Early Emergence of Ticks and Other Pests This past winter was unseasonably warm for most of the continental U.S. and this trend has continued into the spring. Many of you may have noticed plants greening earlier than in past years. Ticks are also taking advantage of this warmer weather and breaking their overwintering sooner than what has historically occurred. Unlike us, arthropods including ticks and insects do not create their own heat and rely on ambient temperatures to warm themselves enough to be able to move and find a host. During the winter, the vast majority of tick species are not active and remain in a dormant state, protected by leaf litter and rocks. Overwintering is broken when temperatures warm and daylight hours increase. In warmer seasons, ticks can be seen crawling along the ground surface on the lookout for a host, a process known as questing. Tick drags and trappings conducted earlier in March found multiple species of ticks already out and active. People should be taking anti tick-precautions such as wearing long pants and using tick repellants while outdoors in grassy wilderness areas. Check for ticks after being outside and promptly remove any you find. Prompt removal of ticks reduces the risk of tick-borne pathogen transmission or the development of allergic reactions. Our furry friends are also not safe from ticks and the pathogens they transmit. Only use products registered and safe for use in animals. Always remember that pyrethroid based products, safe for use in dogs, are toxic to cats and should never be used! Recently there has been a surge in ‘natural’ products for use in dogs and cats, most noticeably those containing garlic. Be aware of false labeling claims such as ‘veterinarian developed’ or ‘veterinarian approved’. Garlic is considered to be toxic to both dogs and horses and should not be used for ectoparasite control. There is also no evidence that garlic is an effective acaricide or insecticide. Also, be on the lookout for other products, which have no proven efficacy such as ultrasonic tick protectors, which can be commonly found at local stores. Not only are they costly but also ineffective. Talk to your veterinarian for the best choice of tick control for your pets and livestock.

Controlling Alfalfa Weevils Alfalfa weevil control is problematic in Kansas for several reasons, but first and foremost is the weather. Alfalfa weevils are incredible weather insects, thus feeding voraciously in spring immediately after hatching for 2-3 weeks, depending upon temperatures. The larvae actively feed 24/7 when the temperatures are above 45°F. However, the Kansas weather in March/April is often windy with rain/snow/ sleet/hail—or a combination— making foliar applications of insecticides difficult because fields may be too muddy or windy. However, the alfalfa weevil larvae are still feeding 24/7. However, weather occasionally helps control weevils, as it did in 2017 and 2018 and has so far this year. Temperatures in the mid-to-lower 20s for a couple of hours will kill tiny larvae feeding in the terminals.

There are fewer than 2 million farms in the United States according to the USDA Census of Agriculture released last month, down from a peak of just under 7 million in the early 1930s. Any agricultural enterprise with at least $1,000 in sales was counted as a farm, which excludes the family vegetable garden.

Bernard Warkentin couldn’t have known that when he planted wheat in central Kansas in 1874 he was sowing Kansas’ legacy as the Wheat State. Allegedly, Warkentin was the first to plant Turkey Red wheat, a hard winter variety that was well conditioned to the Kansas climate and soils. Born in 1847 in what’s now Crimea, Warkentin came to the United States in 1871 with other German- Mennonites fleeing Russian persecution. He chose to settle in Halstead, which in many important ways, like temperature and rainfall, was similar to the steppes of Ukraine.

Mineral Supplementation for the Cow Herd Although the upcoming grazing season may be hard to picture at this point, it’s not too early to begin making preparations. Among those preparations is selecting a mineral supplement, especially for operations looking to take advantage of “early booking” discounts for mineral orders. It can be challenging to choose a mineral program, as many different products and mineral formulations are currently available. When evaluating mineral supplements, the phosphorous concentration may be used as an essential guide to determine if the mineral fits the production stage of the herd and forage base.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Confirmed in Three Kansas Counties in 2024 Wheat streak mosaic virus has been confirmed in Russell, Barton, and Ellis counties in 2024. Now is a good time to start scouting for this disease. Factors such as hail and delayed harvest in 2023 may contribute to higher- than-expected disease pressure in 2024. Wheat streak mosaic virus is just one of several viruses that we need to keep an eye out for in the spring.

Can I Garden On Top Of My Septic System? While it is still technically winter, the days are gradually getting longer and home gardeners are likely counting the days until spring. In this article, Dr.

At first I assumed the invitation to an etiquette dinner had found its way to my inbox by mistake. After a little reflection, I wondered if it was the beginning of a scheme where I would be held up as an example of everything you’re not supposed to do.

Looking at my large paper calendar prominently on display in the mudroom, I know January has 31 days. However, after wickedly cold temperatures, a hefty dose of snow and an equally hefty dose of strong winds that drifted shut roads and kept our kids from going to school for many days this month, I’m convinced the January on my calendar is missing some days.

A blast of bitterness and cold Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau Despite living my entire life in Kansas, I’ve never fully acclimated to the blasts of polar weather we occasionally receive. I’m fully prepared for cabin fever to set in these next few days as another round of bone-chilling cold sweeps across the landscape.