Wheat across Kansas is facing a number of difficulties. Some wheat is short, some has suffered freeze damage, some were victims of extreme drought stress, but nearly all of it has one thing in common—it’s immature. Twenty-five vehicles left Manhattan April 30 carrying around 100 agronomists, producers and others from the wheat industry. The carloads took a meandering road trip […]

The Livewires-Empire Best 4-H Club held its monthly meeting at the McPherson County fairgrounds in Canton April 15. The meeting was called to order by President Cash Toews. The Flag Salute and 4-H Pledge were then given. Roll Call was answered to “What is your favorite flower?” Thirteen members and leaders and six parents and guests were present at the […]

Several members from the Marion/Florence FFA chapter were recognized at the South Central District FFA Banquet April 16 as district proficiency award winners. Caleb Hett was the winner in the area of Diversi­fied Grain in the placement division. He works for his parents in their grain farming operation. Caleb helps with tillage, planting, and harvesting operations for their wheat, corn […]

Lack of understanding and critical thinking on the part of some in the environmental movement has compromised their effectiveness as self-appointed protector and guardian of our planet. Whenever we improve our critical thinking skills it becomes easier to see through deception and exaggeration that has characterized the promotions of some environmental organizations and the mass media’s coverage of their issues. […]

When it comes to protecting the land and improving the environment, farmers continue to lead the way and do their part. As this nation celebrates Earth Day April 22, farmers and ranchers remain committed to protecting the environment using modern conservation and tillage practices. Farmers and ranchers will tell you their fondest wish remains to pass their land on to […]

Kansas farmers and ranchers depend on market access for our exports around the globe. Kansas Farm Bureau voiced concern about retaliation when the Trump administration announced new tariffs on steel and aluminum and continue to watch developments closely. The retaliation by China against the proposed tariffs will result in drastic impacts on Kansas markets for beef, pork, soybeans, sorghum and […]

◼ The Livewires-Empire Best 4-H Club had its monthly meeting at the McPherson County 4-H building Feb. 18. Before the meeting, the 4-H club served sloppy joes, potato salad, macaroni salad, chips and dessert to about 20 community members. After everyone was served and clean-up was complete the meeting was called to order by President Cash Toews. The Flag Salute […]

Every seasoned Kansan knows we live smack-dab in the middle of tornado alley. The Heartland of America boasts one of the most tornado active regions in the world. If you’re like me, you’ll never forget May 4, 2007. On that fateful day the town of Greensburg, in Kiowa County, was all but wiped off the face of the earth. This […]

Some say the landscape in central and western Kansas looks like a barren, brown wasteland. Others believe that statement may be too kind. Whatever you see, and however you describe it—conditions remain dire in many regions of Kansas going into the final week of February. In Lincoln County for example, it’s difficult, and nearly impossible, to see green anywhere. Wheat […]

◼ Caroling, gift baskets and Angel Tree gifts were the main ingredients for the Dec. 10 meeting of the Tampa Triple T’s 4-H Club at the Senior Center at Tampa. Roll call was answered by, “Your favorite Christmas movie.” After a short business meeting, a meal of chili, hot dogs, chips and a drink provided by the Rziha families, the […]