Wildcat Connection August 2019 | Page 14

Adaven Scronce

Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resources

t the beginning of this month I started my new role with K-State Research and Extension as the Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resource agent for the Wildcat District. I have begun to settle in to my new position and become more familiar with the communities the Wildcat District serves. I have enjoyed meeting people from the different communities and visiting with them about their areas of interest and answering any questions they have.

At the beginning of the month I attended training over the 2018 Farm Bill. This was a great opportunity to meet other extension agents in the state and learn about how the 2018 Farm Bill would differ from the 2014 Farm Bill, and how these changes will affect producers. From this training I gained a better understanding of the options producers will have when signing up for the Farm Bill. The beginning of September an information session about the Farm Bill will be held for producers in Parsons, KS.

I was also able to attend the Twilight Tour at Misty Moring Farm in Girard, KS. This event provided an opportunity to meet people who were interested in learning more about selling their products at farmers markets and let people know about the different services the K-State Research and Extension provides. Through visiting with producers at the Twilight Tour and producers that have stopped by the office a reoccurring topic of discussion has been how producers have been affected by the overabundance of spring rain. Whether it has impacted fruit production and quality of fruit, delayed planting of crops, or the sediment left on pastures; the rain brought many challenges.

I quickly learned that July is fair season in Kansas, and I have enjoyed visiting the different fairs throughout the district and helping out wherever was needed at the time. It was great being able to meet people and see the projects 4-H members had worked hard on throughout the year. As I continue to become familiar with the different communities in the district and the needs and interests of those communities, I look forward answering questions and starting to plan educational programs to serve these communities.

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