I admit going to Africa was never on my 'bucket list.' Earlier this year, I was offered the opportunity to travel there with the Kansas Farm Bureau Casten Fellows. Was I apprehensive? Absolutely. Was I nervous? You bet. However, after a quick check with my family, it was clear this was a chance of a lifetime and something I could not pass up. Boy, am I glad I took that leap of faith because my perspective of the world will never be the same.

Filling a freezer Greg Doering Kansas Farm Bureau For the first time in a long time, I won’t have to spend a Saturday defrosting an upright freezer in anticipation of the local meat processer calling to say our half steer is ready for pick up. Ideally this would have happened last fall, but I was really trading one hand-me-down freezer for another. And I’m a firm believer in beggars not being choosers.

Harvesting Winter Squash Spaghetti squash, butternut, and acorn are all examples of winter squash. Contrary to their summer squash relatives, such as zucchini, winter squash varieties should only be harvested once fully matured. Harvesting too soon will result in produce that shrivels up and lacks flavor. Mature winter squash can be stored longer as well.

When words inspire actions Jackie Mundt Pratt County farmer and rancher Four years ago, I was asked to become a contributor to this column and had no idea that this would become a regular part of my world. I also didn’t realize how much fun it would be to share experiences and thoughts about farming, rural life, community and the lessons that have formed my values.

Carpenter Bees Though reliable pollinators, carpenter bees can be very destructive, making ½-inch diameter holes and tunnels through wooden decks, awnings, and siding. You may notice the sawdust shavings on the ground or wooden surfaces.

Tomato plants look healthy but aren’t setting fruit With the high daytime temperatures lately, you may notice that your otherwise healthy tomato plants fail to produce fruit. When daytime temperatures reach above 85 degrees F, it interferes with pollination and can cause the plants to abort their flowers.

By Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher As Father’s Day approaches this year, I have been reflecting on the life and legacy of my grandfather, Emil, who passed away at the age of 95 earlier this year. I spent more of my life with him than any of my other grandparents, giving me a deeper understanding of the wisdom he shared and the ways he shaped the character and personalities of my family.

I recently returned home to Kansas after traveling to China to participate in a U.S. Sorghum trade mission.

Maximizing the effectiveness of Glyphosate in the home lawn and/or garden Roundup, Killzall, Pronto Weed and Grass Killer are all glyphosate herbicides used to kill unwanted plants. Kansas State University horticulture instructor, Cynthia Domenghini said the efficacy or effectiveness of this herbicide depends on the quality of water it’s mixed with.