he month of April has been filled with curve balls. Nontraditional programming is the new name of the game. The Wildcat Extension District team has stayed well connected, amidst great adversity.
Producers have continued to call with questions, ranging from forage and soil nutrition to fielding questions on government assistant programs for livestock producers. The USDA rolled out the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program in mid-April. This program will take several actions to assist farmers, ranchers, and consumers in response to the COVID-19 national emergency. All funding will be administered through the Farm Service Agency.
Professional development opportunities have abounded – the K-State Extension Ag Economics Department held a series of live video conferences for producers, shedding light on possible economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, multiple universities have offered various webinars; Healthy Farms, Healthy Agriculture addressed biosecurity. I also took part in a surprisingly interactive New Agent Training – Foundations of Youth Development.
I have been working on a field demonstration to control poverty grass, a menace to pastures across the area. This multi-year effort is set to shed some light on the fertilization rates that will alleviate this problem. I have also been able to conduct several field visits, practicing social distance and wearing a mask.
I will be learning how to operate the district’s drone, striving to capture quality videos and images. Also, coming up, I’m looking forward to working with Tara to bring programming to women in ag via an online platform. I also anticipate continuing to service livestock producers through traditional methods, like radio programs, newsletters and personal contact.
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Working Facilities
GRASS FOUNDER IN HORSES
Working Facilities
LIVESTOCK AND COVID-19
Working Facilities
GRASS TETANY
Working Facilities
CLEANING FEEDING SITES