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.

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.

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. She has observed my family for many years and has recognized that while many others enjoy vacations during this time of the year, it seems as if my family does not get the “traditional” summer experience so many others do.

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.

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. I practiced teaching them to “walk into their stand” and if they didn’t quite have it right, a slight push of a show stick moved that leg back into position. My animals were very tame, but that did not mean they would act the same way when moved into a strange place with strange animals, noise, and environment.

Harvesting forages for future use during the winter feeding period or during periods of drought represents a significant cost outlay for cattle operations. Previous research conducted at Kansas State University suggests that large round bales composed of wheat or sudan hay can incur feed waste of up to 25% of a bale’s weight when unrolled. Much of this loss can be attributed to factors associated with delayed harvest (reduced forage quality) and/or improper storage techniques prior to feeding.

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. Over time my appreciation for Kansas has grown, and it has begun to feel like home to me. I didn’t realize until recently that the trade-off for this connection and comfort to my new home state was made possible by drifting further from my old one.

The increased commodity prices we are currently experiencing have many cattle producers considering the costs associated with their feeding and management programs for weaning calves this fall. Here are a few tips that might aid cost conscientious producers.

How to Avoid Being Bitten by Mosquitos Female mosquitoes are out-and-about biting people outdoors to obtain a blood meal for reproduction (egg laying). The three primary strategies that should be implemented to avoid mosquito bites are: 1) source reduction, 2) personal protection, and 3) insecticides.

The big story in agriculture today is how carbon is going to be the next cash crop for farmers and ranchers. There are lots of headlines about how changing agricultural practices can remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it in the soil.