetation. To remove a tick, individuals should use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure to remove the entire tick—including the head and mouthparts. After removal, the area should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

Priscilla Brenes, MPH, PhD, KSU Assistant Professor and Nutrition Specialist, discussed how Alpha‑Gal affects the body and shared nutritional strategies for managing life with Alpha‑Gal Syndrome (AGS). While there is currently no cure for AGS, individuals can reduce symptoms by carefully avoiding foods and products that may trigger reactions. Many people are surprised to learn that rotisserie chicken or turkey sausage may be seasoned or processed with beef‑derived ingredients. Some individuals with this allergy may also react to wearing leather boots, and others may need to carry an epinephrine auto‑injector.

Alpha‑Gal Syndrome is an allergy to red meat and mammal‑derived products that is becoming increasingly common across Kansas, particularly in rural areas. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AGS can develop after a bite from the Lone Star tick. When an infected tick feeds on a human, alpha‑galactose (alpha‑gal) enters the body and triggers the immune system to produce antibodies. If the body later encounters alpha‑gal—through red meat or mammal‑derived products—a potentially life‑threatening allergic reaction can occur. Fish and poultry do not contain alpha‑gal antigens, making them safe options for those affected.

Symptoms of AGS may appear after eating red meat or being exposed to mammal‑derived products (including leather) and can include hives or itchy rash, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, heartburn or indigestion, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids, and dizziness or faintness.

To request handouts from the program to be emailed or for additional information about Alpha‑Gal Syndrome, please contact Sandy Haggard, Southwind Extension Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, at SJHaggard@ksu.edu or 620‑365‑2242.

When Armyworms Attack: Evaluating Brome Fields After a Tough Year
By Lonnie Mengarelli, Extension Agent – Crops and Natural Resources

This past year proved challenging once again for forage producers across eastern Kansas. In 2025, fall armyworms arrived in late July and overstayed their welcome through a long, warm fall. Many producers reported partial or complete loss of smooth brome stands, leaving fields that range from lightly affected to areas that appear completely dead.

The level of damage varied widely from field to field. In many cases, the hardest-hit areas were fields that had been harvested in mid-to-late July. Those freshly cut fields created the perfect environment for fall armyworm moths to lay their eggs. Armyworm moths are not particularly picky — they will lay eggs on nearly any foliar material available. Once the larvae hatch, they begin feeding and can quickly move in large numbers across a field in search of food.

Smooth brome is a cool-season grass, which means it does not perform well during hot summer conditions. When a field is cut in late July, the plant is already growing under stress from high temperatures that often reach into the 90s. After cutting, very little leaf material remains, leaving the crown only a few inches tall and exposed. When armyworm feeding occurs under those conditions—especially if rainfall is limited—the result can be rapid browning of the field.

Some fields showed signs of recovery after late-season rains, but others never fully greened back up. With the warmer temperatures we’ve experienced moving into this spring, many producers are asking the same questions: Are the brome plants still alive? Is there potential for regrowth?

Unfortunately, a quick drive-by assessment may not provide an accurate answer. Dormant perennial grasses can sometimes look similar to annual weeds that died over winter. The only reliable way to know is to examine the plants directly.

One method is to check for living rhizomes. Dig up a clod of grass and examine the underground stems. If the rhizomes are alive, new tillers should begin emerging as temperatures warm and precipitation returns. Signs of life include firm roots holding soil and green tissue beginning to develop near the crown.

Another useful method is what many call a “bag test.” Collect several plant samples from the field and rinse the soil from the roots. Trim the shoots to about an inch above the crown and remove most of the roots. Lightly moisten the crowns with tap water and place the samples in a sealed plastic bag. Leave the bag at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for two to five days. Living plants will typically begin producing small shoots or roots. If there is no growth after about six days, the plant is likely dead.

If stands are severely damaged, producers will have several management options to consider.

In a typical year with stable input costs, the recommendation might be to prepare a seedbed and reseed brome at 10 to 15 pounds of pure live seed per acre. Poor seedbed conditions may require seeding rates closer to 20 pounds per acre. As always, soil sampling should guide fertility programs so that lime and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are applied appropriately.

However, with rising costs for seed, fertilizer, and other inputs, spring reseeding may not always be the most economical option. Spring plantings also tend to face heavier weed pressure and typically cannot be harvested until the following year.

Some producers may instead consider alternative forage crops to help fill the gap. Summer annual forages such as pearl millet, sorghum-sudangrass, forage sorghum, or crabgrass can produce between 4,000 and 8,000 pounds of forage per acre under good conditions. Cool-season options like spring oats, triticale, or cereal rye may provide 1,500 to 4,000 pounds of forage and can be useful for early-season grazing or hay production.

Another option is patience. If immediate forage production is not essential, waiting a few weeks to monitor stand recovery may help producers make a more informed decision. This approach allows time to evaluate plant health, watch input costs, and observe market conditions. Of course, there is always some risk if the stand fails to recover and forage yields fall short.

For producers who depend heavily on brome hay sales and have fields that clearly did not survive the winter, reseeding may ultimately be the best path forward. When reseeding is necessary, determining the exact acreage affected and planning for seed, fertilizer, herbicide, and potential insect management will help reduce surprises later.

The important thing to remember is that every field will be different. A neighbor’s plan may not be the right solution for your operation. Taking time to evaluate each field, inspect the plants, and weigh the available options will help determine the best path forward for your forage system.

After a year like 2025, one thing is certain: careful field evaluation this spring will be the key to making sound management decisions for the season ahead

Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at mengo57@ksu.edu or 620-223-3720

Read, Talk, Play: Simple Steps for Smarter Kids

Helping children build early literacy skills is one of the most important things parents and caregivers can do. Long before a child enters school, their brain is rapidly growing. The way adults talk, read, and play with young children shapes how they learn, communicate, and form relationships.

Birth to 12 Months: Early Language Growth

Babies begin learning language by listening to voices and watching faces. They coo, babble, and explore books by touching and looking at them. Caregivers can support learning at this age by talking about daily activities, reading books with simple, high-contrast images, and responding to a baby’s sounds as if they were in a real conversation. These interactions build early brain connections that support later reading skills.

12 to 24 Months: Building Vocabulary

Between the ages of one and two, toddlers start to understand more words. They may point to pictures, mimic sounds, and say a few words. Reading books with short phrases and rhymes, labeling everyday objects, and singing together all help toddlers build vocabulary and confidence.

24 to 36 Months: Early Reading Skills

By age two to three, children begin recognizing letters, noticing rhymes, and retelling simple stories. Caregivers can ask questions like “What do you think will happen next?” or point out letters on signs and labels. Pretend play also helps them understand stories and use their imagination.

Use Everyday Moments to Teach

Everyday outings are great chances to learn. At the grocery store, children can hear new words, see colors, and practice counting. At the park, they build motor skills and interact with others. These real-world experiences are more valuable for learning than screen time.

Create a Simple Nightly Routine

A simple routine can also make literacy a habit. The “Brush, Book, Bed” approach—brush teeth, read a book, then go to bed—helps families build reading into their daily routine. Even 15 minutes of daily reading helps children grow their vocabulary, build strong bonds, and enjoy books.

Watch for Early Delays

Caregivers should also watch for early signs of delay, such as limited babbling, failure to respond to voices, or little interest in books by age three. Early support can make a big difference.

Information from today’s article came from the K-State Extension Fact sheet, Early Literacy: Building the Foundation for Lifelong Learning. Please contact Tara Solomon-Smith at tsolomon@ksu.edu or 620‑244‑3826.

Chick Days are coming!

Each spring, a familiar sign goes up at local feed stores: “Chick Days Are Here.” For many families across the Southwind District, Chick Days mark the true beginning of spring. The sound of peeping chicks, the smell of fresh pine shavings, and the excitement of starting a new flock signal longer days and warmer weather ahead.

Whether you’re adding to an existing laying flock or starting backyard chickens for the first time, Chick Days at your local feed store are a great opportunity to get started. Before bringing those fluffy chicks home, though, it’s important to have the proper setup ready.

Baby chicks cannot regulate their body temperature for the first few weeks of life, so a brooder is essential. A brooder can be as simple as a large plastic tote, a stock tank, or a sturdy cardboard box, placed in a draft-free area such as a garage or outbuilding.

Line the bottom with absorbent bedding, such as pine shavings (avoid cedar shavings, which can cause respiratory irritation). Plan for about half a square foot per chick at first, increasing space as they grow.

You’ll also need a heat source. A heat lamp with a red bulb or a radiant heat plate designed for chicks works well. Start the temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the first week, then reduce by about 5 degrees each week until the chicks are fully feathered. Always secure heat lamps carefully to reduce fire risk, and check them daily. If not secured or checked, they can cause a massive fire and cause loss of animals and structures.

All baby chicks need food and fresh water! Provide a chick starter feed that contains 18–20% protein. Medicated and non-medicated options are available; the medicated starter helps prevent coccidiosis, a common intestinal disease in young poultry. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times in a shallow chick waterer to prevent drowning. Placing marbles or small stones in the waterer during the first few days can help reduce accidents. Keep feeders and waterers clean and positioned so bedding does not constantly contaminate them.

A few additional items will make management easier:

• A thermometer to monitor brooder temperature
• Electrolyte or vitamin supplements for water during times of stress
• A small scoop or sifter for cleaning out wet bedding
• A plan for long-term housing once birds outgrow the brooder

Before purchasing chicks, check local ordinances to ensure backyard poultry are allowed in your area and determine how many birds you can reasonably manage. Also consider predator protection, coop ventilation, and future feed costs.

Impulse buying can be tempting when faced with bins of fluffy chicks, but planning ahead is key. Research breeds that match your goals. Some breeds are known for high egg production, while others are better suited for meat production or dual-purpose use. Think about temperament, climate adaptability, and egg color preferences as well.

Raising backyard poultry can be a rewarding experience for families, youth projects, and small-acreage producers alike. With a little preparation and proper care, those tiny chicks will quickly grow into productive laying hens or meat birds for your household.

As you stop by your local feed store this spring, take time to prepare before bringing chicks home. A well-prepared brooder and a solid management plan will set your flock up for a healthy start — and make Chick Days an enjoyable beginning to the season. Should you have questions regarding nutrition, housing, predator control, or biosecurity practices, feel free to reach out to Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent at any Southwind Extension District Office or by email at nickell99@ksu.edu.

Have you ever wondered how the new playground equipment at your neighborhood park was funded? Or who paid for the welcoming sign that guides visitors to a local landmark? Maybe you’ve attended a festival that relied on seed money to get started. In many cases, these community projects are made possible because someone took the initiative to write a grant proposal.

Grants play a vital role in helping communities fund ideas, expand services, and strengthen local economies. While many grants come from federal or state government programs, others are offered by local foundations, corporations, and municipal agencies. Because grants provide such an important source of sustainable funding, K‑State Research and Extension’s Community Vitality Team supports communities by offering grant-writing education.

Residents and community groups can learn how to craft effective grant proposals at an upcoming in‑person Grant Writing Workshop hosted by K‑State Research and Extension in the Southwind District.

Southwind Grant Writing April 2026

The workshop will take place on April 7th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Southwind Extension District office in Iola, KS. To register, call 620‑244‑3826 or email amclasen@ksu.edu. The cost to attend is $60, which includes workshop materials and lunch.

The workshop will be led by Nancy Daniels, a community vitality specialist with K‑State Extension and an experienced grant writer. “This workshop is for everyone, from those who have never written a proposal and don’t know where to begin, to those with experience who want to sharpen their skills,” Daniels said. “It’s incredible to see what happens in a community when people realize they don’t have to wait for change. They can create it themselves.”

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from one another. Daniels noted that even seasoned grant writers often leave the workshop with new ideas, renewed motivation, and valuable insights from peers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their current grant projects or proposal ideas to the sessions.

Workshop topics include:

• Conquering your grant writing fears and start writing
• Identifying sources of data for community needs (where do you find the numbers to back up your request?) ·
• Where to find grants ·
• Practicing the grant writing elements: Problem, Outcomes, Activities, Evaluation and Budget.

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

Beyond the Bite Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal

Because one bite can change a life

Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can carry diseases and,
in some cases, trigger long-term, life-altering health conditions
such as Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Join Southwind Extension to learn
how to protect your family and navigate life after an Alpha-Gal
diagnosis.

The program will feature two K-State experts:
Priscilla Brenes, MPH, Ph.D. will talk on how Alpha-Gal affects the body and nutritional strategies for managing life with AGS.

Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D. will talk on tick species, life cycles, and behavior, diseases associated with ticks, and prevention and personal protection tips

Whether you spend time outdoors for work, recreation, or everyday
life, this program offers practical, research-based information to
help reduce risk and increase awareness.

Monday, March 23
Fort Scott Community College
Ellis Meeting Rooms
6:00 p.m.
Call 620-244-3826 by March 20 to register.

Beyond the Box: Easy Biscuit Making

3.7.26 Ft. Scott Biscuit Flyer

Learn to make both drop and rolled biscuits while building
practical, from-scratch baking skills. This Southwind
Extension Food Volunteers class explores ingredient function,
simple techniques, and the benefits and tradeoffs of
homemade versus mix-based options.

Saturday, March 7, Noon – 2pm
First Southern Baptist Church
1818 S. Main in Fort Scott
$10 supplies fee

Contact Sandy Haggard to register:
620-365-2242 or sjhaggard@ksu.edu

K-State Extension Launches “Passport to Fun: Spring Break Edition” for Local Youth

As spring break approaches, families across the Southwind District have a new reason to get excited. K-State Extension is rolling out Passport to Fun: Spring Break Edition, an immersive, hands‑on learning adventure designed especially for youth ages 7 to 12.

This four‑day program invites young explorers to “travel the world” without ever leaving their community. Each session highlights four different countries and blends movement, creativity, science, and cuisine to give participants a rich, memorable cultural experience.

From crafting and cooking to interactive activities and global discovery, the camp aims to spark curiosity and broaden horizons.

A Four‑City Tour Across the District
To make the program accessible to families throughout the region, the K-State Extension team is hosting sessions in four different communities:
• March 16 – Fort Scott @ Buck Run, 1010 Park Avenue
• March 17 – Chanute @ City Park Pavilion, 101 S. Forest Avenue
• March 18 – Yates Center @ Community Building, 711 S. Fry Street
• March 19 – Moran @ Moran Senior Community Center, 407 Cedar Street
Each session runs from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., offering an afternoon packed with global exploration and hands‑on fun.

Encouraging Curiosity Through Experience
The program’s design reflects K-State Extension’s commitment to experiential learning. By blending physical activity, creative expression, scientific inquiry, and culinary exploration,

Passport to Fun gives kids a chance to learn in ways that feel like play. It’s an opportunity for youth to build confidence, try new things, and develop a broader understanding of the world.

Wake Up Your Fruit Trees – Time for Dormant Oil Sprays

I’ve heard the frogs singing on several days, which is always a welcome sound to my ears because I know spring is near! When the beautiful, warm days grace us in March, make time to apply a dormant oil on your fruit trees.

There are several 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 essential 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 are easy to see this time of year because there are 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 oval or circular shells. 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 infestations of scale insects 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 the application may be delayed up to the green tip stage. Temperatures need to be at least 40 degrees so the spray has a chance to dry before freezing. If the spray does freeze before it dries, plant injury can occur. Applying the spray in the morning will help ensure 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 and out of control, and you don’t know where to begin, stop by the Extension office and pick up a pruning publication. This publication offers step-by-step instructions for pruning overgrown trees and includes nice diagrams.

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