Extension News & Insight

Body Kansas Farmers’ Market Month As I was driving home from work the other day, I saw sweet corn and peaches being sold at the courthouse square.

Body Fertilize Strawberries Early- to mid-August is the time to fertilize strawberries in order to increase the number of fruit produced next spring. Plenty of daylight and warm temperatures during June, July and August promotes the growth of new runners, or daughter plants.

Body My wife and I have had a busy summer of traveling to places both old and new, near and far. Some of the routes were committed to memory long ago while the new ones required some navigational assistance from modern mapping software.

Body Leaf Spot on Lilacs I have had a number of contacts regarding lilacs with leaves showing many spots and browning leaves. Cercospora leaf spot appears to be the cause.

Body Squash Bugs in the Garden Squash bug females have laid eggs and various stages of the nymphs are present feeding on squash and pumpkin leaves. Squash bug adults are flattened to 1/2 to 3/4 inches in length.

Body A friend of mine recently asked when my family truly begins to enjoy summer. She asked this well-meaning question to help her figure out when we get to enjoy some rest and relaxation during the summer months.

Body Energy and Sports Drinks In the past few years I have noticed an increase of people drinking energy and sports drinks. I have also noticed we are a country where we want to do it all no matter the cost to our health or wellbeing.

Body Growing up I loved the fair. I couldn’t wait to get my animals ready. I loved brushing, washing, and blowing them out, basically giving them a “Spa Day.” All summer long I would take my steer and heifer for a walk each morning and evening.

Body Harvesting forages for future use during the winter feeding period or during periods of drought represents a significant cost outlay for cattle operations.

Body One of the hardest parts about making a new life in Kansas for me has been missing so much of my old life in Wisconsin. In my early years as a Kansan, I longed for things here to feel more like home.