Outdoor privy is one of state’s memorable images

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 11 May 2010 19:56

Several images surface as we dust off the cobwebs of our minds and reflect back on rural Kansas and those days of long ago. Red barns, silver-steel windmills, cream separators, harvest crews, Burma Shave signs and certainly the outhouse come to mind.

While many have tried to describe the typical Kansas (or American) privy, each was as different and original as the men whose job it was to build them. This column is dedicated to those prairie dwellers across Kansas who, in the middle of pioneering this great state, still took time for moments of contemplation.

Kansas outhouses were a reflection of its people—the region of the state where they settled and where they came from back in the Old Country. Each was a classic in its own right...

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CG&S display field will offer farmers visible evidence

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 20 April 2010 18:46

Kevin Suderman, CG&S agronomist, said that besides the things CG&S wants to display for the public, the plot gave the company a unique opportunity to cooperate with Kansas State University Extension Service in wheat trials. Area farmers will have a unique educational opportunity available to them as agriculture evolves through the years, thanks to the foresight of leaders at Cooperative Grain and Supply, headquartered at Hillsboro.

Farmers will be free to stop at a visible, convenient, 40-acre field to see crop variety plots with herbicide use.

The field, leased by CG&S from the city of Hillsboro last fall, is at the intersection of U.S. Highway 56 and Kanza, north of the city’s new wastewater lagoons.

Kevin Suderman, CG&S agronomist, calls it a literal “showcase” of the latest in crops and herbicides.

Suderman said that besides the things CG&S wants to display for the public, the plot gave the company a unique opportunity to cooperate...

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Farmers must become educators, too

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 20 April 2010 18:45

COMMENTARY

A successful farmer said it best when he talked to me recently about his obligation to give the public an understanding of his profession.

This western Kansas producer has always known how important it is to help consumers understand agriculture. He said he believes if the people who buy his products have a better appreciation for the food produced on his farm, the future of his business will remain bright while he continues to provide high quality, low cost food we Americans all enjoy.

How do farmers help consumers understand their profession?

It begins with the commitment to tell your side of the story whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself. Whether farmers talk to grade-schoolers, members of service clubs...

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4-H News (April 21, 2010)

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 20 April 2010 18:45

• Junior president Karl Riffel called the meeting of the Tampa Triple Ts 4-H Club to order March 22 at the Senior Center. Roll call—“What do you get in trouble for?”—was answered by 35 members, 14 parents, six leaders and four guests.

Junior secretary Callie Riffel read the minutes and junior treasurer Lisa Geis gave the treasurer’s report.

Announcements given during the leader’s report included due dates for horse ID forms and PQA training. A photography workshop will be April 10 and the Spring Beef Show is April 17.

Cassidy Hill, junior vice president, introduced a full program of talks. Lauren Geis described a homemade method for pest control on large animals.

Makenzie Deines demonstrated pointe ballet. Reece Berens...

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