<i>Click the play button above to hear Nate King's conversation with Vickee Spicer</i>

On this King in the Community episode, Nate King sits down with <a href="https://www.prairielandmarket.org/">Prairieland Market</a> Executive Director Vickee Spicer to talk about the market's expansion and move to downtown Salina, Kansas.&nbsp;

With an expected ribbon cutting to take place in July or August, Spicer is counting down the days before the market will be moved into its new home at,&nbsp;118 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Salina.&nbsp;

<b>The new store will provide Prairieland Market with the following:</b>

⦁ A complete commercial kitchen to enable freshly prepared foods every day

⦁ Seeting area for those who want to eat from the daily choices in the kitchen

⦁ Water dispensing system with reverse osmosis, deionized, High pH Alkaline water

⦁ Window for community supported agriculture share customers to pick up their weekly/bi-weekly produce subscriptions

<b><i>Click the play button above</i> </b>to learn how the new space will help the market better serve local farmers and ranchers while offering consumers an expanded lineup of locally sourced meats and produce. Spicer also discusses the market's plans to address food insecurity in our community by&nbsp;providing cooking courses at the soon-to-be new commercial-grade kitchen. 

The episode highlights the benefits of organic food, healthy eating, and Prairieland Market's mission to get local, farm-fresh foods into the hands of everyone. Spicer talks about the capital project to fund the move, the plans for a ribbon cutting in July or August and plans to expand market program opportunities once it is established.&nbsp;

Follow the market's move to downtown by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrairielandMarket">checking its Facebook Page here.&nbsp;</a>

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.

<div><iframe title="Vickee Spicer, Prairieland Market Executive Director" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dz83a-15fb7c9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><i>Click the play button above to hear Nate King's conversation with Vickee Spicer</i></p><p><b>By SALINA POST</b><br></p><p>On this King in the Community episode, Nate King sits down with <a href="https://www.prairielandmarket.org/">Prairieland Market</a> Executive Director Vickee Spicer to talk about the market's expansion and move to downtown Salina, Kansas.&nbsp;</p><p>With an expected ribbon cutting to take place in July or August, Spicer is counting down the days before the market will be moved into its new home at,&nbsp;118 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Salina.&nbsp;</p><p><b>The new store will provide Prairieland Market with the following:</b></p><p>⦁ A complete commercial kitchen to enable freshly prepared foods every day</p><p>⦁ Seeting area for those who want to eat from the daily choices in the kitchen</p><p>⦁ Water dispensing system with reverse osmosis, deionized, High pH Alkaline water</p><p>⦁ Window for community supported agriculture share customers to pick up their weekly/bi-weekly produce subscriptions</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696515045994.jpeg" alt="Renderings for the new Prarieland Market. Spicer said a formal ribbon cutting will take place in July or August.&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>Renderings for the new Prarieland Market. Spicer said a formal ribbon cutting will take place in July or August.&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b><i>Click the play button above</i> </b>to learn how the new space will help the market better serve local farmers and ranchers while offering consumers an expanded lineup of locally sourced meats and produce. Spicer also discusses the market's plans to address food insecurity in our community by&nbsp;providing cooking courses at the soon-to-be new commercial-grade kitchen. </p><p>The episode highlights the benefits of organic food, healthy eating, and Prairieland Market's mission to get local, farm-fresh foods into the hands of everyone. Spicer talks about the capital project to fund the move, the plans for a ribbon cutting in July or August and plans to expand market program opportunities once it is established.&nbsp;</p><p>Follow the market's move to downtown by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrairielandMarket">checking its Facebook Page here.&nbsp;</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696515426532.jpeg" alt="Prarieland Market's new soon-to-be indoor seating area&nbsp;" />
                        <figcaption>Prarieland Market's new soon-to-be indoor seating area&nbsp;</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>More about Prairieland Market</h2><p>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.</p><h2>🎙King in the Community Podcast</h2><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=&publish_end=2024-04-26&ss=26a58ae04f44a029b8f479d5f392150c&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community — Vickee Spicer, Prairieland Market

On this episode of King In the Community, podcast host Nate King discusses the urgent water crisis at the Sundowner Mobile Home Park with Saline County Emergency Management Director Michelle Weis. 

Learn about the high levels of manganese contaminating the water supply, the county's response, and the lack of communication from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Corporation Commission.

Michelle, an alumnus of Kansas Wesleyan University, studied Emergency Management and Criminal Justice. Her passion for Emergency Preparedness comes from assisting healthcare organizations with their Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements. Michelle currently serves on the Executive Committee for the North Central Healthcare Coalition and is the Vice Chair for the North Central Regional Homeland Security Council.&nbsp;

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the ongoing water quality issues impacting the residents of the Sundowner Mobile Home and Trailer Park in Hedville, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Michelle Weis, Saline County Emergency Management Director" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tg66w-15f6e56-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe>
</div><p><b>By SALINA POST</b></p><p>On this episode of King In the Community, podcast host Nate King discusses the urgent water crisis at the Sundowner Mobile Home Park with Saline County Emergency Management Director Michelle Weis. </p><p>Learn about the high levels of manganese contaminating the water supply, the county's response, and the lack of communication from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Corporation Commission.</p><p>Michelle, an alumnus of Kansas Wesleyan University, studied Emergency Management and Criminal Justice. Her passion for Emergency Preparedness comes from assisting healthcare organizations with their Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements. Michelle currently serves on the Executive Committee for the North Central Healthcare Coalition and is the Vice Chair for the North Central Regional Homeland Security Council.&nbsp;</p><p>Tune in for an insightful conversation on the ongoing water quality issues impacting the residents of the Sundowner Mobile Home and Trailer Park in Hedville, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

🎙King in the Community — Michelle Weis, Saline County Emergency Management Director

<i>J</i><i>oin Dean, Mike, and Salina Post News Director Nate King in a conversation about <a href="https://www.projectsalina.com/">Project Salina's mission</a> to support local nonprofits through sustainable food donations.&nbsp;</i>

Project Salina is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves six&nbsp;agencies in Salina;&nbsp;Ashby House, DVACK, Salvation Army, Salina Rescue Mission,&nbsp;Salina Emergency Aid/Food Bank&nbsp;and Salina Grace (added September 2024).&nbsp;<br><br>Each agency provides a list of food items that&nbsp;are needed. Project Salina donations helps the&nbsp;six&nbsp;agencies keep their shelves full when donations are not coming in as needed. Nearly 200 businesses routinely participate in Project Salina.

Project Salina started in 1990 when founding members Jack Parr and Jane Kramer observed that agencies in Salina which feed people in need were running out of food by summertime. These agencies would receive donations during Christmastime and run out of food by June. Summer is the time of greatest need when school is out of session and&nbsp;the parents of&nbsp;school-aged children begin turning to these agencies for three meals a day.&nbsp;

<br>Parr and Kramer decided to start Project Salina with the purpose of collecting food every May and delivering donations to these agencies through the summer.If you would like to donate to Project Salina, send a check (made out to Project Salina) to Project Salina, PO Box 2861, Salina KS 67402-2861. &nbsp;<br><br>If your business would like to participate&nbsp;in Project Salina, send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:projectsalina@gmail.com">projectsalina@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;to get started. &nbsp;Project Salina is on Facebook and Twitter and&nbsp;online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.projectsalina.com/">https://www.projectsalina.com/</a>.

<div><iframe title="Project Salina Board Members, Mike Paul and Dean Atteberry" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dhdrs-15c2684-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><i>J</i><i>oin Dean, Mike, and Salina Post News Director Nate King in a conversation about <a href="https://www.projectsalina.com/">Project Salina's mission</a> to support local nonprofits through sustainable food donations.&nbsp;</i></p><p>Project Salina is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves six&nbsp;agencies in Salina;&nbsp;Ashby House, DVACK, Salvation Army, Salina Rescue Mission,&nbsp;Salina Emergency Aid/Food Bank&nbsp;and Salina Grace (added September 2024).&nbsp;<br><br>Each agency provides a list of food items that&nbsp;are needed. Project Salina donations helps the&nbsp;six&nbsp;agencies keep their shelves full when donations are not coming in as needed. Nearly 200 businesses routinely participate in Project Salina.</p><p>Project Salina started in 1990 when founding members Jack Parr and Jane Kramer observed that agencies in Salina which feed people in need were running out of food by summertime. These agencies would receive donations during Christmastime and run out of food by June. Summer is the time of greatest need when school is out of session and&nbsp;the parents of&nbsp;school-aged children begin turning to these agencies for three meals a day.&nbsp;</p><p><br>Parr and Kramer decided to start Project Salina with the purpose of collecting food every May and delivering donations to these agencies through the summer.If you would like to donate to Project Salina, send a check (made out to Project Salina) to Project Salina, PO Box 2861, Salina KS 67402-2861. &nbsp;<br><br>If your business would like to participate&nbsp;in Project Salina, send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:projectsalina@gmail.com">projectsalina@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;to get started. &nbsp;Project Salina is on Facebook and Twitter and&nbsp;online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.projectsalina.com/">https://www.projectsalina.com/</a>.</p>

🎙King in the Community, Project Salina

<i>Join Salina Post News Director, Nate King, in a conversation with K-State Salina Dean and CEO Alysia Starkey on this latest episode of King in the Community.</i>

<i>Starkey discusses K-State Salina's focus on cultivating student passions and career development, what led her toward her current job, campus development plans, partnerships with the aerospace industry, student experience improvements, and how the aviation program continues to evolve to meet the needs of the aviation industry.&nbsp; Tune in for exciting updates from K-State Salina on this episode of King in the Community.</i>

<div><iframe title="Alysia Starkey, K-State Salina Dean/CEO" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fk7ku-15ea813-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><i>Join Salina Post News Director, Nate King, in a conversation with K-State Salina Dean and CEO Alysia Starkey on this latest episode of King in the Community.</i></p><p><i>Starkey discusses K-State Salina's focus on cultivating student passions and career development, what led her toward her current job, campus development plans, partnerships with the aerospace industry, student experience improvements, and how the aviation program continues to evolve to meet the needs of the aviation industry.&nbsp; Tune in for exciting updates from K-State Salina on this episode of King in the Community.</i></p><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=no-tags&ss=e40cee07429643871ab1854ae81df9d2&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community: K-State Salina Dean and CEO Alysia Starkey

Join 910 KINA and Salina Post News Director Nate King for his latest episode of the King in the Community Podcast with Saline County Registrar of Deeds Rebecca Seeman. They discuss Saline County government month, the importance of accurate land records, digital indexing, property ownership, passports, fraud prevention, and what led her to a career in public service. Learn about the meticulous work involved in managing real estate documents in Saline County.

To find out more about the Registrar of Deeds, <a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/register-of-deeds">check out their website here.&nbsp;</a>

<div><iframe title="Rebecca Seeman, Registrar of Deeds at Saline County" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=it5my-15f4d64-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><b>By SALINA POST</b></p><p>Join 910 KINA and Salina Post News Director Nate King for his latest episode of the King in the Community Podcast with Saline County Registrar of Deeds Rebecca Seeman. They discuss Saline County government month, the importance of accurate land records, digital indexing, property ownership, passports, fraud prevention, and what led her to a career in public service. Learn about the meticulous work involved in managing real estate documents in Saline County.</p><p>To find out more about the Registrar of Deeds, <a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/register-of-deeds">check out their website here.&nbsp;</a></p><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=&publish_end=2024-04-22&ss=244ef7a2ea94f6d5ee50ec90bb9036da&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community: Rebecca Seeman, Saline County Registrar of Deeds

Join us for the latest episode of the King in the Community podcast with Salina Post News Director Nate King. Listen in as we discuss the latest from Topeka with Clarke Sanders, State Representative for the 69th Kansas House District.&nbsp;

 We cover topics such as tax reform, late-night conference committee discussions, special education funding, the Nov. election, and where bills stand before lawmakers return to finish the session.

<i>For more insightful conversations tackling the pressing issues impacting the lives of Kansans, check out other episodes of King in the Community.&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="State Rep. Clarke Sanders, legislative update" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nb975-15f3149-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><b>By SALINA POST</b></p><p>Join us for the latest episode of the King in the Community podcast with Salina Post News Director Nate King. Listen in as we discuss the latest from Topeka with Clarke Sanders, State Representative for the 69th Kansas House District.&nbsp;</p><p> We cover topics such as tax reform, late-night conference committee discussions, special education funding, the Nov. election, and where bills stand before lawmakers return to finish the session.</p><p><i>For more insightful conversations tackling the pressing issues impacting the lives of Kansans, check out other episodes of King in the Community.&nbsp;</i></p><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=&publish_end=2024-04-22&ss=244ef7a2ea94f6d5ee50ec90bb9036da&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</div>

🎙King in the Community: State Rep. Clarke Sanders, legislative update

Join host Nate King on the <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/podcast">"King in the Community"</a> podcast as he sits down with Susan Hawksworth to discuss the <a href="https://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/exhibits/current_exhibit_overview.html">new exhibit at the Smoky Hill Museum</a> in Salina.

The exhibit's title is "Step Up to the Task" and will be open to the public from April 12 to Oct. 5.&nbsp;

Discover the inspiring stories of remarkable Salina women who made significant contributions to local and regional history. From groundbreaking achievements in male-dominated professions to promoting gender equality in their fields, these women have left a lasting impact on their communities.

Tune in to learn more about the interactive parts of the exhibit and the upcoming plans for renovation and expansion at the museum. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation about the women who have stepped up to the task in Salina.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Smoky Hill Museum Executive Director, Susan Hawksworth" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fqhub-15d8b39-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>Join host Nate King on the <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/podcast">"King in the Community"</a> podcast as he sits down with Susan Hawksworth to discuss the <a href="https://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/exhibits/current_exhibit_overview.html">new exhibit at the Smoky Hill Museum</a> in Salina.</p><p>The exhibit's title is "Step Up to the Task" and will be open to the public from April 12 to Oct. 5.&nbsp;</p><p>Discover the inspiring stories of remarkable Salina women who made significant contributions to local and regional history. From groundbreaking achievements in male-dominated professions to promoting gender equality in their fields, these women have left a lasting impact on their communities.</p><p>Tune in to learn more about the interactive parts of the exhibit and the upcoming plans for renovation and expansion at the museum. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation about the women who have stepped up to the task in Salina.&nbsp;</p><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=&publish_end=2024-04-01&ss=4192767204120dcba8040466e41dbce0&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community: Susan Hawksworth, Smoky Hill Museum director

In the latest episode of the <a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">King in the Community podcast</a>, Salina Post News Director and host, Nate King meets with Salina City Manager Mike Schrage for their monthly conversation about the city's affairs.&nbsp;

Through thoughtful discourse and analysis, the episode navigates a spectrum of relevant and local topics, from the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0b38fcb6-2c8b-4eda-bc8e-861a3bf1c7a4">philanthropic Match Madness event</a> to the controversy surrounding possible public art at Salina Fire Station Four.

Listen in and hear about the city's strategic vision for the inclusion of public art in capital improvement projects — like the fire station rebuild.

 Schrage also discusses the associated costs of expanding the municipal landfill.&nbsp;

King asks Schrage about the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7a82c09-d61b-4d2d-bbf2-82933261af24">recent data breach in Salina</a>, shedding light on the robust cybersecurity measures being deployed to fortify defenses against attacks/

Schrage underscores the need of civic engagement through service on city boards and commissions. There are more than<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/473f044c-0052-4309-9bff-ce43243c8e83"> 200 volunteer positions available</a> to actively contribute to the community's advancement

Join Nate King each month for an update from Salina City Manager Mike Schrage.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Salina City Manager, Mike Schrage" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=xcxac-15d0e82-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><b>By SALINA POST</b></p><p>In the latest episode of the <a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">King in the Community podcast</a>, Salina Post News Director and host, Nate King meets with Salina City Manager Mike Schrage for their monthly conversation about the city's affairs.&nbsp;</p><p>Through thoughtful discourse and analysis, the episode navigates a spectrum of relevant and local topics, from the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0b38fcb6-2c8b-4eda-bc8e-861a3bf1c7a4">philanthropic Match Madness event</a> to the controversy surrounding possible public art at Salina Fire Station Four.</p><p>Listen in and hear about the city's strategic vision for the inclusion of public art in capital improvement projects — like the fire station rebuild.</p><p> Schrage also discusses the associated costs of expanding the municipal landfill.&nbsp;</p><p>King asks Schrage about the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7a82c09-d61b-4d2d-bbf2-82933261af24">recent data breach in Salina</a>, shedding light on the robust cybersecurity measures being deployed to fortify defenses against attacks/</p><p>Schrage underscores the need of civic engagement through service on city boards and commissions. There are more than<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/473f044c-0052-4309-9bff-ce43243c8e83"> 200 volunteer positions available</a> to actively contribute to the community's advancement</p><p>Join Nate King each month for an update from Salina City Manager Mike Schrage.&nbsp;</p><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=&publish_end=2024-04-01&ss=4192767204120dcba8040466e41dbce0&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community: Salina City Manager, Mike Schrage

K-State beef cattle experts share the pros and cons of retaining heifer calves born to first-calf heifers

<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu"><b>By LISA MOSER</b><br></a><i>K-State Research and Extension news service</i>

Working in agriculture often involves a series of decisions, including which crops should be planted in a rotation, what inputs are most economical, and -- in the case of rebuilding the cow herd -- should replacement females that were born to first-calf heifers be retained?

This was the question that the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts addressed on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattlechatselectingareplacementfemalefortheherd">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast episode.

“There are a lot of factors that go into that decision as to whether or not keeping heifers born to heifers is a good idea, and it depends on the goal of the breeding program,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White.

White said with proper planning, beef producers can make retaining heifers born to heifers work for a herd. He said that if producers plan to do that, they need to plan and select sires that are adequate for calving ease but also offer maternal traits that are beneficial.

“I like to keep heifers born to first-calf heifers if they are born early in the breeding season and they are born to a mating that was genetically planned to create replacement females,” White said.

K-State veterinarian Bob Larson agreed, adding, “there are some AI (artificial insemination) sires that have good maternal traits while being adequate for calving ease that can make females worth considering as replacements.”

K-State nutritionist Phillip Lancaster sees one other genetic advantage of keeping replacement females born to first-calf heifers.

“I am going to boost the genetic progress of the herd overall much quicker by keeping the daughters of the youngest females in the herd,” Lancaster said.

However, Lancaster also said that it is important to look at the performance of the cow family that these potential replacement heifers are born from when making this decision.

“Take a look at the records and if that heifer is born to a proven cow line in terms of longevity and reproductive performance, that will help you make the decision about keeping the heifer calf that was born from a heifer in the herd,” Lancaster said.

<b>READ MORE:</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/77cb095d-d35e-4998-ab3f-3bd91c9b0301">Cattle Chat: Helping heifers ahead of breeding</a>

Another factor to consider is the frame size of the replacement female being considered, said K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers. The size concern relates to the pelvic size of the calf when she matures and is bred to calve her first calf.

“Some daughters born to calving ease sires may be predisposed to future calving difficulty due to their smaller frame size,” Larson said.

Lubbers also said the timing of when they were born as compared to the rest of the herd is something that should factor into the decision of keeping or selling that heifer calf.

“If the heifer calf was born late in the breeding season and she is small framed, then I would recommend producers do not retain them in the herd.”

To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattlechatselectingareplacementfemalefortheherd">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712150087384.jpeg" alt="Retaining heifers born to first-calf heifers is one way to make genetic progress, said experts at the K-State Beef Cattle Institute. <b>Image Courtesy KSRE</b>" />
                        <figcaption>Retaining heifers born to first-calf heifers is one way to make genetic progress, said experts at the K-State Beef Cattle Institute. <b>Image Courtesy KSRE</b></figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>K-State beef cattle experts share the pros and cons of retaining heifer calves born to first-calf heifers</h2><p><a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu"><b>By LISA MOSER</b><br></a><i>K-State Research and Extension news service</i></p><p>Working in agriculture often involves a series of decisions, including which crops should be planted in a rotation, what inputs are most economical, and -- in the case of rebuilding the cow herd -- should replacement females that were born to first-calf heifers be retained?</p><p>This was the question that the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts addressed on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattlechatselectingareplacementfemalefortheherd">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast episode.</p><p>“There are a lot of factors that go into that decision as to whether or not keeping heifers born to heifers is a good idea, and it depends on the goal of the breeding program,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White.</p><p>White said with proper planning, beef producers can make retaining heifers born to heifers work for a herd. He said that if producers plan to do that, they need to plan and select sires that are adequate for calving ease but also offer maternal traits that are beneficial.</p><p>“I like to keep heifers born to first-calf heifers if they are born early in the breeding season and they are born to a mating that was genetically planned to create replacement females,” White said.</p><div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6yU87CbpfHVzUnUymYiJtO?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>K-State veterinarian Bob Larson agreed, adding, “there are some AI (artificial insemination) sires that have good maternal traits while being adequate for calving ease that can make females worth considering as replacements.”</p><p>K-State nutritionist Phillip Lancaster sees one other genetic advantage of keeping replacement females born to first-calf heifers.</p><p>“I am going to boost the genetic progress of the herd overall much quicker by keeping the daughters of the youngest females in the herd,” Lancaster said.</p><p>However, Lancaster also said that it is important to look at the performance of the cow family that these potential replacement heifers are born from when making this decision.</p><p>“Take a look at the records and if that heifer is born to a proven cow line in terms of longevity and reproductive performance, that will help you make the decision about keeping the heifer calf that was born from a heifer in the herd,” Lancaster said.</p><p><b>READ MORE:</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/77cb095d-d35e-4998-ab3f-3bd91c9b0301">Cattle Chat: Helping heifers ahead of breeding</a></p><p>Another factor to consider is the frame size of the replacement female being considered, said K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers. The size concern relates to the pelvic size of the calf when she matures and is bred to calve her first calf.</p><p>“Some daughters born to calving ease sires may be predisposed to future calving difficulty due to their smaller frame size,” Larson said.</p><p>Lubbers also said the timing of when they were born as compared to the rest of the herd is something that should factor into the decision of keeping or selling that heifer calf.</p><p>“If the heifer calf was born late in the breeding season and she is small framed, then I would recommend producers do not retain them in the herd.”</p><p>To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattlechatselectingareplacementfemalefortheherd">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.</p>

KSRE Cattle Chat: Selecting a replacement female for the herd

Join Salina Post News Director, Nate King, in this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">"King in the Community"</a>&nbsp;podcast as he sits down with returning guest, Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith Hanes.

 They dive into various topics impacting Saline County, Kansas, including the Oliver Haag scholarship for agriculture students, investments in rural fire districts, county government services, the relationship between the county and city of Salina, and the low voter turnout in the Presidential Preference Primary.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Phil Smith-Hanes, Saline County Administrator, County Goverment month and more" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sb2r5-15cc088-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>Join Salina Post News Director, Nate King, in this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">"King in the Community"</a>&nbsp;podcast as he sits down with returning guest, Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith Hanes.</p><p> They dive into various topics impacting Saline County, Kansas, including the Oliver Haag scholarship for agriculture students, investments in rural fire districts, county government services, the relationship between the county and city of Salina, and the low voter turnout in the Presidential Preference Primary.&nbsp;</p>

🎙King in the Community: Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith-Hanes

<a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank"><b>By PAT MELGARES </b><br></a><i>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

There is a common joke in Kansas – and many parts of the country – that goes something like this: If you don’t like the weather right now, just wait a few minutes.

Kansas State University meteorologist Chip Redmond agrees that weather in Kansas can change pretty quickly, so it’s important to know what to do in any situation in order to remain safe.

“It starts with preparedness,” said Redmond, who is also manager of the Kansas Mesonet. “We all should have a plan, including such things as just knowing how you get your weather alerts. You may get those from a weather radio or other sources, such as news media. And then, you need to talk with your family.”

“Practicing and having a plan saves lives,” Redmond said. “That is especially true in rural areas where appropriate shelter may be many miles away, a scenario many Kansans may be in.”

Redmond said having a “Go” bag -- something you can quickly grab and take to a shelter -- is important for most weather emergencies. The bag should include such items as medicines, extra clothes, radio, food, water and even something to keep kids entertained.

The best place to wait out severe weather “is always the lowest, central location in the home,” Redmond said. “If you only have a first floor – and not a basement – the ideal spot is a centrally located hallway or bathroom. Stay away from windows.”

If caught outside, “don’t go under trees during thunderstorms and don’t try to out-run tornadoes in your car,” Redmond said.

“A ditch, believe it or not, is a really safe place to go if you’re outside. Get down in the ditch; debris will typically blow over you. If you’re in a place without a ditch, get down on the ground as low as you can so you don’t have things hitting you. Just be aware if water is rising rapidly.”

For specific weather emergencies, Redmond shared additional tips:

● Get inside<br>● Avoid porches and overhangs. 

“You can still get hit by lightning in those areas,” Redmond said.&nbsp; 

● Stay away from windows<br>● Stay off electronics that are hooked into a wall, including computer and cell phone<br>● Stay out of the shower, or other water sources.

“You don’t want to be operating anything that can carry electricity, whether it’s water or wire,” Redmond said. “If there’s a lightning strike away from your house, it’s going to travel through that highly conductive source.”

On average, Kansas has 95 tornadoes per year. There has been as few as 17 tornadoes reported in 2020 and 190 in 2008.

“This is tornado alley for a reason,” Redmond said. “We need to be prepared and be knowledgeable about what to do when a tornado warning is issued.”

The peak time for tornadoes in Kansas is April through June, often referred to as tornado season. But Redmond said tornadoes can occur any time of year and are solely dependent on atmospheric conditions – spring provides a classic clash of southern winds with Gulf moisture meeting north winds with colder, drier air from the Arctic areas. That is a recipe for strong storm systems supportive of highly sheared and unstable environments ideal for tornado development.

A basement or lower level of the house – away from windows -- is always the safest spot to wait out a tornado warning.

Redmond said Kansas gets approximately 600 wind damage reports annually. High winds – defined as those over 55 miles per hour – create problems not only by downing trees, but by making driving conditions and visibility more difficult.

As with tornadoes, the safest place during a wind storm is inside in a central location, away from windows.

In an average year, there are more than 1,000 reports of hail in Kansas. Severe hail is defined as 1 inch or more in diameter. “That seems fairly small until they’re coming at you at a high rate of speed from the sky,” Redmond said.

One inch hail can cause injury, damage to cars and even damage house siding and roofs.

“And it can threaten your life,” Redmond said. “If you get hit with multiple hail stones at 1 inch diameter, you’re going to know it. And if you get hit in the wrong place, it can kill you.”

It’s much easier to prepare for flooding while at home, Redmond said. “All you really need to know is your proximity to a flood plain,” he said. “To determine your risk, know the low-lying areas and where water runs.”

Away from home – and especially when driving – the risks due to flooding are much greater. On the road, the best advice is “turn around, don’t drown,” according to Redmond.

“When you see water over the road, and it may look crossable, water can move at high rates of speed,” he said. “Six inches of water can move a car effectively.”

In addition, the road under the water may not be intact and could damage or disable your vehicle, he said.

More information about staying safe during many weather emergencies is available online from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">National Weather Service</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708958843251.jpeg" alt="lightning KSRE" />
                        <figcaption>lightning KSRE</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank"><b>By PAT MELGARES </b><br></a><i>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p><p>There is a common joke in Kansas – and many parts of the country – that goes something like this: If you don’t like the weather right now, just wait a few minutes.</p><p>Kansas State University meteorologist Chip Redmond agrees that weather in Kansas can change pretty quickly, so it’s important to know what to do in any situation in order to remain safe.</p><p>“It starts with preparedness,” said Redmond, who is also manager of the Kansas Mesonet. “We all should have a plan, including such things as just knowing how you get your weather alerts. You may get those from a weather radio or other sources, such as news media. And then, you need to talk with your family.”</p><div><iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/30080013/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/512888/" height="90" width="100%" scrolling="no"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></div><p>“Practicing and having a plan saves lives,” Redmond said. “That is especially true in rural areas where appropriate shelter may be many miles away, a scenario many Kansans may be in.”</p><p>Redmond said having a “Go” bag -- something you can quickly grab and take to a shelter -- is important for most weather emergencies. The bag should include such items as medicines, extra clothes, radio, food, water and even something to keep kids entertained.</p><p>The best place to wait out severe weather “is always the lowest, central location in the home,” Redmond said. “If you only have a first floor – and not a basement – the ideal spot is a centrally located hallway or bathroom. Stay away from windows.”</p><p>If caught outside, “don’t go under trees during thunderstorms and don’t try to out-run tornadoes in your car,” Redmond said.</p><p>“A ditch, believe it or not, is a really safe place to go if you’re outside. Get down in the ditch; debris will typically blow over you. If you’re in a place without a ditch, get down on the ground as low as you can so you don’t have things hitting you. Just be aware if water is rising rapidly.”</p><p>For specific weather emergencies, Redmond shared additional tips:</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708958843251.jpeg" alt="lightning KSRE" />
                        <figcaption>lightning KSRE</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Lightning</h2><p>● Get inside<br>● Avoid porches and overhangs. </p><p>“You can still get hit by lightning in those areas,” Redmond said.&nbsp; </p><p>● Stay away from windows<br>● Stay off electronics that are hooked into a wall, including computer and cell phone<br>● Stay out of the shower, or other water sources.</p><p>“You don’t want to be operating anything that can carry electricity, whether it’s water or wire,” Redmond said. “If there’s a lightning strike away from your house, it’s going to travel through that highly conductive source.”</p><h2>Tornado</h2><p>On average, Kansas has 95 tornadoes per year. There has been as few as 17 tornadoes reported in 2020 and 190 in 2008.</p><p>“This is tornado alley for a reason,” Redmond said. “We need to be prepared and be knowledgeable about what to do when a tornado warning is issued.”</p><p>The peak time for tornadoes in Kansas is April through June, often referred to as tornado season. But Redmond said tornadoes can occur any time of year and are solely dependent on atmospheric conditions – spring provides a classic clash of southern winds with Gulf moisture meeting north winds with colder, drier air from the Arctic areas. That is a recipe for strong storm systems supportive of highly sheared and unstable environments ideal for tornado development.</p><p>A basement or lower level of the house – away from windows -- is always the safest spot to wait out a tornado warning.</p><h2>High winds</h2><p>Redmond said Kansas gets approximately 600 wind damage reports annually. High winds – defined as those over 55 miles per hour – create problems not only by downing trees, but by making driving conditions and visibility more difficult.</p><p>As with tornadoes, the safest place during a wind storm is inside in a central location, away from windows.</p><h2>Hail</h2><p>In an average year, there are more than 1,000 reports of hail in Kansas. Severe hail is defined as 1 inch or more in diameter. “That seems fairly small until they’re coming at you at a high rate of speed from the sky,” Redmond said.</p><p>One inch hail can cause injury, damage to cars and even damage house siding and roofs.</p><p>“And it can threaten your life,” Redmond said. “If you get hit with multiple hail stones at 1 inch diameter, you’re going to know it. And if you get hit in the wrong place, it can kill you.”</p><h2>Flooding</h2><p>It’s much easier to prepare for flooding while at home, Redmond said. “All you really need to know is your proximity to a flood plain,” he said. “To determine your risk, know the low-lying areas and where water runs.”</p><p>Away from home – and especially when driving – the risks due to flooding are much greater. On the road, the best advice is “turn around, don’t drown,” according to Redmond.</p><p>“When you see water over the road, and it may look crossable, water can move at high rates of speed,” he said. “Six inches of water can move a car effectively.”</p><p>In addition, the road under the water may not be intact and could damage or disable your vehicle, he said.</p><p>More information about staying safe during many weather emergencies is available online from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">National Weather Service</a>.</p>

Severe weather looms; make plans now to stay safe, says K-State climatologist

In this episode of King in the Community, Salina Post News Director Nate King speaks with Brad Anderson, director of Salina Arts and Humanities, about local arts, culture and ongoing discussion regarding public art projects. 

Anderson also shares how he felt after he was selected to represent Salina in the <a href="https://leadershipkansas.org/leadership-kansas/">2024 Leadership Kansas Class.</a>

The episode also explores the vibrant arts and culture scene in Salina. Anderson talks about the city's transformational changes, downtown revitalization, and how art serves as a catalyst for community developement and the expression of ideas.&nbsp;

Anderson gives an overview of public art projects, partnerships between arts organizations the significance of public art budget allocation for projects like the new Fire Station Four in Salina, where city officials could allocate up to $400,000 of the $10 million fire station budget for public art. 

Anderson highlights the the importance of community involvement in public art commissioning, how art can serve a purpose in project design, and the how project stakeholders such as, architects, artists, and community members collaborate and design public art.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.salinaarts.com/">To learn more about Salina Arts and Humanities, click here.&nbsp;</a>

<div><iframe title="Brad Anderson, Director of Arts and Humanities at City of Salina" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=xuuef-15bcd6f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><b>By SALINA POST</b></p><p>In this episode of King in the Community, Salina Post News Director Nate King speaks with Brad Anderson, director of Salina Arts and Humanities, about local arts, culture and ongoing discussion regarding public art projects. </p><p>Anderson also shares how he felt after he was selected to represent Salina in the <a href="https://leadershipkansas.org/leadership-kansas/">2024 Leadership Kansas Class.</a></p><p>The episode also explores the vibrant arts and culture scene in Salina. Anderson talks about the city's transformational changes, downtown revitalization, and how art serves as a catalyst for community developement and the expression of ideas.&nbsp;</p><p>Anderson gives an overview of public art projects, partnerships between arts organizations the significance of public art budget allocation for projects like the new Fire Station Four in Salina, where city officials could allocate up to $400,000 of the $10 million fire station budget for public art. </p><p>Anderson highlights the the importance of community involvement in public art commissioning, how art can serve a purpose in project design, and the how project stakeholders such as, architects, artists, and community members collaborate and design public art.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.salinaarts.com/">To learn more about Salina Arts and Humanities, click here.&nbsp;</a></p>

🎙King in the Community: Brad Anderson, Salina Arts and Humanities

<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2024/03/cattle-chat-helping-heifers-ahead-of-breeding.html">By LISA MOSER</a><br>K-State Research and Extension news service

While it seems like a natural event, getting pregnant is not always as easy as it sounds, especially if the female isn’t having estrus cycles.

Specific to cattle, the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute offered tips on how to get heifers cycling on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatHelpingHeifersAheadofBreeding">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.

The veterinarians recommend doing a pre-breeding exam on the heifers as early as six to eight weeks ahead of the start of the breeding season to assess the reproductive tract and overall health of the young females. Heifers typically start their estrus cycles around 12-13 months of age.

For heifers that are behind in their body weight and reproductive maturity, the BCI experts suggested a few options to help them along.

“For heifers that are too thin, I’d recommend adding grain to get them to gain between one and a half to two pounds a day,” said beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster. At that pace, the cattle should be able to add an extra 100 pounds or so in 45 to 60 days, he said.

Along with adding grain, Lancaster also recommends adding ionophores to the feed.

“An ionophore is a feed supplement that changes the fermentation in the rumen that provides additional blood glucose and will help the heifer begin cycling a little earlier than she might otherwise,” Lancaster said.

Along with adjusting the nutrition plan, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said it is important to make sure the heifers have been treated with a deworming product.

“Having heifers on a good deworming program means they are losing less energy to parasites, and they can gain more weight because they are using their calories more efficiently,” Lubbers said.

Another tip is to expose the heifers to an older bull through fence line contact or use a vasectomized bull in the pasture with them.

“Although only a minor effect, research has shown that bull exposure will hasten the onset of puberty in females that are close to cycling,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

Larson also suggests using an estrus synchronization protocol that includes progesterone. He said this can be done through a feed additive such as MGA (melengestrol acetate) or with a CIDR (a product placed intravaginally for either seven or 14 days).

“MGA works well as long as they get their half milligram every day and it is fed for 14 days, while the CIDR is more expensive but is more flaw proof because if it is in their body, then you know they are getting the progesterone.”

Because of the cost of estrous synchronization and artificial insemination, Larson recommends that heifers that are behind at an eight-week pre-breeding exam be re-evaluated closer to breeding before committing to an artificial insemination mating.

“I normally don’t do the breeding soundness exams twice, but in a herd or group that is behind, I will because it may not be worth the expense of putting in a CIDR and semen in heifer that has a low chance of responding,” Larson said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatHelpingHeifersAheadofBreeding">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

<b>READ MORE:&nbsp;</b><a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d7b5a005-9ac6-4d89-ae63-dd9bafd923f4">Shroom-Mates — science leads owners to small-scale agriculture</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711123128274.jpeg" alt="Management interventions can help heifers reach puberty. <b>Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension news service</b>" />
                        <figcaption>Management interventions can help heifers reach puberty. <b>Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension news service</b></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2024/03/cattle-chat-helping-heifers-ahead-of-breeding.html">By LISA MOSER</a><br>K-State Research and Extension news service</p><p>While it seems like a natural event, getting pregnant is not always as easy as it sounds, especially if the female isn’t having estrus cycles.</p><p>Specific to cattle, the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute offered tips on how to get heifers cycling on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatHelpingHeifersAheadofBreeding">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.</p><p>The veterinarians recommend doing a pre-breeding exam on the heifers as early as six to eight weeks ahead of the start of the breeding season to assess the reproductive tract and overall health of the young females. Heifers typically start their estrus cycles around 12-13 months of age.</p><p>For heifers that are behind in their body weight and reproductive maturity, the BCI experts suggested a few options to help them along.</p><p>“For heifers that are too thin, I’d recommend adding grain to get them to gain between one and a half to two pounds a day,” said beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster. At that pace, the cattle should be able to add an extra 100 pounds or so in 45 to 60 days, he said.</p><p>Along with adding grain, Lancaster also recommends adding ionophores to the feed.</p><p>“An ionophore is a feed supplement that changes the fermentation in the rumen that provides additional blood glucose and will help the heifer begin cycling a little earlier than she might otherwise,” Lancaster said.</p><p>Along with adjusting the nutrition plan, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said it is important to make sure the heifers have been treated with a deworming product.</p><p>“Having heifers on a good deworming program means they are losing less energy to parasites, and they can gain more weight because they are using their calories more efficiently,” Lubbers said.</p><p>Another tip is to expose the heifers to an older bull through fence line contact or use a vasectomized bull in the pasture with them.</p><p>“Although only a minor effect, research has shown that bull exposure will hasten the onset of puberty in females that are close to cycling,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.</p><p>Larson also suggests using an estrus synchronization protocol that includes progesterone. He said this can be done through a feed additive such as MGA (melengestrol acetate) or with a CIDR (a product placed intravaginally for either seven or 14 days).</p><p>“MGA works well as long as they get their half milligram every day and it is fed for 14 days, while the CIDR is more expensive but is more flaw proof because if it is in their body, then you know they are getting the progesterone.”</p><p>Because of the cost of estrous synchronization and artificial insemination, Larson recommends that heifers that are behind at an eight-week pre-breeding exam be re-evaluated closer to breeding before committing to an artificial insemination mating.</p><p>“I normally don’t do the breeding soundness exams twice, but in a herd or group that is behind, I will because it may not be worth the expense of putting in a CIDR and semen in heifer that has a low chance of responding,” Larson said.</p><p>To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatHelpingHeifersAheadofBreeding">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.</p><p><b>READ MORE:&nbsp;</b><a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d7b5a005-9ac6-4d89-ae63-dd9bafd923f4">Shroom-Mates — science leads owners to small-scale agriculture</a></p>

Cattle Chat: Helping heifers ahead of breeding

<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">By LISA MOSER</a><br><i>K-State Research and Extension News Service</i>

Anyone who has ever had a respiratory infection knows how hard it can be to clear the body and how miserable it can make a person feel.

In much the same way, beef cattle can also experience respiratory disease that may start as a virus and turn into bacterial pneumonia, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatMycoplasmaPneumonia" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast. The focus of this discussion was on mycoplasma pneumonia, which may require a different treatment protocol than other forms of respiratory disease, said the K-State veterinarians.

“Mycoplasma pneumonia is atypical because it is a smaller bacterium that doesn’t have a cell wall and it is more contagious than some of the other respiratory illnesses,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White.

K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers added: “Because it is an atypical bacterium, some of the antibiotics that we would use to treat bovine respiratory disease just simply won’t work against mycoplasma.”

The veterinarians said that this type of pneumonia has a longer disease onset than other types of respiratory illnesses.

“Mycoplasma pneumonia often develops in chronically ill animals that have had a severe disease challenge and it may take 30-40 days to appear in the herd,” White said.

Lubbers said mycoplasma pneumonia can lead to other syndromes in the animal’s body, such as a joint infection or an ear infection.

“In a lot of cases the calf starts with a respiratory infection and then weeks or months later they have swollen knee joints or even a head tilt, which are signs that they may be experiencing mycoplasma infections,” Lubbers says.

If producers suspect mycoplasma infections in the herd, White and Lubbers said that they should reach out to the local veterinarian for guidance.

“The diagnostic test for this bacterium is different and it doesn’t always show on a routine bacterial culture so it is important to work with the veterinarian to get the right diagnosis and treatment protocol,” Lubbers said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatMycoplasmaPneumonia" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast on your preferred streaming platform.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">Multiple weather systems moving into Kansas bring chances of severe storms</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710276916560.jpeg" alt="Mycoplasma pneumonia can develop in cattle of all ages. <b>Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension News Service</b>" />
                        <figcaption>Mycoplasma pneumonia can develop in cattle of all ages. <b>Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension News Service</b></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">By LISA MOSER</a><br><i>K-State Research and Extension News Service</i></p><p>Anyone who has ever had a respiratory infection knows how hard it can be to clear the body and how miserable it can make a person feel.</p><p>In much the same way, beef cattle can also experience respiratory disease that may start as a virus and turn into bacterial pneumonia, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatMycoplasmaPneumonia" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast. The focus of this discussion was on mycoplasma pneumonia, which may require a different treatment protocol than other forms of respiratory disease, said the K-State veterinarians.</p><p>“Mycoplasma pneumonia is atypical because it is a smaller bacterium that doesn’t have a cell wall and it is more contagious than some of the other respiratory illnesses,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White.</p><p>K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers added: “Because it is an atypical bacterium, some of the antibiotics that we would use to treat bovine respiratory disease just simply won’t work against mycoplasma.”</p><p>The veterinarians said that this type of pneumonia has a longer disease onset than other types of respiratory illnesses.</p><p>“Mycoplasma pneumonia often develops in chronically ill animals that have had a severe disease challenge and it may take 30-40 days to appear in the herd,” White said.</p><p>Lubbers said mycoplasma pneumonia can lead to other syndromes in the animal’s body, such as a joint infection or an ear infection.</p><p>“In a lot of cases the calf starts with a respiratory infection and then weeks or months later they have swollen knee joints or even a head tilt, which are signs that they may be experiencing mycoplasma infections,” Lubbers says.</p><p>If producers suspect mycoplasma infections in the herd, White and Lubbers said that they should reach out to the local veterinarian for guidance.</p><p>“The diagnostic test for this bacterium is different and it doesn’t always show on a routine bacterial culture so it is important to work with the veterinarian to get the right diagnosis and treatment protocol,” Lubbers said.</p><p>To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatMycoplasmaPneumonia" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast on your preferred streaming platform.</p><p>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">Multiple weather systems moving into Kansas bring chances of severe storms</a></p>

Cattle Chat: Understanding mycoplasma pneumonia

<b>By NATE KING</b><br><i>Salina Post</i>

In this episode of<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/"> King in the Community</a>, I speak with<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_concannon_susan_1/"> State Representative Susan Concannon (R-107th District)</a> to hear about her journey from healthcare to politics, her advocacy for her community, and her work on issues like the water crisis at Sundowner mobile home trailer park. 

We also discuss her role as chair of the Child Welfare and Foster Care Committee, the challenges facing the foster care system, and her experiences serving on the Kansas House Appropriations Committee. Tune in for insights into public service, community advocacy, and the current political landscape in Topeka.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="State Representative Susan Concannon on Sundowner Mobile Home Trailer Park, Foster Care in Kansas and more" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=iiy6q-15a4b75-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><b>By NATE KING</b><br><i>Salina Post</i></p><p>In this episode of<a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/"> King in the Community</a>, I speak with<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_concannon_susan_1/"> State Representative Susan Concannon (R-107th District)</a> to hear about her journey from healthcare to politics, her advocacy for her community, and her work on issues like the water crisis at Sundowner mobile home trailer park. </p><p>We also discuss her role as chair of the Child Welfare and Foster Care Committee, the challenges facing the foster care system, and her experiences serving on the Kansas House Appropriations Committee. Tune in for insights into public service, community advocacy, and the current political landscape in Topeka.&nbsp;</p><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=&publish_end=&ss=24c81e070aece310ad3eba59df774bd0&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community: State Rep. Susan Concannon

K-State veterinarians offer insight into why some calves have an aversion to silage

<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu"><b>By LISA MOSER</b></a><br><i>K-State Research and Extension news service</i>

When working with animals, often their caretakers have to use clues to understand what might be leading that individual to react differently than expected. And with feed resources, the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute recommend slowly changing feeds, especially when introducing silage.

In answering a listener's question about why calves were not willing to eat silage, the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatFeedingSilagetoCalves">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast experts suggested following the cues of the cattle.

“When introducing silage, you are going to have to watch the calves closely to know when you can start increasing the amount in the diet. And with some groups, you may need to move more slowly,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

One reason that calves might have an aversion to eating silage is its smell, beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said.

“Silage is a fermented feed resource, so it has a different taste and smell than calves are used to,” Lancaster said. “To make the silage more palatable, producers can add silage to the top of a feed source that the calves like. That way the calves have to work through the silage to get to what they prefer to eat.”

Because it is a fermented product, there can be variability in the batches, Lancaster said.

“If it is too wet, then it has a butyric fermentation that gives it a nasty odor that really turns cattle off on eating it,” Lancaster said. “If it is too dry, it can be moldy.”

Lancaster recommends that producers take a sample of the silage and have a fermentation analysis done to make sure there is the right balance of acetic acid, lactic acid and butyric acid. He also said silage inoculates added at the time the silage is made can provide bacteria at a high enough concentration to get an optimum fermentation.

If cattle are inconsistent in their willingness to eat the silage, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said it is important for producers to take and store samples as they work through the feed so when they go off feed they can pull the appropriate sample to test.

“There are microclimates within a silage pit, and so take the samples as you are feeding so that you have a representative sample to help you figure out what is actually causing them to stop eating the silage,” Lubbers said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709739155080.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>K-State veterinarians offer insight into why some calves have an aversion to silage</h2><p><a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu"><b>By LISA MOSER</b></a><br><i>K-State Research and Extension news service</i></p><p>When working with animals, often their caretakers have to use clues to understand what might be leading that individual to react differently than expected. And with feed resources, the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute recommend slowly changing feeds, especially when introducing silage.</p><p>In answering a listener's question about why calves were not willing to eat silage, the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatFeedingSilagetoCalves">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast experts suggested following the cues of the cattle.</p><p>“When introducing silage, you are going to have to watch the calves closely to know when you can start increasing the amount in the diet. And with some groups, you may need to move more slowly,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.</p><div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3OLqGp0sltaNsnfo9sseNW?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>One reason that calves might have an aversion to eating silage is its smell, beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said.</p><p>“Silage is a fermented feed resource, so it has a different taste and smell than calves are used to,” Lancaster said. “To make the silage more palatable, producers can add silage to the top of a feed source that the calves like. That way the calves have to work through the silage to get to what they prefer to eat.”</p><p>Because it is a fermented product, there can be variability in the batches, Lancaster said.</p><p>“If it is too wet, then it has a butyric fermentation that gives it a nasty odor that really turns cattle off on eating it,” Lancaster said. “If it is too dry, it can be moldy.”</p><p>Lancaster recommends that producers take a sample of the silage and have a fermentation analysis done to make sure there is the right balance of acetic acid, lactic acid and butyric acid. He also said silage inoculates added at the time the silage is made can provide bacteria at a high enough concentration to get an optimum fermentation.</p><p>If cattle are inconsistent in their willingness to eat the silage, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said it is important for producers to take and store samples as they work through the feed so when they go off feed they can pull the appropriate sample to test.</p><p>“There are microclimates within a silage pit, and so take the samples as you are feeding so that you have a representative sample to help you figure out what is actually causing them to stop eating the silage,” Lubbers said.</p>

KSRE Cattle Chat: Feeding silage to calves

<i>Join host Nate King for his monthly conversation with Salina City Manager, Mike Schrage. Nate asks about the history behind Salina's <a href="https://library.municode.com/ks/salina/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH7AN">breed-specific law</a> and seeks answers about the ongoing conversations regarding Salina's <a href="https://library.municode.com/ks/salina/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH42ZORE_ARTXSI_DIV1GE_S42-508TESIBASIMOSI">sign code</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="BSL and Sign Code, Salina City Manager, Mike Schrage" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tnhv2-159febc-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p><i>Join host Nate King for his monthly conversation with Salina City Manager, Mike Schrage. Nate asks about the history behind Salina's <a href="https://library.municode.com/ks/salina/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH7AN">breed-specific law</a> and seeks answers about the ongoing conversations regarding Salina's <a href="https://library.municode.com/ks/salina/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH42ZORE_ARTXSI_DIV1GE_S42-508TESIBASIMOSI">sign code</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;</i></p><h2>More from King in the Community</h2><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=publish_time&publish_start=2024-01-01&publish_end=2024-03-04&ss=0b1e1d777f5f740f4819549a6d124d12&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community: BSL and sign code, Salina City Manager Mike Schrage

On this episode of King in the Community, Nate King hears an update from Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith-Hanes.&nbsp;

Listen in and hear about a range of local issues impacting Saline County. From the challenges faced with the new jail building, including heating and plumbing issues, to the allocation of ARPA funding for rural fire districts, Phil provides valuable insights into the current state of affairs in Saline County. 

We also touch on the importance of wildfire prevention, the shortage of prosecutors in the area, and the presidential preference primary in Kansas. 

All of this and more on <a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">King in the Community</a>.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Phil Smith-Hanes, Saline County Administrator" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fjgnd-159a112-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>On this episode of King in the Community, Nate King hears an update from Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith-Hanes.&nbsp;</p><p>Listen in and hear about a range of local issues impacting Saline County. From the challenges faced with the new jail building, including heating and plumbing issues, to the allocation of ARPA funding for rural fire districts, Phil provides valuable insights into the current state of affairs in Saline County. </p><p>We also touch on the importance of wildfire prevention, the shortage of prosecutors in the area, and the presidential preference primary in Kansas. </p><p>All of this and more on <a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">King in the Community</a>.&nbsp;</p><h2>More episodes of King in the Community</h2><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=all&ss=a713390a017602015775e868a2cf26b0&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community: Saline County Admin. Phil Smith-Hanes

K-State veterinarians say weight and reproductive maturity are two factors to assess

<b>By&nbsp;</b><a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu"><b>LISA MOSER</b><br></a><i>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>

Walk through the halls of a high school and it is easy to see that not all kids develop at the same pace – some look like mature adults while others appear younger than their age.

Similarly, individual animals in a cattle herd also reach maturity at different times, say the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/42RTP6n">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, the experts addressed factors that influence the pace at which heifers reach their maturity.

“Most heifers reach puberty at 12-13 months of age; there are some Brahman-influenced breeds that are a little older when they begin cycling,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

To help producers identify the heifers that are most likely to get bred early in the breeding season, Larson advises that producers complete a pre-breeding evaluation of the heifers.

“The two things that drive maturity are their age and their body weight,” Larson said.

When Larson conducts the pre-breeding evaluation, he assesses their reproductive tract.

“As they get closer to puberty, their reproductive tract starts to feel more like an adult tract with a thicker, larger uterus and some follicle structures on the ovaries,” Larson said.

He said there are two main times these evaluations are done.

“Six weeks before the breeding season, I can get an idea of the likelihood they’ll be cycling at breeding, and I still have time to help that along with nutrition. The other time is when we are getting ready for a synchronization protocol and I can separate the ones that are not likely to get bred,” Larson said.

Another factor affecting development is the amount of body fat heifers are carrying, which can be controlled by the heifer’s diet. The experts agree that the easiest way to measure that is through weighing the heifers.

“As heifers grow, they start to deposit more fat in each pound of gain and less muscle. So when they get to about 60-65% of their mature weight, the hormones will signal to the body that it is time to ovulate,” said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Philip Lancaster.

If these are retained heifers, Larson said, often producers will know a target weight that their females in the herd start to cycle. While it varies among herds, for many he said that is about 850 pounds.

Six weeks before breeding, Lancaster said producers can evaluate the heifer’s body condition and adjust accordingly.

“We can safely increase their nutrition to get more energy in their diet to push them to gain 2-2.5 pounds per day. As long as we start 70-90 days before the breeding season, many of those heifers will reach puberty on time,” Lancaster said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/42RTP6n">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709136994000.jpeg" alt="<b>Image Courtesy KSRE</b>" />
                        <figcaption><b>Image Courtesy KSRE</b></figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>K-State veterinarians say weight and reproductive maturity are two factors to assess</h2><p><b>By&nbsp;</b><a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu"><b>LISA MOSER</b><br></a><i>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></p><p>Walk through the halls of a high school and it is easy to see that not all kids develop at the same pace – some look like mature adults while others appear younger than their age.</p><p>Similarly, individual animals in a cattle herd also reach maturity at different times, say the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.</p><p>Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/42RTP6n">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, the experts addressed factors that influence the pace at which heifers reach their maturity.</p><p>“Most heifers reach puberty at 12-13 months of age; there are some Brahman-influenced breeds that are a little older when they begin cycling,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.</p><p>To help producers identify the heifers that are most likely to get bred early in the breeding season, Larson advises that producers complete a pre-breeding evaluation of the heifers.</p><p>“The two things that drive maturity are their age and their body weight,” Larson said.</p><p>When Larson conducts the pre-breeding evaluation, he assesses their reproductive tract.</p><p>“As they get closer to puberty, their reproductive tract starts to feel more like an adult tract with a thicker, larger uterus and some follicle structures on the ovaries,” Larson said.</p><p>He said there are two main times these evaluations are done.</p><p>“Six weeks before the breeding season, I can get an idea of the likelihood they’ll be cycling at breeding, and I still have time to help that along with nutrition. The other time is when we are getting ready for a synchronization protocol and I can separate the ones that are not likely to get bred,” Larson said.</p><p>Another factor affecting development is the amount of body fat heifers are carrying, which can be controlled by the heifer’s diet. The experts agree that the easiest way to measure that is through weighing the heifers.</p><p>“As heifers grow, they start to deposit more fat in each pound of gain and less muscle. So when they get to about 60-65% of their mature weight, the hormones will signal to the body that it is time to ovulate,” said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Philip Lancaster.</p><p>If these are retained heifers, Larson said, often producers will know a target weight that their females in the herd start to cycle. While it varies among herds, for many he said that is about 850 pounds.</p><p>Six weeks before breeding, Lancaster said producers can evaluate the heifer’s body condition and adjust accordingly.</p><p>“We can safely increase their nutrition to get more energy in their diet to push them to gain 2-2.5 pounds per day. As long as we start 70-90 days before the breeding season, many of those heifers will reach puberty on time,” Lancaster said.</p><p>To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/42RTP6n">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.</p>

KSRE Cattle Chat: Evaluating heifers before breeding

<i>On this episode of King in the Community, Nate King speaks with Salina Fire Chief Tony Sneidar about the Salina Fire Station Four project, the new Phoenix G2 Fire Station Alerting System by USDD Honeywell and recent City authorized purchases for new fire trucks and apparatuses.&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Salina Fire Chief, Tony Sneidar" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ngjju-158f6a8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of King in the Community, Nate King speaks with Salina Fire Chief Tony Sneidar about the Salina Fire Station Four project, the new Phoenix G2 Fire Station Alerting System by USDD Honeywell and recent City authorized purchases for new fire trucks and apparatuses.&nbsp;</i></p>