The Southwind Extension District had a great program last week in Chanute on landscaping to attract hummingbirds. The program speaker, Chuck Otte, gave the attendees information on the hummingbird spring arrival time, nesting habits, food sources and feeder tips. I will highlight some of his information in hopes that it will help you be more successful in attracting hummingbirds to your landscape.

Although there are approximately 360 species of hummingbirds between North and South America, 99.99% of all hummingbirds found in our area will be the Ruby-throated. Their furious spring migration starts in April and continues until early May. Once the migration is complete, hummingbirds settle into nesting mode.

Nests are built in June, with the female determining the site location. The Ruby-throated hummingbird nests will be built near the tip of a down-sloping branch with a fairly open area below and the tree canopy above. Popular tree species for nest building include oak, yellow birch, pine and hackberry. Hummingbirds generally prefer deciduous tree species over conifers. The nesting site will be determined based upon availability of nectar sources and insects. The nests are small – no larger than the size of a quarter!

When it comes to food sources, hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. It is like a flashing neon on sign to them. To prove this point, try putting on a red cap or shirt and sit quietly near a feeder. The hummingbirds will definitely check you out! However, hummingbirds do feed on more than just red flowers.

Any flowering plant that has a trumpet-style flower and is in the red/orange sector of the color spectrum will be quite attractive to hummingbirds. In his presentation, Chuck highlighted several plants to include in your landscape to bring in the most birds. The list included: traditional red Salvia, Agastache, Scarlet runner bean, Cardinal flower, Beebalm, Trumpet Creeper (only if you have lots of space), Butterfly Bush, Hollyhock, Rose of Sharon, Cardinal Climber and Canna.

As for feeders, mark the date of April 5^th on your calendar. Chuck stated that in southeastern Kansas, our feeders need to be up and open for business by then. He had several good tips for feeder management:

• You CAN’T have too many feeders!
• Don’t fill feeders completely full – clean at each filling
• If hummingbirds are not emptying feeder – change nectar and clean every 2-3 days
• Do not dye the water red – just a small amount of red on the feeder is all you need
• Artificial nectar – 4 parts water, 1 part sugar

One eight ounce feeder will fulfill the daily energy needs of 40 to 60 hummingbirds. By having more feeders available, this will allow the hummingbirds to feed more easily with less stress. Also, it will decrease the likely hood of territorial fighting. If you’ve feed hummingbirds in the past, then I’m sure you know all about the one that seems to be the gatekeeper at the feeder!

In casual conversations, you might hear say that they have no hummingbirds over the summer, while others seem to be overran with hummers. This could be due to “neighborhood feeder saturation.” Basically, this is when the number of feeders within a geographic area exceeds the biological needs of the hummingbirds present which spreads the birds out. Populations of birds can be cyclical – you can have hummers for several summers and then those birds go elsewhere or don’t survive the winter. However, in a year or two, the population will probably cycle back around.

If you have no activity by late May or early June, you may just want to take the feeder down until early August. The south bound migration usually starts in late July or early August. Many bird watchers indicate that August and September are actually their best months.

Chuck’s presentation slide set, a map of Kansas with spring hummingbird arrival dates, and a complete listing of recommended plants can be accessed at www.southwind.k-state.edu/lawn-garden

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture 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.

Wheat is greening up across Kansas and producers are preparing to topdress nitrogen or apply herbicides. We commonly receive questions about the value of including a fungicide in the mix with those applications. This can be an economical option, but there are a few things to remember. Research at K-State and in other regions continues to demonstrate that fungicides applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages provide the largest level of yield protection against foliar diseases. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.

Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years but often doesn’t achieve the same level of yield protection as post-flag leaf emergence applications. Early fungicide applications may result in a yield advantage due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development. There can also be some rust suppression with early applications, particularly when disease levels are high later in the season. The challenge is that it is difficult to know if rust disease will be a threat during these early growth stages.

If you decide to make an early application, it is important to factor that into the full-season fungicide program. Many active ingredients have use restrictions, where a limited amount of an active ingredient can be applied during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years). Some fungicides have special “2ee” labels that allow for lower-rate applications early in the season for winter wheat. Double-checking labels when choosing a fungicide product is always a good idea. Since the payoff for an early application is less certain than with later applications, it is perhaps best to consider using a low-cost fungicide for the early application and saving more expensive products, if desired, for the later application. Producers considering the use of split applications must pay close attention to label restrictions. Every active ingredient in a fungicide has a maximum total amount that can be applied during the season.

For example, if an early application of a generic form of tebuconazole is applied at 4 oz/acre, a subsequent application of any fungicide containing tebuconazole alone or in combination with other ingredients (e.g., premix) around heading could put you over the limit for the crop season. Thus, be sure to read the label to determine the maximum amount of a chemical that can be applied in a single season and the exact amount of a chemical(s) that is in a fungicide.

For information on the efficacy of different foliar fungicide products, refer to the K-State Research and Extension publication Foliar Fungicide Efficacy Ratings for Wheat Disease Management 2024, EP130.

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.

Kelsey Andersen Onofre, Extension Plant Pathologist
[email protected]

Romulo Lollato, Wheat and Forages Specialist
[email protected]

You are not alone if you have ever had more than ‘just the blues’ sometime in your life.  According to Mental Health America, one-in-five American Adults have one or more mental health conditions, with 50% meeting the criteria of a condition sometime in their life.  Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being.  So much of what we do physically impacts us mentally –it’s important to pay attention to both.

Let’s focus on how a healthy lifestyle will help prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic health problems! Eating healthy foods, managing stress, exercising, and getting enough sleep can go a long way in making you both physically and mentally healthy.  To find the right balance to benefit both the mind and body, let’s tackle the sensational ‘S’ items from this list:  Sleep and managing Stress.

Quality Slumber

Sleep plays a role in all aspects of our life and overall health. Getting a good night’s sleep is important to take on daily responsibilities.  Adults should have 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.  Here are just a few tips for a good night’s sleep:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—including weekends.
• Get outside! Getting natural sunlight during the day helps to maintain your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
• Limit caffeine to the morning. The effects of caffeine can take 8 hours to wear off.
• If you can’t fall asleep for more than 20 minutes after going to bed, get up and do something calming until you feel sleepy.
• Get rid of anything in your bedroom that might distract you from sleep, like noises or bright lights. The light from screens can confuse your body’s internal clock.

Reduce the Impact of Stress

Stress can make even day-to-day life difficult. Research shows that stress is closely linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. It also shows that people who feel depressed or chronically stressed may have a greater risk of physical illnesses.

• Be realistic: You may be taking on more responsibility than you can or should handle for yourself or your family.
• No one is perfect: Shed the “superman/superwoman” urge for yourself and others.
• One thing at a time: For people under tension or stress, day-to-day workload can sometimes seem unbearable. Multi-tasking actually often leads to more stress.
• Exercise: Regular exercise is a popular way to relieve stress.
• Explore a hobby: Take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy. Whether it’s gardening, painting, doing puzzles or playing games, schedule time to indulge your interests.

No matter where you happen to be on our own personal journey to health and wellness, looking at your overall health every day – both physically and mentally – can go a long way in ensuring that you focus on your fitness and future!

Southwind Extension District can help, have your heard about our OWL (Older Wiser Livelier) Hour?  Full details https://bit.ly/4iHKR27.  For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

Are you itching to get out of the house and do something productive in the landscape? If you have fruit trees, now is the time to prune. A little planning ahead with fruit trees, such as pruning, can mean big rewards later in the growing season.

Are you like many who are “afraid” to prune? Don’t be. When done correctly, pruning is an essential component of growing a healthy, productive fruit tree. Fruit trees should be pruned every year and for several reasons. The first is the development of a strong tree structure. Pruning should begin when the tree is planted and continued each year thereafter. Another reason to prune is the increased penetration of sunlight for the development of fruit buds and for the fruit to mature properly.

Trees can be pruned this early (winter) because they are dormant. This can be done in January, February and even early March. Pruning when trees are dormant makes it easier to see undesirable branches because leaves aren’t present. It is important to do any pruning before dormant sprays are applied, to avoid spraying some of the wood that will later be removed. Total spray coverage of limbs, branches and shoots will be increased after pruning. Do not prune if temperatures are below 20°F because this can cause tissue damage.

Have your fruit trees been neglected for quite some time? If so, pruning can seem like an overwhelming task; where to start, how much wood to remove, etc. But a neglected tree can be revitalized.

The first step in revitalizing a neglected tree is to prune wood around the trunk area and near the ground. Remove all sucker growth around the trunk by cutting as close as possible to the point of origin. Then remove all dead and diseased branches. Next, look for two branches that rub and remove one of the two. Branches that are growing toward the interior of the tree should also be removed. No more than thirty percent of the tree should be removed in a year.

You will want to retain scaffolds that are growing away from the tree center at wide angles with the trunk. Scaffolds are one of the main branches making the basic framework of a tree. They should be positioned on different sides of the tree for good distribution of the fruit crop.

The right tools are needed for proper pruning. Tools always need to be sharp so clean cuts can be made. Cuts that result in bark tears, stubs, or jagged surfaces are slow to heal and may even not completely heal. A scissor type of hand shear is used to prune small size wood, usually ¼ inch in diameter. Long handled loppers should be used to cut ¼ to ½ inch wood. These will need to be used generally by the third year of tree growth.  For branches larger than ½ inch, use a fine-toothed pruning saw.

The Extension office has a couple of publications on pruning fruit trees that explain in more detail how to prune depending on the species and age of the tree. These publications can be found on our Southwind website: www.southwind.ksu.edu

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture 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.

As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, spring is the perfect time for renewal—not just for your home but also for your finances. Just as many people embrace spring cleaning to refresh their living spaces, a financial checkup can help tidy up your budget, savings, and financial goals. Financial goals—such as reducing expenses, increasing savings, and paying off debt—are often a top priority. Conducting a financial checkup can be an excellent first step toward achieving these objectives.

According to a 2023 report from the Federal Reserve, 37% of Americans would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense, highlighting the importance of maintaining financial stability. Additionally, a survey by Bankrate found that only 44% of U.S. adults have enough savings to cover three months of expenses, reinforcing the need for better financial planning.

Just as regular medical checkups are essential for maintaining physical health, an annual financial checkup can provide valuable insights into your financial well-being. While there is no “one size fits all” answer in Financial Planning, what might work for one family or individual may not work for another. K-State Research & Extension offers a resource titled How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup to help individuals assess and enhance their financial health. This publication is available online at K-State Research & Extension Bookstore, or physical copies can be obtained at local Extension Offices.

How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup includes a Financial Fitness Quiz covering key areas such as financial management, saving and investing, credit, and smart shopping. The publication also provides guidance on setting financial goals, preparing a net worth statement, and developing a budget. Additionally, it offers valuable information on reviewing taxes, credit reports, insurance coverage, retirement plans, investments, and estate planning.

Whether managing your finances independently or with professional assistance, this resource can help you gain a clearer understanding of your financial situation and support your efforts in making meaningful improvements.

Information from today’s article came from K-State Research and Extension’s Fact Sheet: How are you doing? A Financial Check-Up.  For more information, contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].

It’s taking place every day, for everyone….aging that is, and it is an opportunity!  Let’s come together to learn and ensure we can all thrive as we age, on Friday, April 25^th, for the Aging with Attitude Regional Expo.

The expo aims to promote positive attitudes about aging and educate on issues that support physical, mental, and financial health.  K-State Research and Extension along with community partners invite you to connect with others for information and resources on April 25^th. The event includes presentations, activities, prizes, a resource fair, and lunch from 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. at ICC West, 2615 W. Main Street, Independence, KS.  Registration fee is $15 per attendee.  Register with flyer registration form or by calling 620-244-3826.

Keynote Presentations include:

Healthy at Home

Learn how to stay at home longer with tips from physical therapy.

Wellness Panel

Cooking for One or Two

Mental Wellness

Diabetic Health

Make the most of your life by attending this year’s regional expo!  For more information you may contact [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

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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.

Spring is just around the corner and that means it is time to be thinking about pasture fertilizers and weed control. As you all know the last 3 years have been hard on our pastures due to drought. One major question that seems to get asked a lot is “did my grass survive”. The short answer is only time will tell.

Research has shown that January and February are recommended times to fertilize pastures and hay meadows, but many producers have been known to wait till March and even April. As with most agricultural practices there is more than one way to do things, it is just a matter of adapting to the timing of the application.

Many know producers are aware that they need nitrogen for cool season grass such as fescue. While that is true for hay production especially, for pastures phosphorous plays an important role in plant health especially in a drought year. This is due to phosphorus promotes strong root development and early root growth. Phosphorus also plays a key part in cell division during growing stages, storing and transferring energy, and increase disease resistance in plants. So yes, grass needs nitrogen but also requires phosphorus to maintain a healthy pasture.

There are options available for weed and brush control that can be applied by coating your fertilizer with them. This is beneficial to you as a producer for a couple of reasons. Most importantly time your time! Why wouldn’t you want to save time by doing two things at once? AKA feeding your grass and killing your weeds in one pass. Secondly by doing this you also save money by not having a second application cost. The down side to this is you will need to wait till later in the spring to apply the herbicides to get a better control on your weeds. It is recommended that you wait till April 1^st to make sure weeds and brush are emerging and are actively growing quickly. This also helps with the residual in herbicides maintain control longer into the fall such as Aminopyralid plus Rinskor.

If you choose not to use a herbicide with your fertilizer and would like to over seed your pasture you can mix the seed in your fertilizer cart and spread it together. Now the thing you need to know about doing this is that the seed will not travel as far as the fertilizer. To overcome this it is best to find 50 foot double spinner fertilizer buggy, and then you’ll need to set it to half of the application rate. You will then double spread it to reduce your seed skips.

As for recommended fertilizer rates a soil test is your best option to see what is needed in your pasture, but there are some common mixes that many producers tend to use. For lower stocking rates on pasture a lot tend to use a 30-30-30 (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) mix. For higher stocking rates a 50-30-30 tends to get a little extra bump to get them though the growing season.

On March 25, 2025 there is a Soil Health: Pasture Rejuvenation field day at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Parsons from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Lunch will be Provided. Topics include: Soil Variability, Soil Health Measurements, Pasture management, Farmer Panel, and Drone Demonstration.

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.

We’ve all spent a lot of time indoors lately, and with winter lingering, now is the perfect time to strengthen bonds with family or in the classroom through board games—they’re more than just a pastime!

Every human being has a fundamental need for connection, belonging, and love. In today’s fast-paced world, quality time is often lost in the rush of daily life. Board games offer a simple yet powerful way to foster meaningful connections and develop essential life skills.

Six Key Traits of Strong, Successful Families:

• Dedicated time for one another
• Genuine appreciation and support
• Open and honest communication
• A space to share values, skills, and beliefs
• Resilience in handling stress and challenges
• A deep commitment to each other

Board Games Help Develop Key Soft Skills:

• Social Skills: Respecting others, appropriate behavior, and conflict resolution
• Communication Skills: Verbal, written, non-verbal, and active listening
• Executive Function: Problem-solving, critical thinking, multitasking, and adaptability
• Self-Control: Managing impulses, emotions, and focus while practicing patience
• Positive Self-Concept: Building confidence, self-worth, and emotional awareness

It’s important to know that all games are not the same.  Euro-style games emphasize strategy while downplaying luck (players are allowed to control randomness) and indirect player conflict, which usually involves competition over resources. Eurogame activities create positive environments for relationships to grow.

Why Choose a Euro Game?

Euro-style board games feature engaging wooden components like cubes and meeples, keeping players involved even when it’s not their turn. These games start players on equal footing, offering strategic choices to gain abilities. With simple rules and short playtimes, they emphasize strategy, resource competition, and minimal randomness.

Designed for all ages, Euro games encourage peaceful interaction, fostering relationships in a positive environment. Unlike video games, they promote face-to-face communication, helping players read body language and connect on a deeper level. Studies show board games enhance teamwork, communication, time management, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

You may find a list of these games here:  https://bit.ly/eurostylegames.

This article is the first in a three-part series and comes from information in the Bonding Thru Board Games fact sheets.  For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

The week of February 17th marks National Entrepreneurship Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of entrepreneurs across the country. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), a small business is defined as an independent entity with fewer than 500 employees. In the United States alone, an estimated 29.6 million small businesses exist, collectively employing more than half of the country’s private workforce.

Are You Ready to Be an Entrepreneur? Do you have the mindset and drive to become a successful entrepreneur? Consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Do you enjoy challenging yourself?
• Do you like being your own boss and setting your own schedule?
• Are you always seeking new and improved ways to accomplish tasks?
• Do you thrive on selling and achieving results?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, entrepreneurship might be the right path for you! However, while the idea of running your own business can be exciting and rewarding, it also comes with its share of challenges.

Before pursuing entrepreneurship, it’s important to understand how it differs from traditional employment. By definition, an entrepreneur is someone who starts and operates a business, assuming both the risks and rewards associated with it. In contrast, an employee works for a company in exchange for a consistent paycheck, offering their labor or expertise within a structured employment agreement. Entrepreneurs often wear multiple hats, acting as both the employer and the employee.

Pros and Cons of Entrepreneurship to consider might include:

1. Work Schedule Flexibility

Pro: Entrepreneurs have greater flexibility in setting their schedules, allowing for more time with family and community involvement.
Con: The work schedule can be unpredictable, often requiring long hours—especially in the early stages of the business.

2. Financial Considerations

Pro: An entrepreneur’s income is directly tied to their efforts and business success, offering unlimited earning potential.
Con: Unlike employees who receive a steady paycheck, entrepreneurs must navigate financial uncertainty, particularly during business downturns.

Entrepreneurs are visionaries who recognize opportunities and take strategic steps to turn ideas into reality. If you’re ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, this might be your moment to take the leap!

Information from today’s article came from K-State Research and Extension’s Fact Sheet: You Might Be an Entrepreneur If… For more information, contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].

Are you a parent navigating the extraordinary journey of raising a child with special needs? You’re not alone. The Parent Empowerment Circle inspires, educates, and connects you with others who understand your unique challenges and joys.

Join us for the first monthly meet-up, Sunday, February 23^rd, 1:30-3:30 pm, at First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main Street, Fort Scott.  Refreshments will be provided, contact Cherri Walrod, Community Health Worker, at 620-945-9081 or [email protected] with questions.

We look forward being with you to share stories, celebrate resilience, access expert resources, connect with supportive parents, and gain the confidence to thrive together!

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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.

Getting to the Heart of the Matter

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One in five deaths is due to heart disease, even though it is largely preventable.

Keeping your heart healthy starts with living a heart-healthy lifestyle. But first, you need to get smart about your heart. Knowing what causes heart disease, what puts you at risk for it, and how you can reduce those risks can help you make informed decisions to protect your heart and keep it strong.

Want to test your knowledge? Take this short Heart Smart Quiz:

1. True or False? High blood pressure is also known as hypertension and occurs when your blood pressure is consistently 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
2. True or False? Cholesterol helps make hormones, vitamin D, and substances to help you digest foods. Your body needs it for good health, but in the right amounts.
3. True or False? Eating lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, using fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and limiting foods high in saturated fat or sugar-sweetened beverages are all part of a heart-healthy diet.
4. True or False? Not getting enough sleep or getting poor quality sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.
5. True or False? To strengthen their heart, adults should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking each week.

How did you do?  The answer to all questions is true.  Knowing your own risk factors for heart disease can help guide your lifestyle choices, so talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you’re clear. Just as important: know your numbers. Your weight, waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels all affect your heart. If they aren’t where they should be, make a pledge to begin improving them.

Adding more physical activity to your day, eating a heart-healthy diet, managing stress, getting enough quality sleep, and not smoking can put you on the path to better heart health.

Learn more about heart disease prevention at www.hearttruth.gov or for more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service