The distinctive smell of hemp now wafts through certain test plots at multiple K-State Research and Extension sites across Kansas. The end goal is to find out whether it’s also the smell of money for farmers seeking a valuable new rotational crop. The first test crops of industrial hemp have been growing for about two months at the John C. […]

Kansas State University turfgrass specialist Jared Hoyle says homeowners ought to be thinking about a mid-summer checkup on their lawns, which likely includes applying fertilizer and weed killer. Many Kansas summer landscapes include warm-season grasses, namely bermudagrass, zoysiagrass and buffalograss. Each of those requires a little care in order to stay healthy through the hot weeks ahead. “Those three grasses […]

Jana Dalke, from Serenity Gardens near Hillsboro, will be sharing a wealth of knowledge on preparing spring flower beds and summer vegetable gardens as the topic for the March 22 Lifelong Learning program. The program will begin at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, March 22 in the Heritage Lobby of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. Several local vendors will […]

Marion/Florence FFA members took third place at the South Central District FFA Agriculture Sales Career Development Event on Wednesday, Dec. 5. The event was hosted by the Marion FFA chapter at Marion Eastmoor United Methodist Church. Participants in the Agriculture Sales Event were required to take a written test, develop and present a sales presentation for an agricultural product, as […]

Unpredictable weather, falling net farm income, spotty health care services and a host of other factors can make for incredible stress on farms and in rural communities. Many of the factors causing sleepless nights are beyond an individual’s control, yet there are often ways to manage the stress, according to North Dakota State University family science specialist Sean Brotherson. “People […]

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Have you ever wondered where the food you buy comes from? Do you know the manner in which it was produced? A growing number of consumers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from and want to know that it reached their plate in a sustainable manner. As part of the Beef Industry Sustainability Assessment, a […]

4-H / FFA 4-H Clothing and Textiles 375 D: Female Purchased Outfit Style Revue Ages 14-18 Addie Berens (TTT) Purple/Reserve Grand Champion Purchased Style Revue Female; Reserve Champion Purchased Style Revue Senior Female Elyse Boden (GGG) Purple/Grand Champion Purchased Style Revue Female; Champion Purchased Style Revue Senior Female Cassandra Meyer (HH) Purple Brooke Nafziger (GGG) Blue Cierra Nolte (GGG) Purple […]

Aaron Helmer is settling into his new role as store manager at the Herington KanEquip, which he started at the end of May. Kristi Lovett / Free Press “I’ve dabbled in odds and ends over the years, but it’s always been ag for me,” said Aaron Helmer of Marion. It’s the passion for the agriculture lifestyle that encouraged him to […]

In communities across Kansas, farmers’ markets continue to offer homegrown and homemade products. Everything from freshly picked fruits and vegetables to mouthwatering baked goods, fresh eggs, beef, lamb, pork, colorful flower arrange­ments and assorted bedding plants. Today, 94 farmers’ markets are registered in the “From the Land of Kansas” program. Another 20-30 probably exist scattered throughout the state. This access […]

◼ The Live Wires-Empire Best 4-H Club met June 10 at the McPherson County Fairgrounds in Canton. The meeting was called to order by Lane McMannis, vice president, followed by the Flag Salute and 4-H Pledge. Roll call was: “What is your favorite part about summer?” Twelve members, three leaders and five guests and parents were present. The May meeting […]