summer opportunities
for networking
n the summer, there is usually an increase in networking opportunities. From field visits to county fairs, there are several opportunities to be engaged with local residents and colleagues. This month, I have been involved in several different activities that have enhanced my presence within the district.
I have been able to help out with a couple different district wide 4-H events benefitting our local youth. I assisted with the Southeast Area Livestock Contest located at the Woodson County fairgrounds. I was a group leader and assisted kids with their judging experience. I was also able to help with the district horse show that was located at the Parsons State Hospital arena. This was a great event that local 4-H’ers used as a qualifying event to participate in the State Fair. This show takes a lot of hands to help keep it running smoothly. My responsibility for this event continues to be ribbon distributions. At both of these events, I enjoyed interacting with many of our local 4-H families.
Another event that I was able to take part in as professional development was the annual Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA)/KSU summer field days. I thoroughly enjoy this two-day event, not only for the information gained, but also for the networking opportunity with extension specialists, KSU staff and all other attendees from around the state who come to participate in these field days. The extension specialists provide great learning opportunities with topics including: insect identification, water conservation techniques, understanding soil properties, disease identification and other general agriculture topics. I would highly recommend this summer event to all who have interests in the future of agriculture.
Also, this month I helped with a couple different activities at the Four States Farm Show. I helped man our local extension booth where I was able to interact with many of the farm show attendees. This was a great opportunity to get to know many more local producers. I also helped with the Hay Demonstration. I was the announcer for this event on the Saturday of the three-day farm show. I think this is a great opportunity because it shows the presence of the Wildcat Extension District at such a widely attended agricultural event.
This month has been great for networking and professional development. As the end of the month draws near, I look forward to the many upcoming Wildcat District fair activities.
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Soil pH
Storing Grain
Discolored Soybeans
Radio
Programs
Farm Ponds