K-State beef cattle experts offer tips for producers who are unable to manage cows on pastures

By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news service

Anyone who has ever raised a dog, knows that it can be a labor-intensive experience, from feeding them twice a day to keeping their kennels clear of waste to making sure they get enough exercise to be a healthy pup.

In much the same way, cows raised in confinement also require more human capital than those raised on pastures, according to the experts at Kansas State Univeristy’s Beef Cattle Institute, who spoke about this topic on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. Joining the crew for this discussion was K-State beef cattle extension specialist Jason Warner.

Warner said confinement “is anything that is in a fence or boundary, but often we think of it as cows in a dry lot or barn.” He said the reason producers opt for this system is often because of the price of land.

“High land costs are prohibitive for expansion, and in some areas, traditional grazing pastures have been turned into row crop production,” Warner said.

K-State agricultural economist Dustin Pendell agreed with Warner and added: “When you are competing for land that is used to grow corn and soybeans, even if it is marginal pasture land, it is hard to pencil out.”

Pendell said that producers who do raise their cows in confinement need to be aware of the higher labor expense compared to the cows raised out on pastures.

“Someone has got to be there to feed the cattle and there is a labor cost tied to that,” Pendell said.

Feed is another additional expense that comes with maintaining cattle in a restricted area, said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster.

“The feed costs will be higher in a confinement situation,” Lancaster said. “However, by limit- feeding a higher energy diet, producers can reduce the amount of forage needed and thereby reduce the amount of nutrients needed to maintain those cows.”

The other management difference between cows maintained on pastures versus confinement relates to sanitation, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

“Calves need to be born in a sanitary environment,” Larson said. “Producers must have a plan in place to deal with the mud and dirt because young calves are the most susceptible to a disease challenge that comes from an unsanitary environment.”

<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/12/consumer-ranking-of-beef-sustainability-attributes/">To hear the full discussion, listen to the Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703005846078.jpeg" alt="Cows kept in a confined area year-round have higher labor and feed costs associated with this production system." />
 <figcaption>Cows kept in a confined area year-round have higher labor and feed costs associated with this production system.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State beef cattle experts offer tips for producers who are unable to manage cows on pastures</h2>By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news serviceAnyone who has ever raised a dog, knows that it can be a labor-intensive experience, from feeding them twice a day to keeping their kennels clear of waste to making sure they get enough exercise to be a healthy pup.In much the same way, cows raised in confinement also require more human capital than those raised on pastures, according to the experts at Kansas State Univeristy’s Beef Cattle Institute, who spoke about this topic on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. Joining the crew for this discussion was K-State beef cattle extension specialist Jason Warner.Warner said confinement “is anything that is in a fence or boundary, but often we think of it as cows in a dry lot or barn.” He said the reason producers opt for this system is often because of the price of land.“High land costs are prohibitive for expansion, and in some areas, traditional grazing pastures have been turned into row crop production,” Warner said.K-State agricultural economist Dustin Pendell agreed with Warner and added: “When you are competing for land that is used to grow corn and soybeans, even if it is marginal pasture land, it is hard to pencil out.”Pendell said that producers who do raise their cows in confinement need to be aware of the higher labor expense compared to the cows raised out on pastures.“Someone has got to be there to feed the cattle and there is a labor cost tied to that,” Pendell said.Feed is another additional expense that comes with maintaining cattle in a restricted area, said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster.“The feed costs will be higher in a confinement situation,” Lancaster said. “However, by limit- feeding a higher energy diet, producers can reduce the amount of forage needed and thereby reduce the amount of nutrients needed to maintain those cows.”The other management difference between cows maintained on pastures versus confinement relates to sanitation, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.“Calves need to be born in a sanitary environment,” Larson said. “Producers must have a plan in place to deal with the mud and dirt because young calves are the most susceptible to a disease challenge that comes from an unsanitary environment.”<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/12/consumer-ranking-of-beef-sustainability-attributes/">To hear the full discussion, listen to the Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.</a>

Cattle Chat: Considerations for cows kept in confinement

K-State beef cattle experts share how to best manage bulls during this season

Many people know maintaining a healthy weight is one factor in an overall health plan, and weight maintenance is also important in the well-being of cattle, according to the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts who spoke on this topic on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/08/industry-inventory-counts-winter-cow-and-bull-management-research-round-up/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.

For spring-calving cow herds, oftentimes beef nutritionists are focused on maintaining the cows in an optimum body condition through gestation and into the calving season, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson. But he stressed that it is also important to make sure the bulls are managed to maintain a healthy weight.

“In the winter, a bull’s nutritional demands are similar to those of a cow in mid-gestation,” Larson said. “Poor quality forage alone will not meet his nutritional needs and so he may need to be given some protein supplement as well.”

Along with maintaining the bull’s weight, Larson recommends that producers manage them in a way that also protects their reproductive health from the winter weather.

“If bulls have had a rough winter, we may see scrotal frostbite and poor semen quality from those animals in the spring when we do their breeding soundness exams,” Larson said.

To keep this from happening, Larson recommends producers offer the bulls protection from the wind, allow them access to dry bedding and keep them away from the mud.

For producers who are introducing new bulls into the herd this winter, Larson said it is important to follow a biosecurity plan to reduce potential disease risk.

“I recommend producers quarantine all new animals for about 30 days so that they can watch for signs of illness during that time,” Larson said. “Oftentimes if a disease is going to break, it will show up in that time.”

He also offered one additional biosecurity tip.“It is also good to institute a vaccine program to make sure both the new cattle and the ones who have been in the herd for a while are following a similar health protocol,” Larson said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/08/industry-inventory-counts-winter-cow-and-bull-management-research-round-up/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702389421324.jpeg" alt="Bulls may need to be supplemented in the winter to maintain their body condition. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Bulls may need to be supplemented in the winter to maintain their body condition. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State beef cattle experts share how to best manage bulls during this season</h2>By LISA MOSER&nbsp;KSREMany people know maintaining a healthy weight is one factor in an overall health plan, and weight maintenance is also important in the well-being of cattle, according to the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts who spoke on this topic on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/08/industry-inventory-counts-winter-cow-and-bull-management-research-round-up/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.For spring-calving cow herds, oftentimes beef nutritionists are focused on maintaining the cows in an optimum body condition through gestation and into the calving season, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson. But he stressed that it is also important to make sure the bulls are managed to maintain a healthy weight.“In the winter, a bull’s nutritional demands are similar to those of a cow in mid-gestation,” Larson said. “Poor quality forage alone will not meet his nutritional needs and so he may need to be given some protein supplement as well.”Along with maintaining the bull’s weight, Larson recommends that producers manage them in a way that also protects their reproductive health from the winter weather.“If bulls have had a rough winter, we may see scrotal frostbite and poor semen quality from those animals in the spring when we do their breeding soundness exams,” Larson said.To keep this from happening, Larson recommends producers offer the bulls protection from the wind, allow them access to dry bedding and keep them away from the mud.For producers who are introducing new bulls into the herd this winter, Larson said it is important to follow a biosecurity plan to reduce potential disease risk.“I recommend producers quarantine all new animals for about 30 days so that they can watch for signs of illness during that time,” Larson said. “Oftentimes if a disease is going to break, it will show up in that time.”He also offered one additional biosecurity tip.“It is also good to institute a vaccine program to make sure both the new cattle and the ones who have been in the herd for a while are following a similar health protocol,” Larson said.To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/08/industry-inventory-counts-winter-cow-and-bull-management-research-round-up/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

Cattle Chat: Caring for bulls in the winter 

Submitted by&nbsp;Parker Page, Cardinal 4-H Club Reporter

The Cardinal 4-H Club had an exciting November! The month kicked off with the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements Banquet for the Central Kansas 4-H District, where several of our club members&nbsp;received&nbsp;achievement pins and awards.&nbsp;

Two of our members,&nbsp;Reygan&nbsp;Schrock &amp; Carson Fouard, were named Outstanding&nbsp;4-Hers of the Year&nbsp;for their hard work and leadership in the 4-H program and will have their photos hang in the K-State Research and Extension office for the next year.&nbsp;We also had a family from our club named the 4-H Family of the Year, the Joe &amp; Melissa Gates Family.&nbsp;Great job, 4-Hers!&nbsp;

Our club also held a bake sale at the Tumbleweed Craft Show to raise funds for scholarships and activities during the year. We appreciate all those who purchased our goods to support our club!&nbsp;

At our November monthly meeting, we had a fun “soup” theme for our potluck dinner and&nbsp;Jacob&nbsp;Schmeidler,&nbsp;our Central Kansas District 4-H Extension Agent, did a leadership workshop for our group.&nbsp;

The month is wrapping up with one of our members,&nbsp;Reygan&nbsp;Schrock, heading to Atlanta, GA for National 4-H Congress, where she will expand her leadership skills and meet other 4-H members from across the country.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701721864160.jpeg" alt="Cardinal 4-H members were recognized at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet at the Saline County 4-H Building. Members pictured include: Front: Parker Page, Oscar Page, Porter Riese, Lydia Taylor, Siayah Hubbard. Middle: Ella Riese, Maryn Gates, Jaelyn Gates. Back: Reygan Schrock, Jocelyn Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Jake Tillberg, Carson Fouard and Ty Tillberg. Photo courtesy Emily Page" />
 <figcaption>Cardinal 4-H members were recognized at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet at the Saline County 4-H Building. Members pictured include: Front: Parker Page, Oscar Page, Porter Riese, Lydia Taylor, Siayah Hubbard. Middle: Ella Riese, Maryn Gates, Jaelyn Gates. Back: Reygan Schrock, Jocelyn Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Jake Tillberg, Carson Fouard and Ty Tillberg. Photo courtesy Emily Page</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by&nbsp;Parker Page, Cardinal 4-H Club ReporterThe Cardinal 4-H Club had an exciting November! The month kicked off with the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements Banquet for the Central Kansas 4-H District, where several of our club members&nbsp;received&nbsp;achievement pins and awards.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701721794812.jpeg" alt="The Joe &amp; Melissa Gates Family was named 4-H Family of the Year at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet. Family members include Joe &amp; Melissa Gates and their daughters, Jaelyn and Maryn. Photo courtesy Emily Page" />
 <figcaption>The Joe &amp; Melissa Gates Family was named 4-H Family of the Year at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet. Family members include Joe &amp; Melissa Gates and their daughters, Jaelyn and Maryn. Photo courtesy Emily Page</figcaption>
 </figure>Two of our members,&nbsp;Reygan&nbsp;Schrock &amp; Carson Fouard, were named Outstanding&nbsp;4-Hers of the Year&nbsp;for their hard work and leadership in the 4-H program and will have their photos hang in the K-State Research and Extension office for the next year.&nbsp;We also had a family from our club named the 4-H Family of the Year, the Joe &amp; Melissa Gates Family.&nbsp;Great job, 4-Hers!&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701721976645.jpeg" alt="Cardinal 4-H Members and Jacob Schmeidler, Central Kansas District 4-H Extension Agent, at the November Cardinal 4-H Club meeting. Photo courtesy Emily Page" />
 <figcaption>Cardinal 4-H Members and Jacob Schmeidler, Central Kansas District 4-H Extension Agent, at the November Cardinal 4-H Club meeting. Photo courtesy Emily Page</figcaption>
 </figure>Our club also held a bake sale at the Tumbleweed Craft Show to raise funds for scholarships and activities during the year. We appreciate all those who purchased our goods to support our club!&nbsp;At our November monthly meeting, we had a fun “soup” theme for our potluck dinner and&nbsp;Jacob&nbsp;Schmeidler,&nbsp;our Central Kansas District 4-H Extension Agent, did a leadership workshop for our group.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701722046811.jpeg" alt="Reygan Schrock &amp; Carson Fouard were named Outstanding 4-Hers at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet. Photo courtesy Emily Page" />
 <figcaption>Reygan Schrock &amp; Carson Fouard were named Outstanding 4-Hers at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet. Photo courtesy Emily Page</figcaption>
 </figure>The month is wrapping up with one of our members,&nbsp;Reygan&nbsp;Schrock, heading to Atlanta, GA for National 4-H Congress, where she will expand her leadership skills and meet other 4-H members from across the country.&nbsp;What a great November!

Cardinal 4-H Members Named Outstanding 4-Hers and 4-H Family of the Year 

By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news service

Walk into any kindergarten classroom in the middle of winter and you are bound to find a little person fighting off a cold. In much the same way, young calves are also prone to respiratory disease and pneumonia after they are weaned, say the veterinarians at the Kansas State Univeristy Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State veterinarians Brian Lubbers, Bob Larson and Brad White share why now is the time to stock the medicine cabinet and make a treatment plan with the local veterinarian so that producers are prepared when illness hits the herd.

“That plan should include a case definition that would indicate when the animal would need treatment and what those steps would be,” Lubbers said.

In the case of a respiratory illness in calves, some of those signs would be difficulty breathing and/or coughing, a reduced appetite and depressed behavior among others, Lubbers said.

If those signs are observed, the second stage of the plan might include bringing the calf into the chute for a closer inspection in which the person evaluating them could take their temperature, listen to their breathing through a stethoscope and perhaps run other tests.

“Whatever the protocol is, the important thing is that it is consistent across the operation,” Lubbers said. “That consistency will allow producers to monitor treatment outcomes in the best way.”

He added: “If the case definition is changing over time, then it will confound and confuse the assessment of treatment outcomes.”

Regarding treatment, Larson said ideally producers will want to have medicine at the ranch ahead of when sickness hits.

“We have a lot of effective treatment options for respiratory illness, so it is good to have those on hand and know the dose and route of administration for the products you will need to use when that sickness arises,” Larson said. “Most cattle will respond to treatment and show improvement. but some will not, so it is important to talk to the veterinarian ahead of time to plan that next step.”

Lubbers said this conversation also establishes the veterinary client patient relationship (VCPR) contract that is legally needed for producers to administer treatment to the animals without the veterinarian performing an exam first.

“Along with having a valid VCPR, producers will also need to keep an accurate record of when treatments were administered,” Lubbers said. “All products have a withdrawal time that must be adhered to and so we don’t want to send them on for sale or processing if they have residues in their systems.”

White agreed and said he recommends producers hold the calves on the property until they’ve cleared the withdrawal time.

“I don’t always know what happens to the calf once they leave my place so I always make sure the calves are out of the withdrawal time before they leave the ranch,” White said.

Lubbers also recommended that producers share those health records with the calf’s next owner.

Also, along with antibiotic treatment, Larson said it is important to include comfort care in the illness plan.

“A good nursing care plan includes offering the sick calves dry bedding to lay on, providing them palatable feed and moving them away from others in the herd so they don’t have to compete with their penmates,” Larson said. “Those attentions to detail are important in the recovery of that animal.”

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/24/selecting-replacement-heifers-selling-calves-treating-sick-calves/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701716288462.jpeg" alt="A comfort care plan can include offering dry bedding to the calves. KSRE Photo" />
 <figcaption>A comfort care plan can include offering dry bedding to the calves. KSRE Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news serviceWalk into any kindergarten classroom in the middle of winter and you are bound to find a little person fighting off a cold. In much the same way, young calves are also prone to respiratory disease and pneumonia after they are weaned, say the veterinarians at the Kansas State Univeristy Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State veterinarians Brian Lubbers, Bob Larson and Brad White share why now is the time to stock the medicine cabinet and make a treatment plan with the local veterinarian so that producers are prepared when illness hits the herd.“That plan should include a case definition that would indicate when the animal would need treatment and what those steps would be,” Lubbers said.In the case of a respiratory illness in calves, some of those signs would be difficulty breathing and/or coughing, a reduced appetite and depressed behavior among others, Lubbers said.If those signs are observed, the second stage of the plan might include bringing the calf into the chute for a closer inspection in which the person evaluating them could take their temperature, listen to their breathing through a stethoscope and perhaps run other tests.“Whatever the protocol is, the important thing is that it is consistent across the operation,” Lubbers said. “That consistency will allow producers to monitor treatment outcomes in the best way.”He added: “If the case definition is changing over time, then it will confound and confuse the assessment of treatment outcomes.”Regarding treatment, Larson said ideally producers will want to have medicine at the ranch ahead of when sickness hits.“We have a lot of effective treatment options for respiratory illness, so it is good to have those on hand and know the dose and route of administration for the products you will need to use when that sickness arises,” Larson said. “Most cattle will respond to treatment and show improvement. but some will not, so it is important to talk to the veterinarian ahead of time to plan that next step.”Lubbers said this conversation also establishes the veterinary client patient relationship (VCPR) contract that is legally needed for producers to administer treatment to the animals without the veterinarian performing an exam first.“Along with having a valid VCPR, producers will also need to keep an accurate record of when treatments were administered,” Lubbers said. “All products have a withdrawal time that must be adhered to and so we don’t want to send them on for sale or processing if they have residues in their systems.”White agreed and said he recommends producers hold the calves on the property until they’ve cleared the withdrawal time.“I don’t always know what happens to the calf once they leave my place so I always make sure the calves are out of the withdrawal time before they leave the ranch,” White said.Lubbers also recommended that producers share those health records with the calf’s next owner.Also, along with antibiotic treatment, Larson said it is important to include comfort care in the illness plan.“A good nursing care plan includes offering the sick calves dry bedding to lay on, providing them palatable feed and moving them away from others in the herd so they don’t have to compete with their penmates,” Larson said. “Those attentions to detail are important in the recovery of that animal.”To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/24/selecting-replacement-heifers-selling-calves-treating-sick-calves/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Creating a care plan, experts say it's time to make a treatment plan

Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) will celebrate its 105th annual meeting Dec. 2-4 in Manhattan.

“I’m excited we will be gathering again to conduct the work of the state’s largest general farm organization,” said Joe Newland, president of Kansas Farm Bureau. “I’m so glad I’ll get to celebrate with our members, county Farm Bureaus and friends from across the state for the first time as president.”

The organization’s annual meeting will begin Saturday evening with KFB’s Foundations’ Fundraiser, Cousin Eddie’s Christmas Party, which benefits the End Hunger Campaign. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, with the event starting promptly at 6 p.m.

On Sunday, informational workshops, tradeshow vendors and a silent auction will be open to attendees. Workshop topics include water, disaster program update, membership, mental health and rapid-fire updates on various topics. A full list is available at <a href="http://www.kfb.org/annualmeeting">www.kfb.org/annualmeeting</a>.

During the general session, awards for Friends of Agriculture, Natural Resources, county Farm Bureaus, and media will be presented.

Emmy Award-winning storyteller Larry Hatteberg will deliver the keynote address based on his constant search for ordinary people, whose stories illuminate larger issues.

Farm Families of the Year, Leadership KFB and Casten Fellows will be recognized during the banquet Sunday evening, in addition to recognizing the Distinguished Service honoree.

On Monday, voting delegates will debate and adopt policy statements for 2024, in addition to electing a vice president, Women’s Leadership Committee chair, and board members from odd-numbered Farm Bureau districts. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575384916134.jpeg" alt="kansas farm bureau .jpg" />
 <figcaption>kansas farm bureau .jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas Farm Bureau (KFB) will celebrate its 105th annual meeting Dec. 2-4 in Manhattan.“I’m excited we will be gathering again to conduct the work of the state’s largest general farm organization,” said Joe Newland, president of Kansas Farm Bureau. “I’m so glad I’ll get to celebrate with our members, county Farm Bureaus and friends from across the state for the first time as president.”The organization’s annual meeting will begin Saturday evening with KFB’s Foundations’ Fundraiser, Cousin Eddie’s Christmas Party, which benefits the End Hunger Campaign. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, with the event starting promptly at 6 p.m.On Sunday, informational workshops, tradeshow vendors and a silent auction will be open to attendees. Workshop topics include water, disaster program update, membership, mental health and rapid-fire updates on various topics. A full list is available at <a href="http://www.kfb.org/annualmeeting">www.kfb.org/annualmeeting</a>.During the general session, awards for Friends of Agriculture, Natural Resources, county Farm Bureaus, and media will be presented.Emmy Award-winning storyteller Larry Hatteberg will deliver the keynote address based on his constant search for ordinary people, whose stories illuminate larger issues.Farm Families of the Year, Leadership KFB and Casten Fellows will be recognized during the banquet Sunday evening, in addition to recognizing the Distinguished Service honoree.On Monday, voting delegates will debate and adopt policy statements for 2024, in addition to electing a vice president, Women’s Leadership Committee chair, and board members from odd-numbered Farm Bureau districts.

Kansas Farm Bureau to hold 105th annual meeting in Manhattan Dec. 2-4

K-State cattle nutritionist explains how corn stalk bales can be a feed resource

When eating a salad, imagine how it might taste if all there was to eat were the stems of the plant. Not very appealing, right?&nbsp;

Similarly, cattle that are offered corn stalk bales to eat in place of hay also often find that to be less palatable, said Phillip Lancaster, beef cattle nutritionist for the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/10/sandhills-calving-corn-stalk-bales-mandatory-price-reporting/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, Lancaster said there is an increase of corn stalks being baled as a feed resource this year because of the shortage of hay and the decrease in pastures available for fall grazing due to a lack of moisture.

“Traditionally, grazing cattle in the late fall on harvested corn fields can be an option to extend the grazing season because cattle can eat the husks and leaves, which have a decent nutritional value,” Lancaster said. “However, this year farmers are baling up the corn stalks after they’ve harvested the crop, which leaves only the stalks that are lignified and indigestible.”

He said that when cattle are offered a corn stalk bale, they will consume the resource at a higher proportion of stalks than they would if they were just grazing the field.

“Producers feeding those bales will have quite a bit of wastage unless they grind them and add them to a mixed ration,” Lancaster said.

For producers who need to use this as a feed resource, Lancaster said they need to supplement the cattle with protein.

He added: “For cows going into their third trimester this winter, their maintenance requirements are higher so along with protein they will also need to be supplemented with energy as well.”

Additionally, there is a potential health concern with bales that were made from a failed corn crop when fed to the cattle, Lancaster said.

“If nitrogen fertilizer was put on the crop in the spring and then it failed, the plant may still be holding that nitrogen,” Lancaster said.

In that case, producers will need to test the bales for nitrates, according to Lancaster.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/10/sandhills-calving-corn-stalk-bales-mandatory-price-reporting/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700054298806.jpeg" alt="Corn stalk bales can be used for bedding or as a feed resource with supplementation." />
 <figcaption>Corn stalk bales can be used for bedding or as a feed resource with supplementation.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State cattle nutritionist explains how corn stalk bales can be a feed resource</h2>By LISA MOSER KSREWhen eating a salad, imagine how it might taste if all there was to eat were the stems of the plant. Not very appealing, right?&nbsp;Similarly, cattle that are offered corn stalk bales to eat in place of hay also often find that to be less palatable, said Phillip Lancaster, beef cattle nutritionist for the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/10/sandhills-calving-corn-stalk-bales-mandatory-price-reporting/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, Lancaster said there is an increase of corn stalks being baled as a feed resource this year because of the shortage of hay and the decrease in pastures available for fall grazing due to a lack of moisture.“Traditionally, grazing cattle in the late fall on harvested corn fields can be an option to extend the grazing season because cattle can eat the husks and leaves, which have a decent nutritional value,” Lancaster said. “However, this year farmers are baling up the corn stalks after they’ve harvested the crop, which leaves only the stalks that are lignified and indigestible.”He said that when cattle are offered a corn stalk bale, they will consume the resource at a higher proportion of stalks than they would if they were just grazing the field.“Producers feeding those bales will have quite a bit of wastage unless they grind them and add them to a mixed ration,” Lancaster said.For producers who need to use this as a feed resource, Lancaster said they need to supplement the cattle with protein.He added: “For cows going into their third trimester this winter, their maintenance requirements are higher so along with protein they will also need to be supplemented with energy as well.”Additionally, there is a potential health concern with bales that were made from a failed corn crop when fed to the cattle, Lancaster said.“If nitrogen fertilizer was put on the crop in the spring and then it failed, the plant may still be holding that nitrogen,” Lancaster said.In that case, producers will need to test the bales for nitrates, according to Lancaster.To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/10/sandhills-calving-corn-stalk-bales-mandatory-price-reporting/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

Cattle Chat: Feeding corn stalk bales

&nbsp;Two challenges in retail businesses are anticipating demand and understanding consumers’ buying preferences. To help define customer preferences, many business owners turn to client surveys to guide their decision-making.

With respect to consumers’ directives for beef producers, Kansas State University agricultural economists recently surveyed people across the country to see what is of the greatest importance to them in making decisions about buying retail beef.

“The four factors that consumers consistently rank at the top are product freshness, price, flavor and safety,” K-State ag economist Ted Schroeder said on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. “Consumers just expect that the beef they purchase will have these qualities.”

Having a consistent demand for beef aligns with the industry’s goal of economic sustainability, said Phillip Lancaster, K-State beef cattle nutritionist and sustainability expert for the university’s Beef Cattle Institute.

“From a beef industry perspective, we categorize sustainability in three pillars — economic, social and environmental,” Lancaster said.

He defined economic sustainability as profitability at the ranch level, while social sustainability relates to the public’s perception of how beef producers care for the animals. Environmental sustainability encompasses soil health, water quality and greenhouse gas emissions. 

“From a beef production standpoint, consumers rank animal welfare of greater importance when making purchasing decisions, over greenhouse gas concerns,” Schroeder said.

He added that it is important to remember that not all consumers rank their priorities the same way.

“Consumers are heterogeneous, meaning niche markets are present for even low-rank product attributes,” Schroeder said.

He also said that policymakers need to be cognizant of the costs associated with additional regulations relating to beef cattle production.

“We want to produce beef that is profitable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable, and those are all good things. But we have to be careful about imposing regulations on the industry to meet certain criteria because that will add cost, and we know that price is one of the biggest factors that drives consumer beef purchases,” Schroeder said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699374820108.jpeg" alt="Consumers place a value on animal welfare, according to a Kansas State University study. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Consumers place a value on animal welfare, according to a Kansas State University study. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;Two challenges in retail businesses are anticipating demand and understanding consumers’ buying preferences. To help define customer preferences, many business owners turn to client surveys to guide their decision-making.With respect to consumers’ directives for beef producers, Kansas State University agricultural economists recently surveyed people across the country to see what is of the greatest importance to them in making decisions about buying retail beef.“The four factors that consumers consistently rank at the top are product freshness, price, flavor and safety,” K-State ag economist Ted Schroeder said on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. “Consumers just expect that the beef they purchase will have these qualities.”Having a consistent demand for beef aligns with the industry’s goal of economic sustainability, said Phillip Lancaster, K-State beef cattle nutritionist and sustainability expert for the university’s Beef Cattle Institute.“From a beef industry perspective, we categorize sustainability in three pillars — economic, social and environmental,” Lancaster said.He defined economic sustainability as profitability at the ranch level, while social sustainability relates to the public’s perception of how beef producers care for the animals. Environmental sustainability encompasses soil health, water quality and greenhouse gas emissions. “From a beef production standpoint, consumers rank animal welfare of greater importance when making purchasing decisions, over greenhouse gas concerns,” Schroeder said.He added that it is important to remember that not all consumers rank their priorities the same way.“Consumers are heterogeneous, meaning niche markets are present for even low-rank product attributes,” Schroeder said.He also said that policymakers need to be cognizant of the costs associated with additional regulations relating to beef cattle production.“We want to produce beef that is profitable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable, and those are all good things. But we have to be careful about imposing regulations on the industry to meet certain criteria because that will add cost, and we know that price is one of the biggest factors that drives consumer beef purchases,” Schroeder said.To hear the full discussion, listen to the Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Consumer priorites for beef production

K-State cattle experts offer management advice when feed supplies run low

When consumers are trying to extend their buying dollar at the grocery store, meal planning and shopping the sale items are two ways that they can manage their spending to get the most for their money.

In a similar way, some cattle producers are already looking at ways to extend their feed resources because of the lack of moisture that may have cut those supplies short, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/27/beef-dairy-cross-genetics-managing-hay-shortages-have-weaning-weights-improved/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster recommends turning out the cattle on crop residues as a way to extend the time before they need to feed them hay.

“Grazing corn or sorghum stalks are a good feed resource for cows in mid-gestation that have their calves weaned off already,” Lancaster said.

Another option he mentioned was the fall planting of cool-season annuals.

“Those cool season annuals should provide some early grazing options in the spring assuming we get enough moisture for them to grow,” Lancaster said.

If those strategies are not options, K-State veterinarian Bob Larson suggests producers limit the number of hours in the day that the cows are given access to hay. Larson said that cows given free choice access to the hay tend to eat the most appealing part of the hay and don’t as readily consume the less digestible parts.

“To waste less hay, make the cows eat all of one bale before they get the next one,” Larson said. “Another tip is to limit the cows’ access to the hay to 6-12 hours per day.”

In a situation where feed resources are even more limited, K-State Research and Extension beef cattle geneticist Bob Weaber said it may mean some voluntary culling to reduce the herd size.

“Anytime there is a short supply, changing the demand is an effective strategy, and that can be done through the early weaning of the calves as well culling some of the cows,” Weaber said.

He added: “If you are going into a feeding period where hay is elevated in price, you can decrease the demand for the hay by reducing the herd size down to the essential group of cows you want to preserve.”

He suggested producers look at the current market prices as a factor when deciding which cows to sell.

“If the choice is between selling a mature bred cow and a bred replacement heifer, think about which one will generate more value next spring when she calves,” Weaber said. “On average, the mature cow will raise a heavier calf than the bred heifer.”

The experts agreed that if feed resources are challenged and with the current favorable market prices, it may be better to sell now rather than feeding cattle through the winter and selling them in January.

“Most importantly, producers need to have a plan now for what happens when feed runs short,” Weaber said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/06/whats-next-in-genetic-technologies-supplemental-protein-selecting-for-sustainability/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699186824403.jpeg" alt="Cattle Chat: Stretching feed resources " />
 <figcaption>Cattle Chat: Stretching feed resources </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State cattle experts offer management advice when feed supplies run low</h2>By LISA MOSERKSRE&nbsp;When consumers are trying to extend their buying dollar at the grocery store, meal planning and shopping the sale items are two ways that they can manage their spending to get the most for their money.In a similar way, some cattle producers are already looking at ways to extend their feed resources because of the lack of moisture that may have cut those supplies short, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/27/beef-dairy-cross-genetics-managing-hay-shortages-have-weaning-weights-improved/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster recommends turning out the cattle on crop residues as a way to extend the time before they need to feed them hay.“Grazing corn or sorghum stalks are a good feed resource for cows in mid-gestation that have their calves weaned off already,” Lancaster said.Another option he mentioned was the fall planting of cool-season annuals.“Those cool season annuals should provide some early grazing options in the spring assuming we get enough moisture for them to grow,” Lancaster said.If those strategies are not options, K-State veterinarian Bob Larson suggests producers limit the number of hours in the day that the cows are given access to hay. Larson said that cows given free choice access to the hay tend to eat the most appealing part of the hay and don’t as readily consume the less digestible parts.“To waste less hay, make the cows eat all of one bale before they get the next one,” Larson said. “Another tip is to limit the cows’ access to the hay to 6-12 hours per day.”In a situation where feed resources are even more limited, K-State Research and Extension beef cattle geneticist Bob Weaber said it may mean some voluntary culling to reduce the herd size.“Anytime there is a short supply, changing the demand is an effective strategy, and that can be done through the early weaning of the calves as well culling some of the cows,” Weaber said.He added: “If you are going into a feeding period where hay is elevated in price, you can decrease the demand for the hay by reducing the herd size down to the essential group of cows you want to preserve.”He suggested producers look at the current market prices as a factor when deciding which cows to sell.“If the choice is between selling a mature bred cow and a bred replacement heifer, think about which one will generate more value next spring when she calves,” Weaber said. “On average, the mature cow will raise a heavier calf than the bred heifer.”The experts agreed that if feed resources are challenged and with the current favorable market prices, it may be better to sell now rather than feeding cattle through the winter and selling them in January.“Most importantly, producers need to have a plan now for what happens when feed runs short,” Weaber said.To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/06/whats-next-in-genetic-technologies-supplemental-protein-selecting-for-sustainability/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Stretching feed resources  

K-State cattle experts discuss what to expect if anaplasmosis is identified in the area

By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN, Kan. — When hiking, many know to check their bodies for ticks to avoid getting Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Many of these tick diseases are region-specific.

In the same way, ticks can also carry diseases that make animals sick, said the veterinarians at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State veterinarian Brad White said anaplasmosis is a blood-borne pathogen carried primarily by ticks and can impact cattle in certain regions of the country.

“Because it is a blood-borne pathogen, cattle with anaplasmosis become anemic and that can lead to spontaneous abortions and in some cases, death,” White said.

K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said this disease often impacts a certain group of cows the most.“Anaplasmosis typically impacts the older cows the hardest because they have a harder time with the anemia,” he said.

With anemia, the first sign is often that cattle hold their heads down and act depressed, according to White. Spontaneous abortions can also be a sign that anaplasmosis is impacting the herd, he said.

“The abortions are related to the cattle getting sick systemically, meaning they get the disease and become sick enough that they can’t maintain the pregnancy,” White said.

If anaplasmosis is suspected in the herd, Lubbers said it is important to test the sick animals for an accurate diagnosis. He said that with a blood sample, veterinarians have three ways to confirm the presence of it in the herd.

“We can test the blood sample by looking for parasites on the blood cells, but that doesn’t typically show up until the cattle are clinically sick,” Lubbers said. “Other options are a PCR test where we look at the parasite's DNA, or a serology test where we look for antibodies in the blood, which would indicate exposure to the disease.”

If the disease is suspected, the sick animals are typically treated with tetracycline antibiotics, Lubbers said.

Not all herds will come in contact with ticks that carry anaplasmosis, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

“This disease does have a geographic component to it, and the longer the disease is in the area the magnitude of the harm will decrease because the herd will build stability over time,” he said.

He also said that fall is the time of year when cases will peak in the Midwest.

“We tend to see peak cases a few weeks after the tick populations are at their highest, so that means September through November is often when the cattle show sickness,” Larson said.

White agreed, adding: “The delay of sickness results from the time it takes from the initial infection until when they show signs of illness from the infected blood cells.”

Because this disease is extremely difficult to keep out of the herd once the carrier ticks arrive in the area, White and the others agree it is important for producers to work with their local veterinarians to come up with a management plan ahead of anaplasmosis infecting the herd.

White said, “There is not a lot producers can do to prevent exposure to anaplasmosis, and so monitoring and control will be important in the management plan for this disease.”

To hear the full discussion, listen to the <a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/20/growing-your-operation-anaplasmosis-grazing-failed-beans/">Cattle Chat podcast</a> online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698156287871.jpeg" alt="Older cattle are more susceptible to anemia caused by anaplasmosis. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Older cattle are more susceptible to anemia caused by anaplasmosis. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State cattle experts discuss what to expect if anaplasmosis is identified in the area</h2>By LISA MOSER K-State Research and ExtensionMANHATTAN, Kan. — When hiking, many know to check their bodies for ticks to avoid getting Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Many of these tick diseases are region-specific.In the same way, ticks can also carry diseases that make animals sick, said the veterinarians at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State veterinarian Brad White said anaplasmosis is a blood-borne pathogen carried primarily by ticks and can impact cattle in certain regions of the country.“Because it is a blood-borne pathogen, cattle with anaplasmosis become anemic and that can lead to spontaneous abortions and in some cases, death,” White said.K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said this disease often impacts a certain group of cows the most.“Anaplasmosis typically impacts the older cows the hardest because they have a harder time with the anemia,” he said.With anemia, the first sign is often that cattle hold their heads down and act depressed, according to White. Spontaneous abortions can also be a sign that anaplasmosis is impacting the herd, he said.“The abortions are related to the cattle getting sick systemically, meaning they get the disease and become sick enough that they can’t maintain the pregnancy,” White said.If anaplasmosis is suspected in the herd, Lubbers said it is important to test the sick animals for an accurate diagnosis. He said that with a blood sample, veterinarians have three ways to confirm the presence of it in the herd.“We can test the blood sample by looking for parasites on the blood cells, but that doesn’t typically show up until the cattle are clinically sick,” Lubbers said. “Other options are a PCR test where we look at the parasite's DNA, or a serology test where we look for antibodies in the blood, which would indicate exposure to the disease.”If the disease is suspected, the sick animals are typically treated with tetracycline antibiotics, Lubbers said.Not all herds will come in contact with ticks that carry anaplasmosis, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.“This disease does have a geographic component to it, and the longer the disease is in the area the magnitude of the harm will decrease because the herd will build stability over time,” he said.He also said that fall is the time of year when cases will peak in the Midwest.“We tend to see peak cases a few weeks after the tick populations are at their highest, so that means September through November is often when the cattle show sickness,” Larson said.White agreed, adding: “The delay of sickness results from the time it takes from the initial infection until when they show signs of illness from the infected blood cells.”Because this disease is extremely difficult to keep out of the herd once the carrier ticks arrive in the area, White and the others agree it is important for producers to work with their local veterinarians to come up with a management plan ahead of anaplasmosis infecting the herd.White said, “There is not a lot producers can do to prevent exposure to anaplasmosis, and so monitoring and control will be important in the management plan for this disease.”To hear the full discussion, listen to the <a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/20/growing-your-operation-anaplasmosis-grazing-failed-beans/">Cattle Chat podcast</a> online or through your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Managing tick-related sickness in the herd

Beck's, the industry's third-largest seed brand and largest family-owned retail seed company, broke ground on a new distribution and research facility in Salina, Kansas. 

Joined by state leaders and key stakeholders, Beck's commemorated their expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 11, 2023.

The 140-acre property located on North Ohio Street next to Foley’s Equipment in Saline County is the location for Beck’s first permanent location in Kansas.

Plans for the new site include a 96,000-squarefoot distribution building and 100 acres dedicated to Practical Farm Research (PFR)® studies that will provide farmers with educational and localized agronomic support.

"We are excited to break ground and establish roots in Kansas," said Sonny Beck, CEO of Beck's. " 

This investment is a reflection of our commitment to farmers in the West, allowing us to serve them faster and more efficiently with the high-quality products and support they need to succeed.

The new facility is situated off I-70 and will serve as a resource for farmers to learn and make decisions from Beck’s PFR program. Designed with the farmer in mind, PFR highlights various management practices and inputs to help farmers make better decisions and increase profitability.

“The expansion of Beck’s into Saline County is an investment that will drive economic growth and support our critical agricultural community here,” said D. Mitch Robinson, executive director at Salina Community Economic Development Organization. “The support Beck’s provides to it’s customers will help our farmers maximize their operations that will ultimately provide new resources to our local community.”

To support growing demand, Beck’s continues establishing roots to support their western expansion. In August of 2023, Beck's celebrated the grand opening of their new distribution and PFR facility in Goehner, Nebraska, and their first-ever Nebraska Field Show with nearly 1,000 farmers in attendance. On January 1, 2022, Beck’s acquired the Hartung Brothers facility in Coon Rapids, Iowa, for corn and soybean production, processing, and distribution.

“Kansas has targeted the food and agriculture sector as key to growing the state economy,” Kansas Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Beck’s is a perfect example of the kind of company we were hoping to attract. Their impact will be felt not only in Salina but across the state.”

 In August 2021, Beck’s purchased a processing facility for soybean processing and production in Beaman, Iowa. In addition, Beck's has facilities in Colfax, Mount Pleasant, and Marshalltown, Iowa, to serve their customers in the West.

Beck's construction in Salina is expected to be completed in 2024 and create several new jobs in the Salina community. The facility will also host hundreds of farmers each year at Beck's Kansas Field Show.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697837738873.jpeg" alt="Left to Right: Mitch Robinson, Tim Zimmerman, Bill Longbine, Sonny Beck, Scott Beck. Images courtesy Beck's Seed" />
 <figcaption>Left to Right: Mitch Robinson, Tim Zimmerman, Bill Longbine, Sonny Beck, Scott Beck. Images courtesy Beck's Seed</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedBeck's, the industry's third-largest seed brand and largest family-owned retail seed company, broke ground on a new distribution and research facility in Salina, Kansas. Joined by state leaders and key stakeholders, Beck's commemorated their expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 11, 2023.The 140-acre property located on North Ohio Street next to Foley’s Equipment in Saline County is the location for Beck’s first permanent location in Kansas.Plans for the new site include a 96,000-squarefoot distribution building and 100 acres dedicated to Practical Farm Research (PFR)® studies that will provide farmers with educational and localized agronomic support.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697838248857.jpeg" alt="Sonny Beck delivers remarks at the groundbreaking event." />
 <figcaption>Sonny Beck delivers remarks at the groundbreaking event.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We are excited to break ground and establish roots in Kansas," said Sonny Beck, CEO of Beck's. " This investment is a reflection of our commitment to farmers in the West, allowing us to serve them faster and more efficiently with the high-quality products and support they need to succeed.The new facility is situated off I-70 and will serve as a resource for farmers to learn and make decisions from Beck’s PFR program. Designed with the farmer in mind, PFR highlights various management practices and inputs to help farmers make better decisions and increase profitability.“The expansion of Beck’s into Saline County is an investment that will drive economic growth and support our critical agricultural community here,” said D. Mitch Robinson, executive director at Salina Community Economic Development Organization. “The support Beck’s provides to it’s customers will help our farmers maximize their operations that will ultimately provide new resources to our local community.”To support growing demand, Beck’s continues establishing roots to support their western expansion. In August of 2023, Beck's celebrated the grand opening of their new distribution and PFR facility in Goehner, Nebraska, and their first-ever Nebraska Field Show with nearly 1,000 farmers in attendance. On January 1, 2022, Beck’s acquired the Hartung Brothers facility in Coon Rapids, Iowa, for corn and soybean production, processing, and distribution.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697838357644.png" alt="Beck’s new facility in Salina will provide western farmers with sales support, distribution, and PFR" />
 <figcaption>Beck’s new facility in Salina will provide western farmers with sales support, distribution, and PFR</figcaption>
 </figure>“Kansas has targeted the food and agriculture sector as key to growing the state economy,” Kansas Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Beck’s is a perfect example of the kind of company we were hoping to attract. Their impact will be felt not only in Salina but across the state.” In August 2021, Beck’s purchased a processing facility for soybean processing and production in Beaman, Iowa. In addition, Beck's has facilities in Colfax, Mount Pleasant, and Marshalltown, Iowa, to serve their customers in the West.Beck's construction in Salina is expected to be completed in 2024 and create several new jobs in the Salina community. The facility will also host hundreds of farmers each year at Beck's Kansas Field Show.

Beck's breaks ground at new research, distribution facility in Saline County

Salina, Kan. –Tim VanDonge and Lindsay Garber, Farm Bureau Financial Services agents, and Saline County Farm Bureau are teaming up to fight hunger across Saline County. 

From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth, Salina, agents and their staff will be collecting non-perishable food items. In addition, until Wednesday, Nov. 15, community members can drop off non-perishable items at Farm Bureau Financial Services offices at 2740 Belmont Blvd or 145 N Ohio. 

All items collected will be donated to Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank - an organization that strives to serve everyone in Saline County and will be tracked in a state-wide competition.

The End Hunger Food Drive is a state-wide program that brings county Farm Bureaus, Farm Bureau Financial Services agents and Kansas State University Wildcat fans together to gather food donations and participate in a friendly competition with other agents and county Farm Bureaus.

“There are hungry people in our community and together we can provide help to those in need,” Les Berndt, Saline County Farm Bureau President, said.

The winning county will be recognized at the Saturday, Nov. 25 Iowa State University vs. Kansas State University football game in Manhattan. 

Besides non-perishable food donations, monetary donations are accepted online at www.kfb.org/endhungerfooddrive. For every dollar donated and tagged for the Saline County community, we will receive credit for one pound of food.

To see how the Saline County community is competing in the state-wide competition, go to www.kfb.org/endhungerfooddrive. Donations will be weighed and turned in on a weekly basis.

For more information, contact Leslie Manning at 785-312-7929. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 15 at Farm Bureau Financial Services offices at 2740 Belmont Blvd and 145 N Ohio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697831297392.jpeg" alt="Food collection station for the drive. Photo courtesy Saline County Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Food collection station for the drive. Photo courtesy Saline County Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSalina, Kan. –Tim VanDonge and Lindsay Garber, Farm Bureau Financial Services agents, and Saline County Farm Bureau are teaming up to fight hunger across Saline County. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth, Salina, agents and their staff will be collecting non-perishable food items. In addition, until Wednesday, Nov. 15, community members can drop off non-perishable items at Farm Bureau Financial Services offices at 2740 Belmont Blvd or 145 N Ohio. All items collected will be donated to Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank - an organization that strives to serve everyone in Saline County and will be tracked in a state-wide competition.The End Hunger Food Drive is a state-wide program that brings county Farm Bureaus, Farm Bureau Financial Services agents and Kansas State University Wildcat fans together to gather food donations and participate in a friendly competition with other agents and county Farm Bureaus.“There are hungry people in our community and together we can provide help to those in need,” Les Berndt, Saline County Farm Bureau President, said.The winning county will be recognized at the Saturday, Nov. 25 Iowa State University vs. Kansas State University football game in Manhattan. Besides non-perishable food donations, monetary donations are accepted online at www.kfb.org/endhungerfooddrive. For every dollar donated and tagged for the Saline County community, we will receive credit for one pound of food.To see how the Saline County community is competing in the state-wide competition, go to www.kfb.org/endhungerfooddrive. Donations will be weighed and turned in on a weekly basis.For more information, contact Leslie Manning at 785-312-7929. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 15 at Farm Bureau Financial Services offices at 2740 Belmont Blvd and 145 N Ohio.

End Hunger Food Drive in Saline County

By ASHLEY MURRAY,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — As Congress faces another pressing deadline to fund the government and the U.S. House grinds to a halt without a speaker, the reauthorization of the nation’s agriculture and hunger programs has taken a back seat.

But lawmakers tasked with shepherding the new version maintain their progress is “in good shape.”

The previous farm bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/08/17/farm-bill-timeline-in-flux-as-a-messy-september-for-congress-nears/">expired</a>&nbsp;Sept. 30 and its renewal, a process that occurs every five years, remains “in the drafting stage,” said Sen. John Boozman, the Arkansas GOP lawmaker and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

“I know myself and Sen. Stabenow, our teams are working together to try and get ideas in the text. And so we’re moving forward,” Boozman told reporters Wednesday.

Stabenow of Michigan chairs the committee.

“It’s been difficult because the appropriations process has kind of sucked all the wind out. But we’re in good shape. We don’t need an extension until the first of the year. If we do need an extension, I think we’ll be looking in the November time frame as we do the CR.”

The CR, or continuing resolution, is the funding&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-bill-avert-shutdown-vote-promised-later-ukraine-aid-3">compromise</a>&nbsp;Congress struck last weekend just hours before a partial government shutdown. The temporary spending measure expires Nov. 17.

The farm bill and long-term government funding are completely different processes, but GOP House majority infighting over appropriations has stalled other priorities.

And, with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/03/u-s-house-votes-to-remove-kevin-mccarthy-as-speaker/">ouster</a>&nbsp;of former House Speaker and California Republican Kevin McCarthy by a handful of far-right party members and all House Democrats, the lower chamber is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/04/how-does-a-frozen-u-s-house-function-without-a-speaker-everyones-got-an-opinion/">frozen</a>.

“As with every Farm Bill, there are forces and circumstances out of our control. What is always a complicated process has become a little more complicated, but our work continues to produce an effective Farm Bill,” said Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, in an emailed statement.

Thompson and fellow lawmakers have spent thousands of hours over the past two years collecting feedback from constituents on what they want to see in the multi-year bill, which is forecast to cost $1.5 trillion.

But some constituents say despite reassurance that the farm bill is progressing, they remain concerned about its delay, as well as funding for several of its programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.

As a mandatory program, SNAP will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/09/26/the-farm-bill-is-on-the-verge-of-expiring-congress-is-months-away-from-a-new-version/">continue</a>&nbsp;as long as Congress approves either temporary or long-term government funding.

“The delay in considering important legislation, such as agriculture appropriations and the farm bill, creates a great deal of uncertainty for farmers and ranchers. The 2018 farm bill already expired,” Sam Kieffer, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s vice president of public policy, said in a statement.

“All families, including those in rural America, face rising interest rates, high inflation and turbulence in the marketplace,” he continued. “The farm bill provides certainty to those who grow this nation’s food, fuel and fiber and is crucial to ensuring a safe and affordable food supply. Congress has always come through on a farm bill, and they must do it again. Every family in America is counting on it.”

The 2018 farm bill was not signed into law&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47313">until</a>&nbsp;Dec. 20 of that year.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12047">expansive</a>&nbsp;agricultural and food policy bill covers farmer safety net programs, conservation and sustainability incentives, international trade, rural area development, and food and nutrition programs for low-income earners — the last of which accounts for the largest portion of the bill. The legislation is one of Congress’ omnibus packages, meaning it’s made up of numerous provisions from many lawmakers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696870697157.jpeg" alt=" Rows of soybean plants grow in the fields at Seidenstricker Farms, owned by Robert and Cathy Seidenstricker, in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas, on June 25, 2019. (USDA photo by Lance Cheung)" />
 <figcaption> Rows of soybean plants grow in the fields at Seidenstricker Farms, owned by Robert and Cathy Seidenstricker, in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas, on June 25, 2019. (USDA photo by Lance Cheung)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASHLEY MURRAY,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — As Congress faces another pressing deadline to fund the government and the U.S. House grinds to a halt without a speaker, the reauthorization of the nation’s agriculture and hunger programs has taken a back seat.But lawmakers tasked with shepherding the new version maintain their progress is “in good shape.”The previous farm bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/08/17/farm-bill-timeline-in-flux-as-a-messy-september-for-congress-nears/">expired</a>&nbsp;Sept. 30 and its renewal, a process that occurs every five years, remains “in the drafting stage,” said Sen. John Boozman, the Arkansas GOP lawmaker and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.“I know myself and Sen. Stabenow, our teams are working together to try and get ideas in the text. And so we’re moving forward,” Boozman told reporters Wednesday.Stabenow of Michigan chairs the committee.“It’s been difficult because the appropriations process has kind of sucked all the wind out. But we’re in good shape. We don’t need an extension until the first of the year. If we do need an extension, I think we’ll be looking in the November time frame as we do the CR.”The CR, or continuing resolution, is the funding&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-clears-bill-avert-shutdown-vote-promised-later-ukraine-aid-3">compromise</a>&nbsp;Congress struck last weekend just hours before a partial government shutdown. The temporary spending measure expires Nov. 17.The farm bill and long-term government funding are completely different processes, but GOP House majority infighting over appropriations has stalled other priorities.And, with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/03/u-s-house-votes-to-remove-kevin-mccarthy-as-speaker/">ouster</a>&nbsp;of former House Speaker and California Republican Kevin McCarthy by a handful of far-right party members and all House Democrats, the lower chamber is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/04/how-does-a-frozen-u-s-house-function-without-a-speaker-everyones-got-an-opinion/">frozen</a>.“As with every Farm Bill, there are forces and circumstances out of our control. What is always a complicated process has become a little more complicated, but our work continues to produce an effective Farm Bill,” said Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, in an emailed statement.<h2>Worries over lack of progress&nbsp;</h2>Thompson and fellow lawmakers have spent thousands of hours over the past two years collecting feedback from constituents on what they want to see in the multi-year bill, which is forecast to cost $1.5 trillion.But some constituents say despite reassurance that the farm bill is progressing, they remain concerned about its delay, as well as funding for several of its programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.As a mandatory program, SNAP will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/09/26/the-farm-bill-is-on-the-verge-of-expiring-congress-is-months-away-from-a-new-version/">continue</a>&nbsp;as long as Congress approves either temporary or long-term government funding.“The delay in considering important legislation, such as agriculture appropriations and the farm bill, creates a great deal of uncertainty for farmers and ranchers. The 2018 farm bill already expired,” Sam Kieffer, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s vice president of public policy, said in a statement.“All families, including those in rural America, face rising interest rates, high inflation and turbulence in the marketplace,” he continued. “The farm bill provides certainty to those who grow this nation’s food, fuel and fiber and is crucial to ensuring a safe and affordable food supply. Congress has always come through on a farm bill, and they must do it again. Every family in America is counting on it.”The 2018 farm bill was not signed into law&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47313">until</a>&nbsp;Dec. 20 of that year.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12047">expansive</a>&nbsp;agricultural and food policy bill covers farmer safety net programs, conservation and sustainability incentives, international trade, rural area development, and food and nutrition programs for low-income earners — the last of which accounts for the largest portion of the bill. The legislation is one of Congress’ omnibus packages, meaning it’s made up of numerous provisions from many lawmakers.

Farm bill stalled amid U.S. House speaker battle, delay of spending bills

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County Farmer and Rancher

Fall harvest is in full swing on our central Kansas farm.

Do you live to work or work to live? This question of mindset and philosophy has been a source of intergenerational tension for a while now. Baby boomers see working hard to provide for their families and millennials work to support a great life outside their working hours. In the end both groups are working to make a living.

In my world, neither of these is correct; work takes on many forms in my life — a career where my living is earned, jobs completed around the farm that keep the place running and time spent on community activities. They are work in function but don’t merely represent earnings to provide for a family or the pride in a job well done. These things are my work and my life.

For weeks our house has been in fall harvest mode which means non-stop action. Someone is likely driving a combine or grain cart, fueling or shuttling vehicles, farming to prep the soil, running a drill and sometimes all of these are happening at once. Our house feels like a rest stop where meals are eaten, and the shorter days mean leaving and coming home in the dark. We exercise communication and teamwork as we put the needs of the farm over our own comfort. It’s chaotic, exciting and exhausting.

Life off the farm doesn’t stop for harvest. Recently we helped run our local Oktoberfest to raise money for community philanthropy. One of the best things about this event is the group of 16 people who serve on the planning committee to make it happen. This group of working professionals and business owners is made up of parents to small children (including three sets of twins), leaders in churches or serving on community and civic boards, and we even have some pursuing advanced degrees. Everyone on the committee is stepping away from busy lives; we are making sacrifices and working because we take ownership in making our community a great place to live.

My “real job” is fairly exciting this time of year, too. Most of the cooperatives employees are focused on harvest and helping our members get wheat in the ground. My focus is on planting a different type of seeds. The start of the school year provides lots of opportunities for me to give tours of our facilities and classroom presentations about the value of cooperatives, working at the cooperative and making the decision to live rural by choice.

Farmers are often recognized for their work ethic which might be because to farmers work is more than just doing a job, it is our life. We aren’t paid by hours or jobs done; we spend months investing time, energy and resources not knowing how much or even if it will all pay off in the end.

This is the work-life philosophy that underlies my life. Much of what I do has little instant gratification or payoff. I have to have faith that my time, effort and skills will yield something great in the future.

They say that if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life. I see it slightly differently, if you love what you do, you gladly work hard to make things happen. When you fill your life with work that you love or do it for people you love it becomes so much easier.

The question shouldn’t be living to work or working to live? It should be are you working to make a living or a life?

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County Farmer and RancherFall harvest is in full swing on our central Kansas farm.Do you live to work or work to live? This question of mindset and philosophy has been a source of intergenerational tension for a while now. Baby boomers see working hard to provide for their families and millennials work to support a great life outside their working hours. In the end both groups are working to make a living.In my world, neither of these is correct; work takes on many forms in my life — a career where my living is earned, jobs completed around the farm that keep the place running and time spent on community activities. They are work in function but don’t merely represent earnings to provide for a family or the pride in a job well done. These things are my work and my life.For weeks our house has been in fall harvest mode which means non-stop action. Someone is likely driving a combine or grain cart, fueling or shuttling vehicles, farming to prep the soil, running a drill and sometimes all of these are happening at once. Our house feels like a rest stop where meals are eaten, and the shorter days mean leaving and coming home in the dark. We exercise communication and teamwork as we put the needs of the farm over our own comfort. It’s chaotic, exciting and exhausting.Life off the farm doesn’t stop for harvest. Recently we helped run our local Oktoberfest to raise money for community philanthropy. One of the best things about this event is the group of 16 people who serve on the planning committee to make it happen. This group of working professionals and business owners is made up of parents to small children (including three sets of twins), leaders in churches or serving on community and civic boards, and we even have some pursuing advanced degrees. Everyone on the committee is stepping away from busy lives; we are making sacrifices and working because we take ownership in making our community a great place to live.My “real job” is fairly exciting this time of year, too. Most of the cooperatives employees are focused on harvest and helping our members get wheat in the ground. My focus is on planting a different type of seeds. The start of the school year provides lots of opportunities for me to give tours of our facilities and classroom presentations about the value of cooperatives, working at the cooperative and making the decision to live rural by choice.Farmers are often recognized for their work ethic which might be because to farmers work is more than just doing a job, it is our life. We aren’t paid by hours or jobs done; we spend months investing time, energy and resources not knowing how much or even if it will all pay off in the end.This is the work-life philosophy that underlies my life. Much of what I do has little instant gratification or payoff. I have to have faith that my time, effort and skills will yield something great in the future.They say that if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life. I see it slightly differently, if you love what you do, you gladly work hard to make things happen. When you fill your life with work that you love or do it for people you love it becomes so much easier.The question shouldn’t be living to work or working to live? It should be are you working to make a living or a life?"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight: Working to make a life

On Wednesday Prairieland Market announced its new brand and logo designs in preparation for the new store to open in late spring. 

“Plans are moving forward – quickly – for the new store and in anticipation of the new ways we will be able to serve the community with greater access to local, healthy foods, we have developed a new brand that better signifies what we are in the community," said Executive Director&nbsp;Vickee&nbsp;Spicer.<a></a>

Spicer said the new brand incorporates an earthy sage green and beet red that give it energy and life. The beetroot shape doubles as a heart, relating to heart-healthy food and our love for the community that is deeply rooted.

“We also thought it was important to remind the community that, although we have only been a 501c3 organization for two years, we have been here for 45 years," Spicer said. 

The new brand will begin being incorporated into printed materials, <a href="http://Prairielandmarket.org">Prairielandmarket.org</a> website, digital and social media, and on the new store, which will be located in the historic York Building in Downtown Salina.&nbsp; to be located at 118 S. Santa Fe

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696514307402.jpeg" alt="Images and renderings courtesy of Prairieland Market" />
 <figcaption>Images and renderings courtesy of Prairieland Market</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTOn Wednesday Prairieland Market announced its new brand and logo designs in preparation for the new store to open in late spring. “Plans are moving forward – quickly – for the new store and in anticipation of the new ways we will be able to serve the community with greater access to local, healthy foods, we have developed a new brand that better signifies what we are in the community," said Executive Director&nbsp;Vickee&nbsp;Spicer.<a></a>Spicer said the new brand incorporates an earthy sage green and beet red that give it energy and life. The beetroot shape doubles as a heart, relating to heart-healthy food and our love for the community that is deeply rooted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696515045994.jpeg" alt="Renderings for the new Prairieland Market. Spicer said a formal ribbon cutting will be in the spring of 2024" />
 <figcaption>Renderings for the new Prairieland Market. Spicer said a formal ribbon cutting will be in the spring of 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>“We also thought it was important to remind the community that, although we have only been a 501c3 organization for two years, we have been here for 45 years," Spicer said. The new brand will begin being incorporated into printed materials, <a href="http://Prairielandmarket.org">Prairielandmarket.org</a> website, digital and social media, and on the new store, which will be located in the historic York Building in Downtown Salina.&nbsp; to be located at 118 S. Santa Fe<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3107.6828866208834!2d-97.61188772435878!3d38.8397227501057!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bcc5f5c5f760c7%3A0xf58d86df4348d16a!2s118%20S%20Santa%20Fe%20Ave%2C%20Salina%2C%20KS%2067401!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1696514549923!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
</div>Demolition in the new space has been completed, taking three former storefronts and opening them up into one 4,200-square-foot space. The new space will nearly quadruple the size of the current space located at 305 E Walnut, just a few blocks away.The new store will provide Prairieland Market with the following:<ol>
 <li>A complete commercial kitchen to enable freshly prepared foods every day</li><li>Seeting area for those who want to eat from the daily choices in the kitchen</li><li>Water dispensing system with reverse osmosis, deionized, High pH Alkaline water</li><li>Window for community supported agriculture share customers to pick up their weekly/bi-weekly produce subscriptions </li>
 </ol><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696515127013.jpeg" alt="Prairieland Market" />
 <figcaption>Prairieland Market</figcaption>
 </figure>Spicer added that the new commercial kitchen will serve as a demo kitchen for regular classes on cooking, baking, and preserving local food. A timeline and schedule for the completion of the new store will be shared on Prairieland Market's website. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696514966003.jpeg" alt="Prairieland Market will hold a ribbon cutting at its new location on Santa Fe Avenue in Spring 2024 according to Spicer.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Prairieland Market will hold a ribbon cutting at its new location on Santa Fe Avenue in Spring 2024 according to Spicer.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The completion of the new store will further enable Prairieland Market to pursue its mission:"To encourage healthy food choices, provide nutritional food education, and access to local, organic, and craft foods, in order to promote enhanced well-being for the community."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696515426532.jpeg" alt="Prairieland Market's new seating area. " />
 <figcaption>Prairieland Market's new seating area. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More about Prairieland Market</h2>Originally founded as Prairieland Food Coop in 1978, Prairieland Market became a 501c3 in February 2022, with a new board formed in 2020 that has a vision to provide access to local, organic, and craft foods as part of the Redevelopment of Salina downtown. Prairieland Market currently provides, locally grown produce, meat, cheese, eggs, prepared foods, organic bulk goods, and kansas-made food, non-food local items, and handcrafted gifts.