Pasture management on the High Plains can be challenging for a lot of reasons. Adding wildfires into this mix further complicates your decisions. The fires that affected Russell, Ellis, Osborne and Rooks counties have made life difficult for many in this area and as the growing season approaches, producers may have questions that need answered. 

At 4 p.m. on April 19th at the K-State Research Center in Hays, K-State Research and Extension will be hosting the program “Pasture Management Before and After a Wildfire.”  Walt Fick, Rangeland Specialist will be discussing Prescribed Burns, and also Management Following Wildfire. Keith Harmoney, Range Scientist, will discuss the effects of Recent and Historical Wildfires on Pasture Productivity and Plant Populations. 

The K-State Mesonet will also be at the Hays Research Center to talk about the weather outlook for this coming season, and Clint Laflin will talk about his experiences in the 4-County Fire and give an overview to producers for them to determine what the current fire risks are in their operation and what can they do to prepare for a wildfire. The evening will finish with a meal and a Town Hall for producers to talk and have their questions answered. 

You can RSVP for the meal by calling the Hays office of the Cottonwood Extension District at 785-628-9430 or emailing tam3@ksu.edu. This program is being sponsored by Hi Plains Farm Credit.

Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.