It's a new year and everyone at Extension is geared up, ready to provide you with new educational opportunities and information you can trust to help make decisions that are best for you and your family. Happy New Year!
January 2017
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas formed when uranium in soil and rocks decays into radioactive particles. The particles can lodge in the lungs and cause lung cancer. Radon levels in Johnson County soil are high. Have you checked your radon levels in your basement and first floor? Unless you've bought a new home recently chances are good you haven't done a radon test. Learn more below.
January is National Radon Month
Combat Radon-induced Lung Cancer
You can’t see, smell or taste it, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America. The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes. Inexpensive DIY radon test kits are available at the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension office.

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: Bird Feeder Basics
Watching the flutter of activity outside your window on a cold, dreary morning is a cheery way to pass the winter months. Attracting birds to your backyard is easy if you know these three keys.
The Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Coffee is the most popular item consumed at breakfast in the United States. Studies show that the antioxidants in coffee can inhibit the development of gallstones, cavities, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease. How much can most healthy adults enjoy?
Pulses: Plant-based Proteins to Believe in
Pulses are readily available, always in-season and highly affordable. You may already be eating them and not know it. Find out about this plant-based protein.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: The SAD facts of winter blues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically starts in the late fall and early winter and goes away during the spring and summer. If you find you are struggling this season, here are some ways to counteract SAD.
Ice Melts Help But Can Be Harmful
If a little bit is good then more should be better, right? Not so fast, Bucko! While ice melts are helpful, using too much can cause expensive damage. We outline which chemical ice-melts work and at what temperatures.
Winter Watering Tips
During periods of winter drought, people become concerned about their landscape plants and home foundations. If we stay dry this winter, water trees, lawns and shrubs, and your foundations by using sprinklers and soaking hoses. At what temperatures should water be applied to plants? Will frozen water harm them?
Application deadline Jan. 13
Extension Master Food Volunteers Class of 2017
Are you a Foodie passionate about cooking and sharing with friends? This may be just the program for you. This is a fun-loving volunteer group that cares about our community. Learn more here.
Hay Bale
Forage Testing Determines How Much to Feed Livestock
Testing your hay to find out the protein and energy content is the only way to know how much you need to feed this winter. Testing is simple -- here's how.
Farmer's Tax Guide
We have copies of the Farmer’s Tax Guide at the Extension Office for help in preparing your 2015 returns. The publication explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming. You can use this guide to figure your taxes and complete your farm tax return.
Free Tax Preparation Begins Feb. 1
The Sunset Drive Office Building will once again host a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. Anyone whose household income is $54,000 or below may have their state and federal income tax returns completed and e-filed FREE of charge.
Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Classes
It's a New Year and our popular kids cooking classes are back! New in 2017: Due to such high demand, registration opens two months before each class. Check out the fun we have in store for this year.

Lawn and Garden Classes Now Available
Don't wait -- our lawn and garden classes are only available early in the year and fill quickly! Topics include hydrangea's, lawn fertilization, growing vegetables, must have plants and more!

Agriculture Events
There are several upcoming events that are of particular interest to our agriculture producers. Click on the event listing below for details.

Jan. 12-14, 2017
Great Plains Growers Conference
Great Plains Growers Conference (GPGC) is a combination of two great conferences: Great Plains Vegetable Conference  and Mid-America Fruit Conference. This three-day conference features presentations by knowledgeable speakers from throughout the nation.
 
Jan. 13, 2017
K-State Corn Management Schools
Johnson County will host one of ten K-State Crop Production Schools offered from early January to early February 2017 across the entire state. This one day school is free and includes lunch, but advance registration is required.
Jan. 31, 2017
Johnson County Livestock Association Annual Meeting
Please don’t overlook our Johnson County Livestock Association Annual Meeting. You don’t have to be a current member to attend, and the topic will be very timely. With a change in how certain beef antibiotics can be purchased in feed, you’ll want to learn how that may affect your operation. Our featured speaker will be A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, and Extension beef veterinarian at K-State. To register call 913-715-7000 or email [email protected]. 
 


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