une has been an exciting and busy month. I have been a part of several programs and activities that have been successful adventures. Jacob Weber, Barbara Ames and I organized a high tunnel bus tour in Northeast Kansas in cooperation with the Olathe Horticulture Research Center Staff. We offered a carpool to area residents to join us on our high tunnel adventure. We had a van load travel with us, but the total in attendance for the tour was nearly 50 people. It was a great learning opportunity. We toured the Olathe facility and then hopped on a charted bus to tour two other local growers who are using high tunnels on their farms. It was a very informational and enjoyable learning experience.
Also this month, I have had the opportunity to provide programming to youth in a variety of settings and topics. I went to the 4-H Discovery Days in Manhattan where I helped teach and facilitate two different classes. I helped teach “What’s the Name of that Plant” and also “Techniques of Tailgating.” In addition, I assisted with Keith Martin’s judging camp for beginners. We tried to offer a more tailored approach to the new or inexperienced judgers by focusing on the basics of livestock judging and giving oral reasons. I also assisted Katie Townsend with her 4-H Cedar Bluff Camp by offering a plant identification activity. Another youth program that I taught was to the Boys and Girls Club in Coffeyville. I created a crops focused jeopardy game that kept the students engaged and interested. I also asked the new agent from Cowley County, Elizabeth Espino, to join so that I could introduce her to some programming ideas through our mentorship process.
Moreover, I have also been busy making several farm and field visits. Some of the topics that I have addressed include aquatic plant control in a farm pond, wildlife damage in a crop field, corn field issues, weed identification and other forage grass seedling identification. I have really enjoyed meeting with producers and helping to solve the issues on their operations.
June has been a busy but exciting month. I have enjoyed working with area producers, youth and Wildcat District colleagues. I look forward to continuing the great programming efforts we have going on within the district.
J
Ladybugs
KFMA
Wildlife During Hay Season
Nutrient Availability