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 […]

Farmer Clay Scott stands in front of one of his center-pivot irrigation systems. Flying east to west over Kansas, the land transforms from lush green to desert brown. Rectangular farm plots fill in with emerald circles, the work of center-pivot irrigation. Outside Garden City, in the middle of one of those circles, Dwane Roth scoops up soil to reveal an […]

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 […]