INFORMATION YOU CAN TRUST | |
FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR | |
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Here at K-State Research and Extension, we are dedicated to a safe, sustainable, competitive food and fiber system and to strong, healthy communities, families, and youth through integrated research, analysis and education.
In Douglas County, we think that you are a critical piece of our mission. As you peruse the content of this newsletter, we hope that you’ll consider how you might plug into this work. We’re certain that something within here will either interest you or inspire you to reach out and connect with us. Either way, we look forward to meeting you and learning how we can be of service to you, your family, and your community.
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Mary Kirkendoll
Board Member
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Why did you get involved in extension services?
I got involved with Extension through my work with the Eudora Giving Garden. The Executive Director, multiple agents, and Master Gardeners made themselves available for strategic planning, advice, and volunteer work. I continue to be impressed with their efforts to help our small community garden.
What has surprised you the most about being on the Extension Board?
What has surprised me the most is how much I’ve learned about the vast array of programs and services Extension offers. The staff and leadership are incredible and I am grateful to be a part of the team!
What other community activities are you passionate about?
I am passionate about health & wellness, community organizing & resource navigation, and witnessing & supporting small acts of kindness that create a ripple effect throughout our community and beyond. Deeply grateful to live and work in our wonderful community!
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Stephen Kalb
Board Member
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Why did you get involved in extension services?
Growing up, my family was always actively involved in 4-H. Later, through my professional career, extension has continued to provide me with education to keep us current with research and advancements.
What has surprised you the most about being on the Extension Board?
The vast amount of services that the extension staff provides for the community.
What other community activities are you passionate about?
Community health and with three children in grade school, education has become very important.
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Ginny Barnard
Board Member
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Why did you get involved in extension services?
As a life-long learner and educator, I am passionate about sharing research-based, hands-on learning for people of all ages and abilities. My passion matches perfectly with Extension's mission and vision.
What has surprised you the most about being on the Extension Board?
ALL the board members are passionate and dedicated to helping support the agents and staff.
What other community activities are you passionate about?
Any of our local schools and youth organizations; SafeKids Kansas.
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FOOD | NUTRITION | HEALTH | FOOD SAFETY | |
Double Up Food Bucks
Kaitlyn Peinie
Community Health & Wellness
County Extension Agent
Consuming more fruits and vegetables is something we all should get behind, and farmers' markets are a great place to get fresh and in-season fruits and vegetables while simultaneously supporting our local economy and food systems. Many may think that shopping at farmers' markets is too expensive and is not an option for households with a limited food budget. However, the Double Up Food Bucks Program breaks down barriers that may be keeping limited resource families from shopping at farmers' markets.
Double Up Food Bucks is a program that doubles the value of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits (formerly known as food stamps) up to $25 per day at participating farmer's markets for fresh, local fruits and vegetables. This win-win program helps local farmers sell more produce and allows the consumer to purchase more healthy food for their family.
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Food Safety Tips
Perfect for Spring
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By Taylor Jamison,
K-State Research and Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Spring and summer are ripe for enjoying fresh fruit and vegetables and planning outdoor picnics, but food safety mistakes could spoil the fun, said Kansas State University food safety specialist Londa Nwadike.
She said that food safety begins before the kitchen; all the way back to production, in fact.
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“Produce safety is a shared responsibility. Kansas produce growers are working hard to grow produce safely,” said Nwadike, who holds dual extension appointments with K-State and the University of Missouri. “K-State Research and Extension provides resources to grow produce safely, and consumers can also do their part to keep produce as safe as possible.”
Nwadike said there are a few things to keep in mind to assure the produce is safe and good quality in the grocery store, farmers market, or farm stand:
- The product should have a fresh look ideally, not wilted.
- The product should be without bruises, cuts or nicks.
- If pre-cut or peeled, the product must be in cold storage.
- Do not buy any produce that is touching the floor.
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Enrique Ortiz
SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator
Everyone knows when we order at a restaurant or get fast food, our meal will always be higher in calories, total fat /saturated fat and lower in calcium, fiber, and iron. Although there are multiple reasons why fast food and carryout are the foundation of many American’s diets, one I would like to point out is the decline in cooking skills in young Americans.
This past month SNAP-Ed implemented a program called Teen Cuisine that is designed to improve teenagers cooking skills, diets, and lifestyles.
Teen Cuisine aims to empower teens to adopt healthier lifestyles by teaching them the knowledge and skills needed to prepare nutritious and delicious snacks and meals at home. Teen Cuisine is specifically tailored towards youth from grades 6 to 12 to build important life skills and promote optimal health – both now, in the present, and in the future as they become young adults. The curriculum used addresses key concepts about nutrition, food preparation and cooking, food safety, and physical activity using approaches and strategies that enhance learning and behavior change among teens.
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Did you know, people who visit food pantries often have a double burden of food insecurity and chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and heart disease? Clients that seek care for these conditions are encouraged to eat healthier food but often can’t afford it or find it in their local grocery stores or food pantries.
To increase the availability of healthier foods in food pantries within our county, LiveWell partnered with K-State Research and Extension to conduct a food donor survey. The goal of the survey was to find out if those who donate food, would be willing to donate healthier food and if so, what would make the donation of healthy food easy and convenient.
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Food |Nutrition |Health | Food Safety Information
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HORTICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES | |
Extension Master Gardener Native Plant Sale | |
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Hello, I’m Daniel Lassman, a restoration ecologist and new member of the extension team here in Douglas County. I grew up 6th generation in our beautiful area and am excited to work with the extension agents here on our programs, including Master Gardeners, Agriculture, Commercial Horticulture, and Natural Resources.
Each of our programs are a part of a larger web of relationships which interconnect our communities, just as our native species connect with each other to form diverse ecosystems. At this time of year, these native ecosystems, as well as more disturbed areas such as our backyards or fields are rapidly growing.
Different species can be cooperating or competing to take advantage of our lush Spring. One side effect this is of course “weeds” proliferating, especially in our gardens, yards, and beyond. The extension offers many resources on how to work weeds, which is what I’ll focus on today.
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Horticulture & Natural Resources Information & Updates
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Summer is just around the corner! After a much drier than normal spring, followed by much needed rains through early May, who knows what nature will bring… flood or drought?! Visiting various producers this spring revealed the outcome of damaged brome fields due to the Army worm infestations of late 2021. | |
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Food Rot & Profit Loss for Cattle Producers
By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek said that a bacterial infection that causes lameness in calves could be decreasing the breeding effectiveness of the cow herd and costing producers' profits.
Hanzlicek referred to a recent research stocker calf project indicating that lame calves gained one-half pound less than their healthy counterparts.
“When we talk about infectious lameness in cow-calf herds -- especially on pasture -- we're talking about foot rot,” Hanzlicek said. “There is another infectious lameness that is called hairy heel wart, but it is uncommon in pasture situations.”
Foot rot is a bacterial infection that is caused by several bacteria. The bacteria, according to Hanzlicek, are found in the rumen (the largest part of the stomach), and are therefore everywhere in environments where cattle are present. These bacteria and are unable to penetrate the cow’s skin on their own.
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Agriculture Information & Updates | |
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Douglas County Fair
A Time of New Experiences
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4-H Youth Development Information & Updates
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UPDATES & IMPORTANT EVENTS | |
*Click above/below links & images to access more information and registration pages.* | |
Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities, and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability, contact K-State Research and Extension Douglas County, 785-843-7058. Notify staff of accommodation needs as early as possible. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. | |
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Douglas County K-State Research and Extension
(785) 843-7058
2110 Harper Street
Lawrence, KS 66046
| Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
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