By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

This time of year combines and other types of farming equipment are making their way through fields, down highways, roads, and local streets.

While harvesting a wheat field on Saturday, June 15, the driver of one of the four combines working the lot noticed a spark of flames between the wheat stalks. 

Quickly afterward, fire engulfed a farm machine in the 4400 block of East Meadow Road. Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the field at 12:35 p.m., according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.

"They were cutting wheat when one of them noticed a fire in the wheat, so they went to cut around it, trying to isolate it, and the combine stalled," Soldan said. "Which resulted in the loss of the combine too."

"It may have been the machine that had an issue — they just didn't know at the time."

Soldan said the charred combine was a John Deere S670. With the fire spreading to about 80 acres of wheat, the total loss was more than&nbsp; $200,000.

Soldan said no one was injured as a result of the fire.&nbsp;

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ca5ca2ef-5430-436e-8ab0-86d6165069e4">Day 3, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718642543178.jpeg" alt="A John Deere S670 engulfed flames on Saturday, June 15, in the 4400 block of East Mentor Road in rural Saline County. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office." />
 <figcaption>A John Deere S670 engulfed flames on Saturday, June 15, in the 4400 block of East Mentor Road in rural Saline County. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office.</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostThis time of year combines and other types of farming equipment are making their way through fields, down highways, roads, and local streets.While harvesting a wheat field on Saturday, June 15, the driver of one of the four combines working the lot noticed a spark of flames between the wheat stalks. Quickly afterward, fire engulfed a farm machine in the 4400 block of East Meadow Road. Saline County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the field at 12:35 p.m., according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718642900141.jpeg" alt="The remains of the John Deere S670 farming equipment on Saturday, June 15. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The remains of the John Deere S670 farming equipment on Saturday, June 15. Image courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>"They were cutting wheat when one of them noticed a fire in the wheat, so they went to cut around it, trying to isolate it, and the combine stalled," Soldan said. "Which resulted in the loss of the combine too.""It may have been the machine that had an issue — they just didn't know at the time."Soldan said the charred combine was a John Deere S670. With the fire spreading to about 80 acres of wheat, the total loss was more than&nbsp; $200,000.Soldan said no one was injured as a result of the fire.&nbsp;READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ca5ca2ef-5430-436e-8ab0-86d6165069e4">Day 3, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report</a>

Combine fire destroys 80 acres of wheat in rural Saline County

By NATE KING Salina Post

An Abilene custom meat processing and craft butcher shop held an open house event on Wednesday, June 12, to showcase its innovative mobile animal harvesting unit.

Midwest Meats, 610 S. Buckeye Ave. Abilene, Kan., is a family-owned and operated business specializing in custom-processing beef, bison, hog, lamb, goat, and elk.

"We just really believe the more local you can get your food supply- first of all, the healthier it is and second of all, the healthier economy," said Midwest Meats owner Troy Leith. "If we were gonna do that in Dickinson County we needed to be in Abilene — the economic center to get that done."

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a7ab0d2d-a695-4033-bc32-af76bab9455e">Danger near the bird feeder? K-State wildlife expert urges caution</a>

Rooted in traditional methods of animal harvesting, Midwest Meats' mobile harvesting unit aims to make meat processing more accessible for small and medium-sized ranch operations. Unveiled in March of last year, the mobile unit is capable of processing up to 20 head of livestock per week. 

The unit offers onsite slaughter services intended to reduce the stress associated with transporting animals to traditional slaughter facilities. According to Midwest Meats, this approach aims to improve animal welfare and enhance the quality of meat products.

"Abilene, like many small towns, zoned out for slaughter in town. So we ended up with the trailer," Leith said. "We're currently working on getting an inspector to come to the farm with us. It's new and innovative, people say, but how many of you remember when on the farm this was the way it was done."

The unit is designed to enhance flexibility and efficiency in livestock processing, particularly for less domesticated specialty breeds such as Bison and farm-raised Elk, which pose challenges in terms of loading and transportation.

Matthew Steele, CEO and executive director of the Kansas Cattleman Association, attended the event on Wednesday. 

"As Troy is working through the regulatory side of it showcasing and perfecting the equipment, it opens up the local market for everyone across the state and the nation," Steele said. "Working so that way both producers and consumers benefit as they get the regulatory things worked out that increases the reach of the product."

Midwest Meats is in the process of working with state and federal regulators like the Kansas Department of Agriculture and USDA to get the stamp of approval. 

"Troy has worked really hard on it [the mobile unit]," Steele said. "It's good to know that we've got one in place. It's working, and is being accepted and supported by the industry, the producer, Troy and his family and the consumer. It's just a matter of time."

With many counties zoning out slaughter and packing faccilties, Troy said Midwest Meats was presented with a unique opportunity.

"Lots of small towns and even counties have zoned out slaughter. I believe it happened because everybody saw the big packinghouses going in and said, 'I wouldn't want that in my backyard.' So let's zone it out," Leith said. "I'm not even saying it's a bad call for a community to do that, but they forgot about the small guy downtown."

Troy continued, "If we can get the whole inspection system to come alongside us and figure this out, we can reach out to all the small producers or medium-sized producers. We can put in a local source craft butcher shop in any town because we're not dealing with zoning and being able to kill. Whether it's a static location on multiple farms or how we do that."

Currently Midwest Meats transports locally sourced animals to a state-inspected facility for slaughter. 

"We're still getting over that hump of an inspected kill on the farm," Troy said. "Our building here, we're all under inspection and license; the only thing we're lacking ourselves is what we would call the stamp carcus. Currently, we're hauling locally sourced animals to a state-inspected facility, having them killed, and then picking them up with our trailer."

Midwest Meats is a family operation. Troy's wife, Wendy, and their children, Bryan and Morgan, all work at the store in various roles.

"Bryan is our main meat cutter and butcher, he runs it," Troy said. "He has an older brother in Des Moines, and they have both been in the meat cutting room since they got out of high school."

Morgan and Bryan's girlfriend Kinsey both work in the retail space in the store, and Wendy manages human resources and employee assistance. 

Along with providing consumers with high-quality custom meat cuts and helping ranchers get their animals to market, Troy said he hopes to see Midwest Meats handed down to the next generation.

"We expect once we get everything done, it should last two, three or more generations and past that with luck," Troy said. "The family-size farm or ranch needs all the help it can get, and part of our mission is to fill that gap."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718386370876.jpeg" alt="The Midwest Meats mobile animal harvesting unit. Photo Courtesy Midwest Meats" />
 <figcaption>The Midwest Meats mobile animal harvesting unit. Photo Courtesy Midwest Meats</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostAn Abilene custom meat processing and craft butcher shop held an open house event on Wednesday, June 12, to showcase its innovative mobile animal harvesting unit.Midwest Meats, 610 S. Buckeye Ave. Abilene, Kan., is a family-owned and operated business specializing in custom-processing beef, bison, hog, lamb, goat, and elk.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718383121128.jpeg" alt="Farmers and ranchers from north central Kansas listen to Troy Leith, owner of Midwest Meats explains how loading the animal in it natural enviroment reduces stress on the animal and improves the overall quality of the meat. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Farmers and ranchers from north central Kansas listen to Troy Leith, owner of Midwest Meats explains how loading the animal in it natural enviroment reduces stress on the animal and improves the overall quality of the meat. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>"We just really believe the more local you can get your food supply- first of all, the healthier it is and second of all, the healthier economy," said Midwest Meats owner Troy Leith. "If we were gonna do that in Dickinson County we needed to be in Abilene — the economic center to get that done."READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a7ab0d2d-a695-4033-bc32-af76bab9455e">Danger near the bird feeder? K-State wildlife expert urges caution</a>Rooted in traditional methods of animal harvesting, Midwest Meats' mobile harvesting unit aims to make meat processing more accessible for small and medium-sized ranch operations. Unveiled in March of last year, the mobile unit is capable of processing up to 20 head of livestock per week. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718386255122.jpeg" alt="Inside the mobile animal harvesting unit. Photo Courtesy Midwest Meats" />
 <figcaption>Inside the mobile animal harvesting unit. Photo Courtesy Midwest Meats</figcaption>
 </figure>The unit offers onsite slaughter services intended to reduce the stress associated with transporting animals to traditional slaughter facilities. According to Midwest Meats, this approach aims to improve animal welfare and enhance the quality of meat products."Abilene, like many small towns, zoned out for slaughter in town. So we ended up with the trailer," Leith said. "We're currently working on getting an inspector to come to the farm with us. It's new and innovative, people say, but how many of you remember when on the farm this was the way it was done."The unit is designed to enhance flexibility and efficiency in livestock processing, particularly for less domesticated specialty breeds such as Bison and farm-raised Elk, which pose challenges in terms of loading and transportation.Matthew Steele, CEO and executive director of the Kansas Cattleman Association, attended the event on Wednesday. "As Troy is working through the regulatory side of it showcasing and perfecting the equipment, it opens up the local market for everyone across the state and the nation," Steele said. "Working so that way both producers and consumers benefit as they get the regulatory things worked out that increases the reach of the product."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718386152487.jpeg" alt=" Midwest Meats owner Troy Leith speaks with Kansas cattleman Larry Kendig of Osborne, Kansas. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption> Midwest Meats owner Troy Leith speaks with Kansas cattleman Larry Kendig of Osborne, Kansas. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Meats is in the process of working with state and federal regulators like the Kansas Department of Agriculture and USDA to get the stamp of approval. "Troy has worked really hard on it [the mobile unit]," Steele said. "It's good to know that we've got one in place. It's working, and is being accepted and supported by the industry, the producer, Troy and his family and the consumer. It's just a matter of time."With many counties zoning out slaughter and packing faccilties, Troy said Midwest Meats was presented with a unique opportunity.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ca5ca2ef-5430-436e-8ab0-86d6165069e4">Day 3, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report</a>"Lots of small towns and even counties have zoned out slaughter. I believe it happened because everybody saw the big packinghouses going in and said, 'I wouldn't want that in my backyard.' So let's zone it out," Leith said. "I'm not even saying it's a bad call for a community to do that, but they forgot about the small guy downtown."Troy continued, "If we can get the whole inspection system to come alongside us and figure this out, we can reach out to all the small producers or medium-sized producers. We can put in a local source craft butcher shop in any town because we're not dealing with zoning and being able to kill. Whether it's a static location on multiple farms or how we do that."Currently Midwest Meats transports locally sourced animals to a state-inspected facility for slaughter. "We're still getting over that hump of an inspected kill on the farm," Troy said. "Our building here, we're all under inspection and license; the only thing we're lacking ourselves is what we would call the stamp carcus. Currently, we're hauling locally sourced animals to a state-inspected facility, having them killed, and then picking them up with our trailer."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718384050475.jpeg" alt="Troy's son Bryan pulls a cast iron pot filled with small portion meat cuts for visitors to try. Photo by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Troy's son Bryan pulls a cast iron pot filled with small portion meat cuts for visitors to try. Photo by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Meats is a family operation. Troy's wife, Wendy, and their children, Bryan and Morgan, all work at the store in various roles."Bryan is our main meat cutter and butcher, he runs it," Troy said. "He has an older brother in Des Moines, and they have both been in the meat cutting room since they got out of high school."Morgan and Bryan's girlfriend Kinsey both work in the retail space in the store, and Wendy manages human resources and employee assistance. Along with providing consumers with high-quality custom meat cuts and helping ranchers get their animals to market, Troy said he hopes to see Midwest Meats handed down to the next generation."We expect once we get everything done, it should last two, three or more generations and past that with luck," Troy said. "The family-size farm or ranch needs all the help it can get, and part of our mission is to fill that gap."

Abilene based Midwest Meats displays new mobile animal harvesting unit

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Senate Republicans released their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Senate%20Republican%20Framework%20Short%20Summary.pdf">Farm Bill framework</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, and Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall held a press availability on Zoom to talk about it.&nbsp;

"This Farm Bill touches, I would think, every Kansan, in some way, somehow," Marshall said. "What are the next steps? I would explain it like this. A farmer goes in to buy a combine and he agrees with the dealer, all the ins and outs he wants, what type of header he wants on that combine. What we haven't agreed on yet is the price."

It sounds like the difference really isn't that large, all things considered.

"The Democrats and Republicans, we both want strong crop insurance, we both want strong nutrition programs," Marshall said. "We want rural economic development. I think it's just a matter of where we're going to move some dollars from one place to the other and still keep this on budget, because our Farm Bill is completely paid for. We're not asking for any more monies. The Democrats Farm Bill has a request for, I think $20 or $30 billion more each year."

Practically speaking, there's not a lot of legislative time between now and the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30.

"We'll see how far apart we are," Marshall said. "There will be a lot of talks between the two staffs, the two ag committee staffs, as well and see where we can close the gap. There really aren't very many legislative days left up here this summer. We have an election in November. I understand. We'll see if we can mark up something here in the next month or so. It will probably be this summer."

If the deal doesn't get done by the deadline, there is still the idea of a short term continuation of the current bill, which has already been extended for a sixth year, at least to past the election. Ag state legislators really don't want that, as they'd like more certainty, if possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718131641346.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL&nbsp;Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Senate Republicans released their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Senate%20Republican%20Framework%20Short%20Summary.pdf">Farm Bill framework</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, and Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall held a press availability on Zoom to talk about it.&nbsp;"This Farm Bill touches, I would think, every Kansan, in some way, somehow," Marshall said. "What are the next steps? I would explain it like this. A farmer goes in to buy a combine and he agrees with the dealer, all the ins and outs he wants, what type of header he wants on that combine. What we haven't agreed on yet is the price."It sounds like the difference really isn't that large, all things considered."The Democrats and Republicans, we both want strong crop insurance, we both want strong nutrition programs," Marshall said. "We want rural economic development. I think it's just a matter of where we're going to move some dollars from one place to the other and still keep this on budget, because our Farm Bill is completely paid for. We're not asking for any more monies. The Democrats Farm Bill has a request for, I think $20 or $30 billion more each year."Practically speaking, there's not a lot of legislative time between now and the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30."We'll see how far apart we are," Marshall said. "There will be a lot of talks between the two staffs, the two ag committee staffs, as well and see where we can close the gap. There really aren't very many legislative days left up here this summer. We have an election in November. I understand. We'll see if we can mark up something here in the next month or so. It will probably be this summer."If the deal doesn't get done by the deadline, there is still the idea of a short term continuation of the current bill, which has already been extended for a sixth year, at least to past the election. Ag state legislators really don't want that, as they'd like more certainty, if possible.

Senate Republicans release their Farm Bill framework

<a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu">By JACOB KLAUDT</a> K-State Research and Extension news service

Drought plaguing parts of Kansas created shorter wheat plants and thinner crop stands this year. In turn, Kansas State University wheat production specialist Romulo Lollato advises growers to make adjustments at harvest time.

“This year, the biggest cause for short wheat has been drought stress,” he said. “During springtime, the crop starts to go through a phase called stem elongation. That’s when plant height is determined. In certain areas, there was virtually no moisture, which caused the plants to be short.”

Not all areas of Kansas have experienced this level of drought. Lollato said irregular rain patterns gave rise to significant plant height differences across counties and even in the same fields.

“The Kansas crop is not uniformly short. A very sparse and variable rainfall distribution created these ‘waves’ within areas where tall and short plants occur, simultaneously, in those locations,” he said.

According to Lollato, producers can attach stripper headers to the front of their combines to effectively harvest small wheat plants. Stripper headers separate the grain head from the remaining plant. On the other hand, traditional headers detach plants halfway down their stems.

Lollato said, “Essentially, they have fingers on them. Those fingers pluck the heads out from the stem. The stripper headers feed the combine with only the wheat heads, which means having a cleaner product go into the combine, with increased efficiency.”

Harvesting low-standing wheat plants with a stripper header can help improve soil quality in semi-arid areas.

“They leave more crop residue behind. It will act as a barrier against weeds and shade the fields, which cools soil temperatures and delays weed emergence. Moisture retention is another important advantage. Stripper headers reduce water loss through evaporation, runoff and erosion.”

If a producer uses a stripper header this year, future crops have the potential to benefit as well, according to Lollato.

“There is a lot of value in having more residue left in the fields,” he said. “When growers plant wheat directly into that crop residue after this year’s harvest, they get all of those benefits, like added moisture, weed control, and erosion reduction, which can help return a very good dollar amount the following summer.”

Conventional headers remain as another workable solution for operations not able to invest in additional implements.

“A stripper header is a pricey investment,” Lollato said. “However, there might be more challenges operating with a conventional header – especially on ground with a great slope – but they still work in this case.”

Making alterations to a traditional header may yield better results when harvesting stunted wheat fields with them.

“The most important thing to keep in mind is to maintain the cutting height as high as possible. You can also adjust the reel on the header to get more movement of wheat from the cutter bar to the auger,” Lollato said.

Other combine headers appropriate for harvesting poorer quality wheat stands include draper and flex heads. More information on considerations for harvesting short wheat is available in the&nbsp;<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/considerations-when-harvesting-short-wheat-593-1">May 24 issue of the Agronomy eUpdate</a>, published weekly by the K-State Department of Agronomy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717505835672.jpeg" alt="Dry weather conditions have brought about a poorer wheat crop set to be harvested this summer. K-State wheat production specialist Romulo Lollato suggests specialized equipment to make the most of a tough situation. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Dry weather conditions have brought about a poorer wheat crop set to be harvested this summer. K-State wheat production specialist Romulo Lollato suggests specialized equipment to make the most of a tough situation. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu">By JACOB KLAUDT</a> K-State Research and Extension news serviceDrought plaguing parts of Kansas created shorter wheat plants and thinner crop stands this year. In turn, Kansas State University wheat production specialist Romulo Lollato advises growers to make adjustments at harvest time.“This year, the biggest cause for short wheat has been drought stress,” he said. “During springtime, the crop starts to go through a phase called stem elongation. That’s when plant height is determined. In certain areas, there was virtually no moisture, which caused the plants to be short.”Not all areas of Kansas have experienced this level of drought. Lollato said irregular rain patterns gave rise to significant plant height differences across counties and even in the same fields.“The Kansas crop is not uniformly short. A very sparse and variable rainfall distribution created these ‘waves’ within areas where tall and short plants occur, simultaneously, in those locations,” he said.According to Lollato, producers can attach stripper headers to the front of their combines to effectively harvest small wheat plants. Stripper headers separate the grain head from the remaining plant. On the other hand, traditional headers detach plants halfway down their stems.Lollato said, “Essentially, they have fingers on them. Those fingers pluck the heads out from the stem. The stripper headers feed the combine with only the wheat heads, which means having a cleaner product go into the combine, with increased efficiency.”Harvesting low-standing wheat plants with a stripper header can help improve soil quality in semi-arid areas.“They leave more crop residue behind. It will act as a barrier against weeds and shade the fields, which cools soil temperatures and delays weed emergence. Moisture retention is another important advantage. Stripper headers reduce water loss through evaporation, runoff and erosion.”If a producer uses a stripper header this year, future crops have the potential to benefit as well, according to Lollato.“There is a lot of value in having more residue left in the fields,” he said. “When growers plant wheat directly into that crop residue after this year’s harvest, they get all of those benefits, like added moisture, weed control, and erosion reduction, which can help return a very good dollar amount the following summer.”Conventional headers remain as another workable solution for operations not able to invest in additional implements.“A stripper header is a pricey investment,” Lollato said. “However, there might be more challenges operating with a conventional header – especially on ground with a great slope – but they still work in this case.”Making alterations to a traditional header may yield better results when harvesting stunted wheat fields with them.“The most important thing to keep in mind is to maintain the cutting height as high as possible. You can also adjust the reel on the header to get more movement of wheat from the cutter bar to the auger,” Lollato said.Other combine headers appropriate for harvesting poorer quality wheat stands include draper and flex heads. More information on considerations for harvesting short wheat is available in the&nbsp;<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/considerations-when-harvesting-short-wheat-593-1">May 24 issue of the Agronomy eUpdate</a>, published weekly by the K-State Department of Agronomy.

KSRE — Drought affected wheat fields call for supplemental equipment

The farmers and ranchers of the state’s leading agriculture advocacy organization today announced their endorsements of incumbent Rep. Tracey Mann in Kansas’ 1st&nbsp;District.

The formal endorsement came from Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) political action committee, Voters Organized to Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF), comprised of active farmer/rancher members elected by their peers from each of KFB’s 10 geographic districts.&nbsp;

The KFB VOTE FBF endorsement process began earlier this year with individual recommendations from the autonomous county Farm Bureau organizations.“Rep. Tracey Mann has represented the Big First with distinction,” Joe Newland, president of KFB says. “Feedback from county Farm Bureaus cited Rep. Mann’s continued outreach as one of the reasons members are confident he is the best choice for the 1st District.”

Kansas Farm Bureau’s VOTE FBF fund was established in 1993 to elect candidates who understand agriculture and advocate on its behalf. Since its inception, endorsed candidates have won their respective elections in more than 90 percent of races. To learn more about VOTE FBF, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=e950705bfb&amp;e=f3a072990a" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/votefbf</a>.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/48d5b028-8e16-42b6-9d11-a3542087d259">UPDATED: Saline County man arrested for alleged attempted murder</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575384916134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe farmers and ranchers of the state’s leading agriculture advocacy organization today announced their endorsements of incumbent Rep. Tracey Mann in Kansas’ 1st&nbsp;District.The formal endorsement came from Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) political action committee, Voters Organized to Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF), comprised of active farmer/rancher members elected by their peers from each of KFB’s 10 geographic districts.&nbsp;The KFB VOTE FBF endorsement process began earlier this year with individual recommendations from the autonomous county Farm Bureau organizations.“Rep. Tracey Mann has represented the Big First with distinction,” Joe Newland, president of KFB says. “Feedback from county Farm Bureaus cited Rep. Mann’s continued outreach as one of the reasons members are confident he is the best choice for the 1st District.”Kansas Farm Bureau’s VOTE FBF fund was established in 1993 to elect candidates who understand agriculture and advocate on its behalf. Since its inception, endorsed candidates have won their respective elections in more than 90 percent of races. To learn more about VOTE FBF, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=e950705bfb&amp;e=f3a072990a" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/votefbf</a>.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/48d5b028-8e16-42b6-9d11-a3542087d259">UPDATED: Saline County man arrested for alleged attempted murder</a>

KFB's VOTE FBF endorses Rep. Mann for re-election to U.S. House

K-State beef cattle veterinarians relay how to make the most of grazing warm and cool season grasses

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Pastures can be thought of in the same light as bank accounts. If an account holder withdraws a lot of money early in the year, then they’re left with nothing to spend on essential things down the line.

Beef producers who manage their pastureland in the same way can face similar repercussions.

Kansas State University veterinarians spoke about summer grazing management techniques that can keep pastures “in the black” on a recent episode of&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/05/24/international-visitors-summer-grazing-the-electronic-nose/">Cattle Chat</a>.

“When we have cool-season grasses right now, they should be doing pretty well in most parts of the country and are very productive. Our warm-season grasses, depending on where you are, maybe haven’t quite come on yet,” K-State veterinarian Brad White said. “We need to think about our plan because both of those types of grasses have what are called dry spells where they’re less productive.”

K-State nutritionist Phillip Lancaster suggests introducing annual warm-season grasses to help balance out a pasture’s nutritional value when cool-season plants start to decline.

“Adding some annual warm-season forages to your grazing land rotation can be very beneficial so that you get something that is peaking in production when cool-season grasses are slowing down because of the heat,” he said.

Lancaster added: “When we get into the July and August timeframe, the cool-season grasses are not able to tolerate the heat, so their productivity slows way down.”

After cattle have grazed down cool-season plants, planting warm-season grasses like sorghum-sudangrass, pearl millet or crabgrass straight into those pastures, or overseeding, serves as a great option for grazing cattle, according to Lancaster.

“Crabgrass is actually a very good (plant) that doesn’t have the potential to introduce some of the animal health problems that sorghum-sudangrass can with nitrate toxicity, but those are still some good options as we’re thinking about planting.”

For producers who employ a rotational grazing plan, frequently monitoring the growth of the plants within a pasture plays a key part in keeping grass in good condition.

“As you’re rotating to new pastures, paying attention to previously grazed pastures and how they are recovering and regrowing can kind of tell you how fast you need to rotate animals to maintain that plant in kind of a vegetative state,” Lancaster said.

White agreed and added: “In terms of your pasture movement, some of those things need to be sped up or slowed down based on conditions. There’s no static.”

To capture the full benefits of grazing the cool-season plants within a pasture, it’s important they stay immature for as long as possible.

“One of our goals in some of these cool-season forage systems is to try to minimize that plant going into a reproductive stage,” Lancaster said.

White added: “So, keep it from going to seed and getting ‘stemmy.’”

To learn more about summer grazing, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/05/24/international-visitors-summer-grazing-the-electronic-nose/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716903644688.jpeg" alt="Summer grazing horz.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Summer grazing horz.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State beef cattle veterinarians relay how to make the most of grazing warm and cool season grasses</h2><a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu">By JACOB KLAUDT</a> K-State Research and Extension news serviceMANHATTAN, Kan. — Pastures can be thought of in the same light as bank accounts. If an account holder withdraws a lot of money early in the year, then they’re left with nothing to spend on essential things down the line.Beef producers who manage their pastureland in the same way can face similar repercussions.Kansas State University veterinarians spoke about summer grazing management techniques that can keep pastures “in the black” on a recent episode of&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/05/24/international-visitors-summer-grazing-the-electronic-nose/">Cattle Chat</a>.“When we have cool-season grasses right now, they should be doing pretty well in most parts of the country and are very productive. Our warm-season grasses, depending on where you are, maybe haven’t quite come on yet,” K-State veterinarian Brad White said. “We need to think about our plan because both of those types of grasses have what are called dry spells where they’re less productive.”<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0s9EjyFvr7UhVXad1z1FRe?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>K-State nutritionist Phillip Lancaster suggests introducing annual warm-season grasses to help balance out a pasture’s nutritional value when cool-season plants start to decline.“Adding some annual warm-season forages to your grazing land rotation can be very beneficial so that you get something that is peaking in production when cool-season grasses are slowing down because of the heat,” he said.Lancaster added: “When we get into the July and August timeframe, the cool-season grasses are not able to tolerate the heat, so their productivity slows way down.”After cattle have grazed down cool-season plants, planting warm-season grasses like sorghum-sudangrass, pearl millet or crabgrass straight into those pastures, or overseeding, serves as a great option for grazing cattle, according to Lancaster.“Crabgrass is actually a very good (plant) that doesn’t have the potential to introduce some of the animal health problems that sorghum-sudangrass can with nitrate toxicity, but those are still some good options as we’re thinking about planting.”For producers who employ a rotational grazing plan, frequently monitoring the growth of the plants within a pasture plays a key part in keeping grass in good condition.“As you’re rotating to new pastures, paying attention to previously grazed pastures and how they are recovering and regrowing can kind of tell you how fast you need to rotate animals to maintain that plant in kind of a vegetative state,” Lancaster said.White agreed and added: “In terms of your pasture movement, some of those things need to be sped up or slowed down based on conditions. There’s no static.”To capture the full benefits of grazing the cool-season plants within a pasture, it’s important they stay immature for as long as possible.“One of our goals in some of these cool-season forage systems is to try to minimize that plant going into a reproductive stage,” Lancaster said.White added: “So, keep it from going to seed and getting ‘stemmy.’”To learn more about summer grazing, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/05/24/international-visitors-summer-grazing-the-electronic-nose/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Summer grazing

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-winter/">ALLISON WINTER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON — Republicans moved their long-awaited new farm bill through the U.S. House Agriculture Committee this week, despite opposition from most Democrats that could stall further advancement of the bill.

The massive $1.5 trillion legislation would set policy and funding levels for key food, agriculture and conservation programs for the next five years. After a marathon markup Thursday, the GOP-authored bill cleared the committee after midnight Friday, 33-21, with four Democratic votes.

The committee’s bill would increase farm “safety net” payments for some commodity crops, expand eligibility for disaster assistance and increase funding for speciality crops, organic farmers and dairy farmers.

It is expected to cost $1.5 trillion over 10 years. A title-by-title summary of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/discussion_draft_ffns.pdf">942-page bill</a>&nbsp;can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf">here</a>.

Democrats Don Davis of North Carolina, Sanford Bishop of Georgia, Yadira Caraveo of Colorado and Eric Sorenson of Illinois&nbsp;joined all committee Republicans to vote to advance the bill.

After hours of heated debate and criticism from Democrats, support from the four lawmakers across the aisle seemed to surprise House Agriculture Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican who was the bill’s primary sponsor.

His microphone picked up his aside as the vote concluded: “That was bipartisan. I did not see that one coming.”

But the tepid Democratic support is likely not enough to see this version of the bill through to final passage in the House.

A handful of Republicans typically oppose farm bills over fiscal concerns. And even Democrats who voted for the bill in the House committee said it needs major changes before it could make it into law.

The measure does not have support of Democrats in the Senate or the White House.

“Everyone knows that this bill would never become law. The Senate won’t accept it and the administration won’t accept it,” Rep. David Scott of Georgia, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said at the markup. “And while this bill is a giant misstep, it nevertheless begins our journey toward passing a farm bill.”

As the House committee debated the bill, Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow, the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said in an interview Thursday that the House proposal has no chance in the Senate.

“It tears up the farm and food coalition and does not have the votes to pass on the House floor. And certainly not in the Senate,” Stabenow told States Newsroom.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/usda-chief-voices-deep-concerns-over-us-house-gop-farm-bills-nutrition-cuts">said earlier this week</a>&nbsp;that the farm bill draft would damage the coalition that traditionally has united behind farm bills and “raises the real possibility of being unable to get a farm bill through the process.”

The committee vote – which came eight months after the previous farm bill expired – was the first step in what is expected to continue to be a protracted dispute over food and farm policy.

Many farm commodity groups have come out in support of the bill, but it faces opposition from hunger advocacy groups as well as fiscal conservatives.

Heritage Foundation, National Taxpayers Union and Taxpayers for Common Sense, along with Environmental Working Group, united this week to oppose the legislation, which they characterized as a government giveaway to favored special interests.

The groups, which span the ideological spectrum, contend the proposed legislation would spend tens of billions of dollars in subsidies that would overwhelmingly go to a relatively small number of farmers who grow certain commodity crops.

Historically, farm bills have brought together lawmakers across party lines, uniting on regional interests. The massive bill stitches together support for agriculture producers, energy and conservation programs on farmland and food and nutrition programs for families in need.

But committee members are deeply divided over limits on nutrition and climate programs that are the funding mechanisms for the Republican bill.

“This, on the policy side, is a very good bill,” Rep. Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat, said. “But on the payment side, how do you get to your math?”

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/05/24/u-s-house-panel-debates-nutrition-benefit-changes-farm-bill/">key dispute</a>&nbsp;for Democrats is a funding calculation that would place limits on the formula that calculates benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, the food aid program formerly referred to as food stamps.

“One of the reasons it is so hard to negotiate the little items on this bill is because the big items and the funding mechanism are so fundamentally flawed,” Maine Democrat Chellie Pingree said.

The bill would limit future updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, the formula that calculates benefits for SNAP. This would result in a nearly $30 billion reduction in spending over ten years, based on the estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, lawmakers say.

“If we want a farm bill that is able to pass into law with the bipartisan levels that it requires to pass beyond this committee, it is necessary that we go back to the negotiating table and remove this provision,” Caraveo said.

Caraveo, who faces a tough re-election in a toss-up district, ultimately voted in favor of the bill.

Connecticut Democrat Jahana Hayes offered an amendment that would have struck the changes to the program. But after more than two hours of impassioned debate on the issue Thursday night, the amendment failed on a party-line vote, 25-29.

The farm bill has to remain budget neutral, so lawmakers must fit their proposals into a baseline projection of how much the government would spend over the next 10 years if the current farm bill was extended.

The House Republican bill would offset increases in payments for farmers by placing limits on SNAP and a discretionary account at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The committee-passed bill would put limits on USDA’s discretionary Commodity Credit Corporation account and would remove climate-smart policy requirements for about $13 billion in conservation projects funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.

“Farmers agree that this is good money that has come to all of our states, and is critically important,” Pingree said. “So taking away this authority from one Agriculture secretary maybe because you don’t like one program is completely misguided. It’s not thinking into the future.”

On the Senate side, Stabenow released an outline of her own&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/dem/press/release/chairwoman-stabenow-unveils-the-rural-prosperity-and-food-security-act">proposal</a>&nbsp;for the farm bill in early May but said she is waiting for language from Republicans before they can move forward.

Among other things, Stabenow’s bill would boost eligibility for nutrition programs for low-income people like SNAP. Stabenow made public a summary of the bill, but not legislative text.

Arkansas Republican John Boozman, the Senate Agriculture Committee’s top Republican, said Thursday he supports the direction on the farm bill from the House Agriculture Committee but was not optimistic about swift movement in his chamber.

“We’ve got a lot of headwinds,” Boozman said in an interview with&nbsp;States Newsroom&nbsp;Thursday.

Boozman said he plans to release language in the coming weeks but indicated lawmakers might be headed toward another extension if they cannot make progress swiftly.

“When I visit with the farm groups, I think their attitude is that rather than just doing something, if it’s not meaningful, we’re better off waiting,” Boozman told States Newsroom. “This is a five-year commitment. And, again, if we’re not going to do meaningful changes, to improve the safety of the farmers, it’s probably not worth doing.”

The farm bill is generally considered “must-pass” legislation. Lawmakers must rewrite the sweeping legislation every five years to set mandatory funding levels and policy. The current farm bill expired at the end of September 2023 but most programs have continued through extensions.

The current extension lasts until the end of September, but it is not clear if lawmakers will make that deadline – especially as attention turns to election campaigns over the summer and fall.

The farm bill votes could be fuel in upcoming elections.

As the House committee debated the measure Thursday, the GOP candidate in the Michigan U.S. Senate race to replace Stabenow criticized Democratic candidate and committee member Elissa Slotkin for her stance on the bill. Republican Mike Rogers took to X (formerly Twitter) to say Slotkin had not focused enough on the bill.

While the House committee engaged in 13 hours of debate on the farm bill markup, both Democrats and Republicans acknowledged that there would need to be more negotiations on the bill before it could become law.

Rep. Frank Lucas, an Oklahoma Republican and longtime committee member who chaired the panel from 2011 to 2015, characterized the committee vote as “the first step of a long journey.”

“Now, ultimately, ultimately, we must work with each other to advance a comprehensive committee product,” Lucas said.

“As we begin this process, I want to remind all my colleagues, the real struggle is not here in the Ag Committee, but on the floor of the United States House and in the conference committee. We will sort out our differences with the United States Senate.”

Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589039066122.png" alt="&nbsp;The U.S. House Agriculture Committee approved a bill this week to renew farm and nutrition programs, the the measure faces a tough road to becoming law. File photo" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The U.S. House Agriculture Committee approved a bill this week to renew farm and nutrition programs, the the measure faces a tough road to becoming law. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-winter/">ALLISON WINTER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — Republicans moved their long-awaited new farm bill through the U.S. House Agriculture Committee this week, despite opposition from most Democrats that could stall further advancement of the bill.The massive $1.5 trillion legislation would set policy and funding levels for key food, agriculture and conservation programs for the next five years. After a marathon markup Thursday, the GOP-authored bill cleared the committee after midnight Friday, 33-21, with four Democratic votes.The committee’s bill would increase farm “safety net” payments for some commodity crops, expand eligibility for disaster assistance and increase funding for speciality crops, organic farmers and dairy farmers.It is expected to cost $1.5 trillion over 10 years. A title-by-title summary of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/discussion_draft_ffns.pdf">942-page bill</a>&nbsp;can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf">here</a>.Democrats Don Davis of North Carolina, Sanford Bishop of Georgia, Yadira Caraveo of Colorado and Eric Sorenson of Illinois&nbsp;joined all committee Republicans to vote to advance the bill.After hours of heated debate and criticism from Democrats, support from the four lawmakers across the aisle seemed to surprise House Agriculture Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican who was the bill’s primary sponsor.His microphone picked up his aside as the vote concluded: “That was bipartisan. I did not see that one coming.”<h2>Changes ahead</h2>But the tepid Democratic support is likely not enough to see this version of the bill through to final passage in the House.A handful of Republicans typically oppose farm bills over fiscal concerns. And even Democrats who voted for the bill in the House committee said it needs major changes before it could make it into law.The measure does not have support of Democrats in the Senate or the White House.“Everyone knows that this bill would never become law. The Senate won’t accept it and the administration won’t accept it,” Rep. David Scott of Georgia, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said at the markup. “And while this bill is a giant misstep, it nevertheless begins our journey toward passing a farm bill.”As the House committee debated the bill, Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow, the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said in an interview Thursday that the House proposal has no chance in the Senate.“It tears up the farm and food coalition and does not have the votes to pass on the House floor. And certainly not in the Senate,” Stabenow told States Newsroom.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/usda-chief-voices-deep-concerns-over-us-house-gop-farm-bills-nutrition-cuts">said earlier this week</a>&nbsp;that the farm bill draft would damage the coalition that traditionally has united behind farm bills and “raises the real possibility of being unable to get a farm bill through the process.”The committee vote – which came eight months after the previous farm bill expired – was the first step in what is expected to continue to be a protracted dispute over food and farm policy.Many farm commodity groups have come out in support of the bill, but it faces opposition from hunger advocacy groups as well as fiscal conservatives.Heritage Foundation, National Taxpayers Union and Taxpayers for Common Sense, along with Environmental Working Group, united this week to oppose the legislation, which they characterized as a government giveaway to favored special interests.The groups, which span the ideological spectrum, contend the proposed legislation would spend tens of billions of dollars in subsidies that would overwhelmingly go to a relatively small number of farmers who grow certain commodity crops.<h2>Funding dispute</h2>Historically, farm bills have brought together lawmakers across party lines, uniting on regional interests. The massive bill stitches together support for agriculture producers, energy and conservation programs on farmland and food and nutrition programs for families in need.But committee members are deeply divided over limits on nutrition and climate programs that are the funding mechanisms for the Republican bill.“This, on the policy side, is a very good bill,” Rep. Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat, said. “But on the payment side, how do you get to your math?”The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/05/24/u-s-house-panel-debates-nutrition-benefit-changes-farm-bill/">key dispute</a>&nbsp;for Democrats is a funding calculation that would place limits on the formula that calculates benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, the food aid program formerly referred to as food stamps.“One of the reasons it is so hard to negotiate the little items on this bill is because the big items and the funding mechanism are so fundamentally flawed,” Maine Democrat Chellie Pingree said.The bill would limit future updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, the formula that calculates benefits for SNAP. This would result in a nearly $30 billion reduction in spending over ten years, based on the estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, lawmakers say.“If we want a farm bill that is able to pass into law with the bipartisan levels that it requires to pass beyond this committee, it is necessary that we go back to the negotiating table and remove this provision,” Caraveo said.Caraveo, who faces a tough re-election in a toss-up district, ultimately voted in favor of the bill.Connecticut Democrat Jahana Hayes offered an amendment that would have struck the changes to the program. But after more than two hours of impassioned debate on the issue Thursday night, the amendment failed on a party-line vote, 25-29.The farm bill has to remain budget neutral, so lawmakers must fit their proposals into a baseline projection of how much the government would spend over the next 10 years if the current farm bill was extended.The House Republican bill would offset increases in payments for farmers by placing limits on SNAP and a discretionary account at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The committee-passed bill would put limits on USDA’s discretionary Commodity Credit Corporation account and would remove climate-smart policy requirements for about $13 billion in conservation projects funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.“Farmers agree that this is good money that has come to all of our states, and is critically important,” Pingree said. “So taking away this authority from one Agriculture secretary maybe because you don’t like one program is completely misguided. It’s not thinking into the future.”<h2>Slow Senate progress</h2>On the Senate side, Stabenow released an outline of her own&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/dem/press/release/chairwoman-stabenow-unveils-the-rural-prosperity-and-food-security-act">proposal</a>&nbsp;for the farm bill in early May but said she is waiting for language from Republicans before they can move forward.Among other things, Stabenow’s bill would boost eligibility for nutrition programs for low-income people like SNAP. Stabenow made public a summary of the bill, but not legislative text.Arkansas Republican John Boozman, the Senate Agriculture Committee’s top Republican, said Thursday he supports the direction on the farm bill from the House Agriculture Committee but was not optimistic about swift movement in his chamber.“We’ve got a lot of headwinds,” Boozman said in an interview with&nbsp;States Newsroom&nbsp;Thursday.Boozman said he plans to release language in the coming weeks but indicated lawmakers might be headed toward another extension if they cannot make progress swiftly.“When I visit with the farm groups, I think their attitude is that rather than just doing something, if it’s not meaningful, we’re better off waiting,” Boozman told States Newsroom. “This is a five-year commitment. And, again, if we’re not going to do meaningful changes, to improve the safety of the farmers, it’s probably not worth doing.”<h2>Election issue</h2>The farm bill is generally considered “must-pass” legislation. Lawmakers must rewrite the sweeping legislation every five years to set mandatory funding levels and policy. The current farm bill expired at the end of September 2023 but most programs have continued through extensions.The current extension lasts until the end of September, but it is not clear if lawmakers will make that deadline – especially as attention turns to election campaigns over the summer and fall.The farm bill votes could be fuel in upcoming elections.As the House committee debated the measure Thursday, the GOP candidate in the Michigan U.S. Senate race to replace Stabenow criticized Democratic candidate and committee member Elissa Slotkin for her stance on the bill. Republican Mike Rogers took to X (formerly Twitter) to say Slotkin had not focused enough on the bill.<h2>More negotiations ahead</h2>While the House committee engaged in 13 hours of debate on the farm bill markup, both Democrats and Republicans acknowledged that there would need to be more negotiations on the bill before it could become law.Rep. Frank Lucas, an Oklahoma Republican and longtime committee member who chaired the panel from 2011 to 2015, characterized the committee vote as “the first step of a long journey.”“Now, ultimately, ultimately, we must work with each other to advance a comprehensive committee product,” Lucas said.“As we begin this process, I want to remind all my colleagues, the real struggle is not here in the Ag Committee, but on the floor of the United States House and in the conference committee. We will sort out our differences with the United States Senate.”Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.

Farm bill advances from U.S. House panel but faces a tough row to hoe

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With Thursday scheduled as the day for the markup of the next five-year Farm Bill in the House Agriculture Committee, Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann went to the House floor to praise the initial product that he has seen thus far heading into the process.

Mr. Speaker, this is a week that farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in my state have long-awaited. The House Agriculture Committee will finally markup a five-year Farm Bill. I want to start by saying thank you to Chairman G.T. Thompson for leading the committee in developing a bipartisan, comprehensive, fiscally conservative Farm Bill that gives our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers the certainty they deserve.

Around this time last year, the Chairman and I hosted a Farm Bill listening session in the middle of a wheat field in my District. We heard from 150 Kansans about their priorities for a Farm Bill. They were clear—they need a Farm Bill that gives them certainty as they work day-in and day-out to feed, clothe, and fuel the world. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act does just that.

This Farm Bill strengthens the farm safety net and protects crop insurance. Agricultural producers in Kansas understand firsthand how important that is. In February 2021, Kansas had 13 consecutive days of below freezing temperatures which was a 40-year record. Our producers worked around the clock to protect their cattle and ensure they survived. Just last summer, drought and market conditions in Kansas caused producers to abandon the highest number of acres of wheat since World War One. Wheat farmers have seen a 35% decrease in production in the last year as a result. Mr. Speaker, the reality is Mother Nature is a very difficult business partner. One bad crop year could put the livelihood of our producers and their families at risk. This Farm Bill gives these hardworking individuals more certainty by strengthening the farm safety net, adjusting reference prices, and modernizing the Livestock Indemnity Program, dairy supports, and Conservation Reserve Program.

The committee’s Farm Bill also maintains American food independence and invests tax dollars in places we can see a return on those dollars. America is the freest country in the world, in part because we have never had to rely on another country to feed us. At the heart of that independence is agricultural research and innovation.

The Big First is home to some of the crown jewels of the animal health corridor—Kansas State University and the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. These institutions give the nation a scientific hub of world renown research. Kansas State University is conducting groundbreaking research into areas, including new heat-tolerant wheat varieties and higher yielding sorghum. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s state-of-the-art National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas, will conduct research into serious animal disease threats and be an important backstop in protecting our nation’s food supply. This work, and America’s continued ability to feed ourselves for generations to come, depend on a five-year Farm Bill that prioritizes food security as national security.

Mr. Speaker, this Farm Bill makes robust investments in the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development cooperator programs that ensure our American producers remain in the international marketplace. It proactively addresses issues like deferred maintenance costs at land-grant institutions and the country’s veterinarian shortage before the problem gets worse.

I’ve been to this floor nearly thirty times to push for my priorities in the Farm Bill—to protect and strengthen crop insurance, promote trade programs that help America remain competitive and secure, conduct rigorous oversight of the executive branch to fight big government overreach, and invest in agricultural research at America’s land-grant universities.&nbsp;I’m pleased that the Farm, Food, and National Security Act does just that.

We need to pass a five-year, fiscally conservative Farm Bill long enough to provide certainty and short enough for Congress to respond to market changes. Farm Bills feed every corner of the nation from New England to the islands of Hawaii, both our coasts, down to the Gulf, and even the heartland of the country, including Kansas.&nbsp;American agricultural producers and consumers are counting on it. The legislation we markup this week will have ripple effects for the next half-decade. This body, and Congress, must use this legislation to address the concerns we have all heard over the last several years.

When we kicked off our Farm Bill listening session last year there were three combines parked behind us – John Deere, Case, and Gleaner. When you grow up on a farm, you’re born into a loyalty to one of these trusted American brands. They have different styles and features, but they are all designed to do the same thing – harvest. Our listening session that day, and the bill the House Agriculture Committee markup this week are no different. We all have different priorities and backgrounds, but we’re all here to do the same thing – harvest, work hard, and effectively churn out a product – the Farm Bill.&nbsp;American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers deserve it, America’s food and national security depend on it, and Congress must deliver it.

This Farm Bill is something our agricultural community can be proud of. It&nbsp;puts&nbsp;dollars in places where Americans&nbsp;can see&nbsp;a good return on&nbsp;their&nbsp;investment. It tightens budgets and reins in reckless spending that doesn’t serve taxpayers. Most importantly, this&nbsp;bill ensures that American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers can continue to keep us all fed, fueled, and clothed.&nbsp;The Farm, Food, and National Security Act&nbsp;is the first step in the right direction, and I look forward to this week’s markup.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716456651202.jpeg" alt="Mann Farm Bill Speech May 22, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Mann Farm Bill Speech May 22, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Congressman Tracey MannWASHINGTON, D.C. — With Thursday scheduled as the day for the markup of the next five-year Farm Bill in the House Agriculture Committee, Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann went to the House floor to praise the initial product that he has seen thus far heading into the process.<div><iframe width="927" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7E3VgSiXMpc" title="Mann Champions Agricultural Community, Fiscally-Conservative Farm Bill" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Mann's remarks are below:Mr. Speaker, this is a week that farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in my state have long-awaited. The House Agriculture Committee will finally markup a five-year Farm Bill. I want to start by saying thank you to Chairman G.T. Thompson for leading the committee in developing a bipartisan, comprehensive, fiscally conservative Farm Bill that gives our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers the certainty they deserve.Around this time last year, the Chairman and I hosted a Farm Bill listening session in the middle of a wheat field in my District. We heard from 150 Kansans about their priorities for a Farm Bill. They were clear—they need a Farm Bill that gives them certainty as they work day-in and day-out to feed, clothe, and fuel the world. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act does just that.This Farm Bill strengthens the farm safety net and protects crop insurance. Agricultural producers in Kansas understand firsthand how important that is. In February 2021, Kansas had 13 consecutive days of below freezing temperatures which was a 40-year record. Our producers worked around the clock to protect their cattle and ensure they survived. Just last summer, drought and market conditions in Kansas caused producers to abandon the highest number of acres of wheat since World War One. Wheat farmers have seen a 35% decrease in production in the last year as a result. Mr. Speaker, the reality is Mother Nature is a very difficult business partner. One bad crop year could put the livelihood of our producers and their families at risk. This Farm Bill gives these hardworking individuals more certainty by strengthening the farm safety net, adjusting reference prices, and modernizing the Livestock Indemnity Program, dairy supports, and Conservation Reserve Program.The committee’s Farm Bill also maintains American food independence and invests tax dollars in places we can see a return on those dollars. America is the freest country in the world, in part because we have never had to rely on another country to feed us. At the heart of that independence is agricultural research and innovation.The Big First is home to some of the crown jewels of the animal health corridor—Kansas State University and the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. These institutions give the nation a scientific hub of world renown research. Kansas State University is conducting groundbreaking research into areas, including new heat-tolerant wheat varieties and higher yielding sorghum. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s state-of-the-art National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas, will conduct research into serious animal disease threats and be an important backstop in protecting our nation’s food supply. This work, and America’s continued ability to feed ourselves for generations to come, depend on a five-year Farm Bill that prioritizes food security as national security.Mr. Speaker, this Farm Bill makes robust investments in the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development cooperator programs that ensure our American producers remain in the international marketplace. It proactively addresses issues like deferred maintenance costs at land-grant institutions and the country’s veterinarian shortage before the problem gets worse.I’ve been to this floor nearly thirty times to push for my priorities in the Farm Bill—to protect and strengthen crop insurance, promote trade programs that help America remain competitive and secure, conduct rigorous oversight of the executive branch to fight big government overreach, and invest in agricultural research at America’s land-grant universities.&nbsp;I’m pleased that the Farm, Food, and National Security Act does just that.We need to pass a five-year, fiscally conservative Farm Bill long enough to provide certainty and short enough for Congress to respond to market changes. Farm Bills feed every corner of the nation from New England to the islands of Hawaii, both our coasts, down to the Gulf, and even the heartland of the country, including Kansas.&nbsp;American agricultural producers and consumers are counting on it. The legislation we markup this week will have ripple effects for the next half-decade. This body, and Congress, must use this legislation to address the concerns we have all heard over the last several years.When we kicked off our Farm Bill listening session last year there were three combines parked behind us – John Deere, Case, and Gleaner. When you grow up on a farm, you’re born into a loyalty to one of these trusted American brands. They have different styles and features, but they are all designed to do the same thing – harvest. Our listening session that day, and the bill the House Agriculture Committee markup this week are no different. We all have different priorities and backgrounds, but we’re all here to do the same thing – harvest, work hard, and effectively churn out a product – the Farm Bill.&nbsp;American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers deserve it, America’s food and national security depend on it, and Congress must deliver it.This Farm Bill is something our agricultural community can be proud of. It&nbsp;puts&nbsp;dollars in places where Americans&nbsp;can see&nbsp;a good return on&nbsp;their&nbsp;investment. It tightens budgets and reins in reckless spending that doesn’t serve taxpayers. Most importantly, this&nbsp;bill ensures that American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers can continue to keep us all fed, fueled, and clothed.&nbsp;The Farm, Food, and National Security Act&nbsp;is the first step in the right direction, and I look forward to this week’s markup.

🎥 WATCH: Mann praises House initial Farm Bill version

WASHINGTON (AP) —A Michigan dairy worker has been diagnosed with bird flu — the second human case associated with an outbreak in U.S. dairy cows.

The worker had been in contact with cows presumed to be infected, experienced mild eye symptoms and has recovered, U.S. and Michigan health officials said in announcing the case Wednesday. A nasal swab from the person tested negative for the virus, but an eye swab tested positive, “indicating an eye infection," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.

The risk to the public remains low, but farmworkers exposed to infected animals are at higher risk, health officials said. They said those workers should be offered protective equipment, especially for their eyes.

The first case happened in late March, when a farmworker in Texas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-texas-cows-355f1e288e72df8b81b0e2efd8b3ae2f">was diagnosed</a>&nbsp;in what officials called the first known instance globally of a person catching this version of bird flu from a mammal. That patient also reported only eye inflammation and recovered.

Since 2020, a bird flu virus has been spreading among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disease-outbreaks-hong-kong-health-bird-flu-animals-75e5d058e0fda23b5359f66cafb74cdf">more animal species</a>&nbsp;— including dogs, cats, skunks, bears and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seals-bird-flu-deaths-oceans-80184a8793fbcc21fab01b1c90b0d71b">seals</a>&nbsp;and porpoises — in scores of countries. The detection&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-cattle-usda-kansas-texas-c3040bb31a9a8293717d47362f006902">in U.S. livestock</a>&nbsp;earlier this year was an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-farmers-barb-petersen-07bd5accb01441bc5d279464271d2371">unexpected twist</a>&nbsp;that sparked questions about food safety and whether it would start spreading among humans.

That hasn't happened, although there's been a steady increase of reported infections in cows. As of Wednesday, the virus&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock">had been confirmed</a>&nbsp;in 51 dairy herds in nine states, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. Fifteen of the herds were in Michigan.

Health officials in Michigan have declined to say how many people exposed to infected cattle have been tested or monitored. U.S. officials said they had tested 40 people since the first cow cases were discovered in late March.

The CDC's Dr. Nirav Shah praised Michigan officials for actively monitoring farmworkers. He said health officials there have been sending daily text messages to workers exposed to infected cows asking about possible symptoms, and that the effort helped officials catch this infection. He said no other workers had reported symptoms.

USDA is expanding financial incentives to dairy farmers whose herds have not yet been infected with the virus, Eric Deeble. a federal agriculture official, said Wednesday.

The virus has been found in high levels in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-raw-milk-h5n1-6398d2eda26eb41797ee2700cf9d036b">raw milk</a>&nbsp;of infected cows, but government officials say pasteurized products sold in grocery stores are safe because heat treatment has been confirmed to kill the virus.

The new case marks the third time a person in the United States has been diagnosed with what’s known as Type A H5N1 virus. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">picked it up</a>&nbsp;while killing infected birds at a poultry farm in Montrose County, Colorado. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered. That predated the virus’s appearance in cows.

WASHINGTON (AP) —A Michigan dairy worker has been diagnosed with bird flu — the second human case associated with an outbreak in U.S. dairy cows.The worker had been in contact with cows presumed to be infected, experienced mild eye symptoms and has recovered, U.S. and Michigan health officials said in announcing the case Wednesday. A nasal swab from the person tested negative for the virus, but an eye swab tested positive, “indicating an eye infection," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.The risk to the public remains low, but farmworkers exposed to infected animals are at higher risk, health officials said. They said those workers should be offered protective equipment, especially for their eyes.The first case happened in late March, when a farmworker in Texas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-texas-cows-355f1e288e72df8b81b0e2efd8b3ae2f">was diagnosed</a>&nbsp;in what officials called the first known instance globally of a person catching this version of bird flu from a mammal. That patient also reported only eye inflammation and recovered.Since 2020, a bird flu virus has been spreading among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disease-outbreaks-hong-kong-health-bird-flu-animals-75e5d058e0fda23b5359f66cafb74cdf">more animal species</a>&nbsp;— including dogs, cats, skunks, bears and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seals-bird-flu-deaths-oceans-80184a8793fbcc21fab01b1c90b0d71b">seals</a>&nbsp;and porpoises — in scores of countries. The detection&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-cattle-usda-kansas-texas-c3040bb31a9a8293717d47362f006902">in U.S. livestock</a>&nbsp;earlier this year was an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-dairy-farmers-barb-petersen-07bd5accb01441bc5d279464271d2371">unexpected twist</a>&nbsp;that sparked questions about food safety and whether it would start spreading among humans.That hasn't happened, although there's been a steady increase of reported infections in cows. As of Wednesday, the virus&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock">had been confirmed</a>&nbsp;in 51 dairy herds in nine states, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. Fifteen of the herds were in Michigan.Health officials in Michigan have declined to say how many people exposed to infected cattle have been tested or monitored. U.S. officials said they had tested 40 people since the first cow cases were discovered in late March.The CDC's Dr. Nirav Shah praised Michigan officials for actively monitoring farmworkers. He said health officials there have been sending daily text messages to workers exposed to infected cows asking about possible symptoms, and that the effort helped officials catch this infection. He said no other workers had reported symptoms.USDA is expanding financial incentives to dairy farmers whose herds have not yet been infected with the virus, Eric Deeble. a federal agriculture official, said Wednesday.The virus has been found in high levels in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-raw-milk-h5n1-6398d2eda26eb41797ee2700cf9d036b">raw milk</a>&nbsp;of infected cows, but government officials say pasteurized products sold in grocery stores are safe because heat treatment has been confirmed to kill the virus.The new case marks the third time a person in the United States has been diagnosed with what’s known as Type A H5N1 virus. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">picked it up</a>&nbsp;while killing infected birds at a poultry farm in Montrose County, Colorado. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered. That predated the virus’s appearance in cows.

Another farmworker diagnosed with bird flu tied to dairy cows

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina Post

The parking lot that City Lights Stage calls home had a new look on Saturday — tents and tables filled that space with about a dozen vendors for the season's first Farm and Art Market Downtown.

"People are smiling, people are doing exactly what we wanted this market to be, they're talking to one another and being a community," said Salina Downtown, Inc. (SDI) Executive Director Leslie Bishop. "This parking lot is meant to look like this on a Saturday morning."

Familiar businesses like AJ Honey Farms, LLC, Shroom-Mates and Bowden Beef participated in the first market. Still, Bishop said there will be about 20 to 22 vendors in the next few weekends as produce ripens.

Wind River Farm, a local goat farm owned by Angela Price from Falun, joined in selling various goat milk soaps and balms to customers.

"It doesn't look like any first market that I've seen — there's a lot more traffic, a lot more vendors for the first ever, and so I expect good things from this market," Price said.&nbsp;"Salina Downtown showed me a few things&nbsp;of&nbsp;what&nbsp;their plans&nbsp;are&nbsp;for this area, and I'm very impressed and looking forward to sticking around."

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/dceab434-5a0f-431a-8951-c8413870c905">Salina City Commissioners 'OK' next steps for possible shade structure in Downtown Salina</a>

<a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket">The Farm and Art Market Downtown</a> aims to provide a space for all local Salina vendors to join in and sell their goods, art and other handmade items. More than 500 people stopped by the market on Saturday. Vendors sold-out of produce and craft goods within hours of the market's grand opening.&nbsp;

The market begins at 7:30 a.m. every Saturday during the summer and ends at noon at the City Lights Stage parking lot in downtown Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716240367749.jpeg" alt="Shoppers browse the local food and goods at the first Farm and Art Market Downtown on Saturday, May 18, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Shoppers browse the local food and goods at the first Farm and Art Market Downtown on Saturday, May 18, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Lead Reporter - Salina PostThe parking lot that City Lights Stage calls home had a new look on Saturday — tents and tables filled that space with about a dozen vendors for the season's first Farm and Art Market Downtown.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716240459097.jpeg" alt="Shroom-Mates owner Casey Andre (right) chats with a customer, Brian Metzger (left) about the ways to cook oyster mushrooms during the first Farm and Art Market Downtown on Saturday, May 18, near City Lights Stage in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Shroom-Mates owner Casey Andre (right) chats with a customer, Brian Metzger (left) about the ways to cook oyster mushrooms during the first Farm and Art Market Downtown on Saturday, May 18, near City Lights Stage in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"People are smiling, people are doing exactly what we wanted this market to be, they're talking to one another and being a community," said Salina Downtown, Inc. (SDI) Executive Director Leslie Bishop. "This parking lot is meant to look like this on a Saturday morning."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716240533015.jpeg" alt="Wind River Farm owner Angela Price (left) chats with a customer, Willow Leenders (right) about the benefits of using goat-milk soap during the first Farm and Art Market Downtown on Saturday, May 18, near City Lights Stage in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Wind River Farm owner Angela Price (left) chats with a customer, Willow Leenders (right) about the benefits of using goat-milk soap during the first Farm and Art Market Downtown on Saturday, May 18, near City Lights Stage in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Familiar businesses like AJ Honey Farms, LLC, Shroom-Mates and Bowden Beef participated in the first market. Still, Bishop said there will be about 20 to 22 vendors in the next few weekends as produce ripens.Wind River Farm, a local goat farm owned by Angela Price from Falun, joined in selling various goat milk soaps and balms to customers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716240588495.jpeg" alt="Wind River Farm goat-milk soaps lay out on a table ready for customers to browse during the first Farm and Art Market Downtown on Saturday, May 18, near City Lights Stage in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Wind River Farm goat-milk soaps lay out on a table ready for customers to browse during the first Farm and Art Market Downtown on Saturday, May 18, near City Lights Stage in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"It doesn't look like any first market that I've seen — there's a lot more traffic, a lot more vendors for the first ever, and so I expect good things from this market," Price said.&nbsp;"Salina Downtown showed me a few things&nbsp;of&nbsp;what&nbsp;their plans&nbsp;are&nbsp;for this area, and I'm very impressed and looking forward to sticking around."READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/dceab434-5a0f-431a-8951-c8413870c905">Salina City Commissioners 'OK' next steps for possible shade structure in Downtown Salina</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716240670046.jpeg" alt="AJ Honey Farms, LLC, wax melts stand ready for customers to browse during the first Farm and Art Market Downtown on Saturday, May 18, near City Lights Stage in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>AJ Honey Farms, LLC, wax melts stand ready for customers to browse during the first Farm and Art Market Downtown on Saturday, May 18, near City Lights Stage in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.salinadowntown.org/farmartmarket">The Farm and Art Market Downtown</a> aims to provide a space for all local Salina vendors to join in and sell their goods, art and other handmade items. More than 500 people stopped by the market on Saturday. Vendors sold-out of produce and craft goods within hours of the market's grand opening.&nbsp;The market begins at 7:30 a.m. every Saturday during the summer and ends at noon at the City Lights Stage parking lot in downtown Salina.

New Farm and Art Market Downtown, celebrating community with local small business

By MARSHA BOSWELL Kansas Wheat

On Wednesday, 69 people on the Wheat Quality Council’s 2024 winter wheat tour made their way from Colby to Wichita, Kansas, stopping in wheat fields along six different routes.

Wednesday’s wheat tour scouts made 216 stops at wheat fields across western, central and southern Kansas, and into northern counties in Oklahoma.

The calculated yield from all cars was 42.4 bushels per acre. Scouts were able to use the late season formula provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, which includes counting wheat heads, number of spikelets and kernels per spikelet. The yield formula doesn’t take disease, pests or weed pressure into consideration.

Romulo Lollato said the theme of the day was variability, even within fields. Groups saw a lot of drought stress and freeze damage, with some fields already being destroyed. Not as much stripe rust or Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus were observed on Wednesday, compared to Tuesday, likely due to drought conditions.

Farmers in the area reported that combines will probably start rolling by June 1 in south central Kansas, about seven to ten days earlier than average. There wasn’t as much fungicide applied in the southern areas of Kansas because the stripe rust started coming on in a later growth stage.

“This year is a testament to the wheat breeders and researchers and the work they’ve done,” said Derek Sawyer, who farms near McPherson. “This year, everything has been stressed across the state, but we’re still looking at a decent crop.”

Dennis Schoenhals from Oklahoma Wheat Commission reported that the state’s production was estimated at 96.2 million bushels this year, up from 68.6 million bushels last year, according to USDA’s NASS. USDA/NASS estimates the Oklahoma crop will yield 37 bushels per acre, compared with 28 last year. Harvested acres are estimated at 2.6 million acres. A tour of agronomists and others in the industry estimated the production slightly lower than the NASS estimate, at 89.3 million bushels and a yield of 33 bushels per acre. He said the Oklahoma wheat crop had good moisture through the end of January, but then they had an 83 day flash drought, which took the top end of the crop. He said it has had good, cool grainfill weather.

Wheat Tour 24 continues Thursday with six routes between Wichita and Manhattan. Follow along with the tour at #wheattour24. A final production estimate will be announced Thursday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684379707210.png" alt="Kansas Wheat Commission logo.PNG" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wheat Commission logo.PNG</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARSHA BOSWELL Kansas WheatOn Wednesday, 69 people on the Wheat Quality Council’s 2024 winter wheat tour made their way from Colby to Wichita, Kansas, stopping in wheat fields along six different routes.Wednesday’s wheat tour scouts made 216 stops at wheat fields across western, central and southern Kansas, and into northern counties in Oklahoma.The calculated yield from all cars was 42.4 bushels per acre. Scouts were able to use the late season formula provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, which includes counting wheat heads, number of spikelets and kernels per spikelet. The yield formula doesn’t take disease, pests or weed pressure into consideration.Romulo Lollato said the theme of the day was variability, even within fields. Groups saw a lot of drought stress and freeze damage, with some fields already being destroyed. Not as much stripe rust or Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus were observed on Wednesday, compared to Tuesday, likely due to drought conditions.Farmers in the area reported that combines will probably start rolling by June 1 in south central Kansas, about seven to ten days earlier than average. There wasn’t as much fungicide applied in the southern areas of Kansas because the stripe rust started coming on in a later growth stage.“This year is a testament to the wheat breeders and researchers and the work they’ve done,” said Derek Sawyer, who farms near McPherson. “This year, everything has been stressed across the state, but we’re still looking at a decent crop.”Dennis Schoenhals from Oklahoma Wheat Commission reported that the state’s production was estimated at 96.2 million bushels this year, up from 68.6 million bushels last year, according to USDA’s NASS. USDA/NASS estimates the Oklahoma crop will yield 37 bushels per acre, compared with 28 last year. Harvested acres are estimated at 2.6 million acres. A tour of agronomists and others in the industry estimated the production slightly lower than the NASS estimate, at 89.3 million bushels and a yield of 33 bushels per acre. He said the Oklahoma wheat crop had good moisture through the end of January, but then they had an 83 day flash drought, which took the top end of the crop. He said it has had good, cool grainfill weather.Wheat Tour 24 continues Thursday with six routes between Wichita and Manhattan. Follow along with the tour at #wheattour24. A final production estimate will be announced Thursday afternoon.

Day Two, Wheat Tour 2024

Participants on the northern routes of this year’s Hard Winter Wheat Tour saw some of the better-looking wheat that they’ve seen in years, while participants on the southern routes saw drought-stricken fields. They calculated yields based on head counts and number of spikelets in the heads; however, tour scouts saw stripe rust, wheat streak mosaic virus and freeze damage.

About 69 people from 19 U.S. states, traveled in 18 cars on six routes between Manhattan and Colby, Kan., Tuesday, stopping at wheat fields every 15-20 miles along the routes, as part of the Wheat Quality Council’s 66th Annual Hard Winter Wheat Evaluation Tour.

About half the participants had not been on the tour before. They were shown how to take yield measurements from tour alumni, using the formula provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). This formula is based on 2014-2023 Kansas wheat objective yield data. Farmers can calculate their own field estimates using the same formula with instructions at <a href="http://kswheat.com">kswheat.com</a>.

Every tour participant makes yield calculations at each stop based on three to four different area samplings per field. These individual estimates are averaged with the rest of their route mates, and eventually added to a formula that produces a final yield estimate for the areas along the routes. While yields tend to be the spotlight of the Wheat Quality Tour, the real benefit is the ability to network among the ‘grain chain.’ This tour gives Kansas farmers the chance to interact with and influence their customers around the globe, on the tour, as well as at the #wheattour24 hashtag.

Tuesday’s cars of wheat tour scouts made 206 stops at wheat fields across north central, central and northwest Kansas, and into southern counties in Nebraska. The calculated yield is based on what scouts saw at this point in time. A lot can happen between now and harvest. The calculated yield from all cars was 49.9 bushels per acre, which was above trendline yields and is representative of areas of the state that are not most impacted by drought conditions. Day 2 of the tour will travel through southwest and south central Kansas, areas that have missed out on any recent precipitation.

Statewide, based on May 1 conditions, Kansas' 2024 winter wheat crop is forecast at 267.9 million bushels, up 66 million bushels from last year's crop, according to NASS. Average yield is forecast at 38 bushels per acre, up 3 bushels from last year. Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated at 7.05 million acres, up from last year’s 5.75 million acres.

For the week ending May 12, 2024, Kansas winter wheat condition rated 13% very poor, 22% poor, 34% fair, 28% good and 3% excellent. Kansas winter wheat jointed was 97%, ahead of 84% last year and 89% for the five-year average. Headed was 73%, well ahead of 48% last year and 43% average. Coloring was 1%.

In addition to Kansas reports, scouts from Nebraska and Colorado met the group in Colby to give reports from their states.

Royce Schaneman from Nebraska Wheat Board reported that USDA estimates the Nebraska crop at 40.8 million bushels, which is up from 36.96 million bushels last year. Yield is estimated at 48 bushels per acre.

A report from Colorado estimated the crop at 72 million bushels, based on a yield of 44 bushels per acre and 2.1 million acres planted. This is lower than the May 1 USDA estimate of 81.4 million bushels, based on slightly higher abandonment. Last year’s production was 74.62 million bushels.

These estimates are for this year’s hard winter wheat crop during this current snapshot in time.

Wheat Tour 24 continues Wednesday with six routes between Colby and Wichita, Kansas.

&nbsp; For audio version, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wh3RpXx0B7_GSFOSgk9TbDT0PUf7PknksYYwErQIIByE7xDUcs0bl-fzj2rDrXGcg1MEcrlblvt_CItmrrAdjoTeTOEy2TcTcQe6dbRJI9aLc9JAWjlrhQXMXWquC4kQ6f86jrUMPY7jvA727Y4h5lckUuda-PSafG5Tmnr5oxI=&amp;c=qhcRUhPnrDxUN179bRLottIl5E0Zj4PaFVq7EIVdgchKUUIuPNH7Rw==&amp;ch=wl3YeHeqydKJiL_l6aJs51rBAqBcKklO8QYki-kYG9Ffpdi303E0yg==" target="_blank">kswheat.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wheat Commission logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wheat Commission logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas WheatParticipants on the northern routes of this year’s Hard Winter Wheat Tour saw some of the better-looking wheat that they’ve seen in years, while participants on the southern routes saw drought-stricken fields. They calculated yields based on head counts and number of spikelets in the heads; however, tour scouts saw stripe rust, wheat streak mosaic virus and freeze damage.About 69 people from 19 U.S. states, traveled in 18 cars on six routes between Manhattan and Colby, Kan., Tuesday, stopping at wheat fields every 15-20 miles along the routes, as part of the Wheat Quality Council’s 66th Annual Hard Winter Wheat Evaluation Tour.About half the participants had not been on the tour before. They were shown how to take yield measurements from tour alumni, using the formula provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). This formula is based on 2014-2023 Kansas wheat objective yield data. Farmers can calculate their own field estimates using the same formula with instructions at <a href="http://kswheat.com">kswheat.com</a>.Every tour participant makes yield calculations at each stop based on three to four different area samplings per field. These individual estimates are averaged with the rest of their route mates, and eventually added to a formula that produces a final yield estimate for the areas along the routes. While yields tend to be the spotlight of the Wheat Quality Tour, the real benefit is the ability to network among the ‘grain chain.’ This tour gives Kansas farmers the chance to interact with and influence their customers around the globe, on the tour, as well as at the #wheattour24 hashtag.Tuesday’s cars of wheat tour scouts made 206 stops at wheat fields across north central, central and northwest Kansas, and into southern counties in Nebraska. The calculated yield is based on what scouts saw at this point in time. A lot can happen between now and harvest. The calculated yield from all cars was 49.9 bushels per acre, which was above trendline yields and is representative of areas of the state that are not most impacted by drought conditions. Day 2 of the tour will travel through southwest and south central Kansas, areas that have missed out on any recent precipitation.Statewide, based on May 1 conditions, Kansas' 2024 winter wheat crop is forecast at 267.9 million bushels, up 66 million bushels from last year's crop, according to NASS. Average yield is forecast at 38 bushels per acre, up 3 bushels from last year. Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated at 7.05 million acres, up from last year’s 5.75 million acres.For the week ending May 12, 2024, Kansas winter wheat condition rated 13% very poor, 22% poor, 34% fair, 28% good and 3% excellent. Kansas winter wheat jointed was 97%, ahead of 84% last year and 89% for the five-year average. Headed was 73%, well ahead of 48% last year and 43% average. Coloring was 1%.In addition to Kansas reports, scouts from Nebraska and Colorado met the group in Colby to give reports from their states.Royce Schaneman from Nebraska Wheat Board reported that USDA estimates the Nebraska crop at 40.8 million bushels, which is up from 36.96 million bushels last year. Yield is estimated at 48 bushels per acre.A report from Colorado estimated the crop at 72 million bushels, based on a yield of 44 bushels per acre and 2.1 million acres planted. This is lower than the May 1 USDA estimate of 81.4 million bushels, based on slightly higher abandonment. Last year’s production was 74.62 million bushels.These estimates are for this year’s hard winter wheat crop during this current snapshot in time.Wheat Tour 24 continues Wednesday with six routes between Colby and Wichita, Kansas.&nbsp; For audio version, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wh3RpXx0B7_GSFOSgk9TbDT0PUf7PknksYYwErQIIByE7xDUcs0bl-fzj2rDrXGcg1MEcrlblvt_CItmrrAdjoTeTOEy2TcTcQe6dbRJI9aLc9JAWjlrhQXMXWquC4kQ6f86jrUMPY7jvA727Y4h5lckUuda-PSafG5Tmnr5oxI=&amp;c=qhcRUhPnrDxUN179bRLottIl5E0Zj4PaFVq7EIVdgchKUUIuPNH7Rw==&amp;ch=wl3YeHeqydKJiL_l6aJs51rBAqBcKklO8QYki-kYG9Ffpdi303E0yg==" target="_blank">kswheat.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;