in the spotlight:
discovery days, ag in the classroom, and teff research plot
une has been a month full of activity. I began the month up in Manhattan helping with the 4-H Discovery Days Techniques of Tailgating class. It is a great program that teaches youth not only the fundamentals of food safety, but also lessons on leadership, integrity and self-discipline. The address from Sean Snyder was especially beneficial to our 4-H’ers.
The following week, I helped with the planning and some instruction for an Ag in the classroom summer institution hosted by Kansas Foundation for Ag in the Classroom (KFAC). This year’s lessons were centered on, “Plants and Animals have a Place in the Classroom.” The summer institute was available to area teachers to increase their knowledge of agriculture and gain valuable lesson plans that could be implemented into their classrooms. This three day course had 18 teachers ranging from kindergarten teachers to middle school math and science instructors. There were many hands-on activities as well as many resources available for teachers to take home.
Another activity I was involved with was laying out an on-farm research plot for Teff. Teff is a grass that is not widely used as forage in this area, but there is some interest in its value. A local producer is experimenting with the grass and has allowed us to conduct a few research trials using different rates of nitrogen.
Plant identification has also been part of this month. Josh Coltrain and I each led a weed identification tour for over 30 county weed directors. Learning to properly identify weeds is a vital skill when tasked with controlling noxious weeds in a county. Hopefully we gave the weed directors some valuable pointers.
As an extension to the “Grow Your Own Salsa” meeting hosted back in April, Jacob Weber, Barbara Ames and I presented, “Preserving Salsa: On the Plant and in the Jar” on the 20th. Barbara demonstrated water bath canning and also discussed safety in preparing and storing the canned goods. Jacob talked about many common garden pests and correct control procedures, and I discussed proper use of pesticides. This was a great informational meeting that demonstrated how effective teamwork can be.
With many great activities happening across the district, I would consider June to be a successful month demonstrating the vast opportunities extension has to offer.
J
Muskrats
Damaged
Wheat
Wildlife During Hay Season
Preserving
Salsa
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