Farm News

Cattle Chat: Evaluating Replacement Heifers Ahead of Breeding Season

Tuesday, December 16

K-State beef cattle experts emphasize early heifer preparation and the role of nutrition in early conception and calving successMANHATTAN, Kan. — Carefully preparing replacement heifers prior to breeding season is essential for improving conception rates and ensuring cows calve early and remain productive throughout... Read More.

Governor Kelly Updates Declaration of Drought Emergency, Warnings, and Watches for Kansas Counties

Monday, December 15

TOPEKA, Kan. (December 12, 2025) — Governor Laura Kelly has signed a proclamation approving updated drought declarations for Kansas counties.Above-normal precipitation in recent months has led to noticeable improvement in drought conditions, particularly across the western two-thirds of the state. Fall 2025 is... Read More.

Caring for Poinsettias

Thursday, December 11

K-State horticulture expert says popular holiday plant can be maintained year-round MANHATTAN, Kan. — In all their colorful glory, poinsettias are a great addition to any home during the holiday season. Ranging from red, white, green, pink or a color combination, poinsettias can be maintained year-round,... Read More.

Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: Darrell Westervelt, Blueville Nursery

Wednesday, December 10

MANHATTAN, Kan. (Dec. 3, 2025) — “We’re not really in the plant business, we’re in the people business.”That may seem an unusual statement for the owner of a nursery and landscape company, but it describes the philosophy that has helped this business to succeed. Darrell... Read More.

Cattle Chat: Keeping an Eye Out for Theileria

Tuesday, December 9

K-State beef cattle experts detail Theileria threats, how it’s transmitted and ways producers can stay ahead of the disease MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University beef cattle experts are urging producers to stay alert this winter as new research reveals that Theileria, a tick-borne parasite affecting cattle... Read More.

K-State Specialist Shares Tips for Managing Cattle as Temps Get Cold

Monday, December 8

Cold stress increases cow’s energy needs, says Warner MANHATTAN, Kan. — As temperatures become colder, a K-State cow-calf specialist says it is important for beef producers to be on the lookout for cold stress in their cattle.“Beef cows begin to experience cold stress when... Read More.

Kansas Health Commissioner Urges Biosecurity to Curb Spread of EHV-1

Monday, December 8

Disease not yet reported in Kansas, but risk is higher during winter months MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith says biosecurity practices will be key to stemming the spread of a highly contagious virus in horses that can cause respiratory issues,... Read More.

K-State to Host Calving Schools Across Kansas

Friday, December 5

Programs focus on calving management, handling difficult birthsMANHATTAN, Kan. — In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and Kansas State University Extension are planning a series of calving schools beginning in December and continuing through January.The... Read More.

Buying Firewood? Knowing Heat Values Could Aid Your Choice

Friday, December 5

K-State horticulture expert gives tips for choosing firewood MANHATTAN, Kan. — Not all firewood is created equal.That’s the word from Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini, who said the wood from some tree species produces more heat than others.High on the list are red,... Read More.

USDA to Expand Crop Insurance Access for Farmers and Ranchers, Boosting the Farm Safety Net

Friday, December 5

(Washington, D.C., December 5, 2025) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced major updates to federal crop insurance, reducing red tape for farmers, modernizing long-standing policies, and expanding access to critical risk protection beginning with the 2026 crop year. The Read More.

Despite Winter’s Chill, Gardeners Can Still Prep for Spring

Thursday, December 4

Storing potatoes, testing old seed make December’s to-do list MANHATTAN, Kan. — Gardeners who may be getting antsy for spring can still find plenty to do during winter’s colder months, says Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini. For starters, she says, it’s a good time... Read More.

Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: John and Shelley Gardner, Christmas at Pumpkin Pants Ranch

Wednesday, December 3

“Make Christmas magic.” That’s the goal of one family that is using their rural Kansas facility to create special holiday memories for kids and families. As we have previously described, John and Shelley Gardner are the founders of Pumpkin Pants Ranch. Since 2023, they have... Read More.