Archive By Section - Agriculture
Sept 1 is NAP application closing date for certain crops
Adrian J. Polansky, State Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in Kansas, reminds producers that Sept. 1, is the application closing date for certain crops under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). Crops eligible for NAP benefits are limited to those not insurable in the county and are produced for food or fiber.
Farm production expenditures climb slightly in 2010
WASHINGTON – After a brief reprieve in 2009, last year farm production expenditures resumed an upward trend. In 2010, U.S. farmers reported spending $289 billion to produce agricultural products, up from $287.4 billion in the prior year. The Farm Production Expenditures 2010 summary released on Aug. 2 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) provides national, regional and Crop and Livestock farm expenditures.
Our climate discussed
First a correction from last week regarding double-cropping called to my attention by a reader of the column.. I referred to fall planted wheat after corn or beans as double-cropping. A better description is continuous cropping. Double cropping would be soybeans or milo planted after wheat harvest. For the purpose of this column it's not a huge deal but if you're in government programs or need crop insurance, it's important. Generally, double-cropping isn't an "accepted" ...
Out of the mouth of babes
Ever have an 11-year-old farmer's daughter give you a tour of their farm? I did and it was top notch. Last week I traveled to Dickinson County to meet with Jeff and Charity Bathurst. The young farm/livestock family have six children ranging in ages from 11 to three weeks old – four girls and two boys. As I pulled up to the farmstead, Jeff and I shook hands and he told me he had to ...
More emergency CRP haying and grazing announced
MANHATTAN – Adrian J. Polansky, state executive director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in Kansas announced this week that emergency haying of Conservation Reserve Program acreage has been approved for Elk, Ellsworth, Greenwood, Scott, Sumner, Wilson and Woodson counties; and CRP emergency grazing has been approved for Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cowley, Elk, Greely, Greenwood, Labette, Lyon, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Sedgwick, Sumner, Wilson and Woodson counties. "We are extremely concerned how the intensifying and expanding ...
Great Bend Chamber introduces new farm show promoter
On Thursday, July 28, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development introduced Darren Dale to the Great Bend community for the second time. The first time Dale was publicly introduced was at the press conference in mid-July announcing his involvement in bringing the Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo to the community on an annual basis starting next April. This time, however, he was introduced to a select group of community ...
Our Climate – What Defines It?
Dr. Victor L. Martin Before we can discuss our climate, there are several concepts and terms that will help it all make a little more sense. These are items that you likely know even if you don't know you know them. The first one not only explains climate but most of what we observe and deal with every day. · Energy, energy potential, and gradients – this is a concept that is the key ...
Animal Health, Conservation and Ag Marketing join Kansas Department of Agriculture
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is making positive changes to better serve Kansas agriculture and consumers. The Department of agriculture now includes a Division of Animal Health, Division of Conservation and Ag Marketing program. These changes, which became effective July 1, are the result of Gov. Sam Brownback issuing an Executive Reorganization Order to move the State Conservation Commission, the Animal Health Department and the Agriculture Marketing Division of the Department of Commerce into the ...
Women in Ag Program announced for August 24 in Tonganoxie
Women in Ag will be the focus of a program to be held in Tonganoxie on Aug. 24 at the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds, Hwy 16 and Fairgrounds Road. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., meal served at 6 p.m., and the program starts at 6:45 p.m.
Conservation Planning . . . More Than Just a Good Idea?
It is common knowledge that planning to conserve natural resources is a good idea and the right thing to do. But did you know that conservation planning also makes good business sense? If you develop and implement a conservation plan you may receive priority status when and if you decide to apply for certain Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs. Also, it is one of the best tools around to help you assess and ...
What goes around, comes around
By John Schlageck, Kansas Farm Bureau The word oasis comes to mind when describing northwestern Kansas this summer. Although within a few weeks if the 100-degree plus temperatures continue, it may turn a bit drier. But for now, in mid-July, the cattle graze in pastures with lush, tall grass. Each field of corn, beans or milo resembles a living green tapestry woven by the Master's hand. Dryland corn looks just like its irrigated cousin. Both ...
Weather vs. Climate
Dr. Victor L. Martin While this column isn't really long enough for a great deal of information, with the summer the area is having it might be informative to address what the terms "weather" and "climate" really define and what these words mean to us as we swelter through this summer. First let's start with a few definitions so we are all on the same page and go from there. What isn't covered today can ...
July Thoughts
I have been accused of being a bit of a pessimist from time to time. From an early age, many teachers and professors drilled into my head to "Hope for the best and prepare for the worst." If you have read these columns over the last few months I tried to objectively lay out what options were available, depending on the weather. My prognosis was that this was going to be one of those ...
Scorched, scalded and burnt up
By John Schlageck, Kansas Farm Bureau If you're a Kansas farmer you've probably jumped out of the frying pan into the fire. The fire in this case is the continuing scalding temperatures and lack of precipitation. Here's what I'm talking about. Ben McClure, Stevens County farms a few miles from the Oklahoma line and not far from the Colorado border. Here in far southwestern Kansas conditions are bone dry. McClure ...
Young Stockmen’s Academy tours Agribusiness and Retail Beef Industry
The 2011 KLA Young Stockmen's Academy (YSA) gathered for its second educational tour of the year June 27-29. The group of young KLA members from across the state spent three days in Kansas City learning more about the agribusiness and retail beef industries. Vista from Merck Animal Health is the exclusive sponsor of this program.
Articles by Section - Agriculture
Farm Service Agency County Committee nomination period begins June 17
Kansas Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Adrian J. Polansky announced today that the nomination period for local FSA county committees begins on Monday, June 17th.
Problems with tomato plants
It's that time of year again when everything is growing, and people are looking forward to be rewarded for all of their hard work in the garden. With the unseasonal low temperatures this year, your garden might be a little behind normal, but with our recent rains, the weather warming up, and a little bit of care right now, your garden should be getting into the full swing of things.
Lessons from the land
For Kansans June, July and August are months when some of us return to our roots and visit family in rural communities across the state. Some go back to help with wheat harvest, others go home to spend time visiting with friends they have grown up with. For all it's a time to reflect and remember.
Fathers’ Day and Agriculture
First here's wishing all the dads out there a Happy Fathers' Day. Since the wheat is rapidly ripening and harvest will soon be here, especially after the past week's heat, let's focus on something a bit more upbeat fathers, children, and agriculture.
Quarter-scale tractors, full-scale success: University teams win international competition
Kansas State University's quarter-scale tractor design teams are the winners of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers' 16th annual International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition, May 30-June 2, in Peoria, Ill.
Conservation Stewardship Program applications due by June 14
The Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) will provide about $175 million in funding for up to 12.6 million additional acres enrollment this year.
Not so fast
Pre-packaged, vacuum-packed, just add water…
Caring for container plants
Sometimes, when you are taking care of your container plants, you might see a white or yellowish build up around the edges of the pot, or even on the soil itself. Many people wonder what this is, and want to either repot the plant entirely, or sadly, think that there is something wrong with the plant and just stop trying. The cause of this build up is actually very easy to explain, and easy to remove to be able to keep your plants healthy and looking great.
So You Want A Career in Agriculture
Everyone is waiting to see what the wheat crop will hold. Summer crops are pretty well planted until double-cropping. The area has been receiving fairly significant rain and overall temperatures, while a little cool for corn and sorghum, are great for wheat grain development. Let's take the opportunity to shift gears from crops to our most important agricultural resource – people. Specifically, let's take a look at the people out in the fields and feedlots ...
Patent issued for beneficial animal ‘candy’
A U.S. patent has been granted to a Kansas State University-developed "candy" that stimulates the growth, health and reproductive functions of cattle, bulls and other livestock.
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