Two Wildfires Threaten Riley County During High Winds

(Riley County, KS – March 16, 2023) Riley County Fire District #1 was dispatched to two fires during dangerous conditions Wednesday, March 15. The first call was dispatched at 12:18 p.m. for reports of heavy black smoke in the Baldwin Park Rd. area in northern Riley County. Upon arrival, crews found a rekindled brush pile […]

Water Wise: Hays residents meeting challenges of water conservation, quality

City pairs with extension to provide support for region’s waterways By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service HAYS, Kan. – Two water officials in Hays, Kansas say that policies put in place in the 1990s are still paying dividends for a city that is often seen as a model for water-use efficiency. Holly […]

Kansas fire season is here, officials say

K-State meteorologist says weather patterns play a large role in wildfires By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service MANHATTAN, Kan. — The beginning of the year has been quiet for Kansas wildfires after above average moisture in January, but the trend may not continue into peak fire season. In previous years, the incidence […]

Wildflowers bring bursts of color to home landscapes

K-State horticulture expert suggests planting a blend of grasses and wildflowers By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service MANHATTAN, Kan. — Wildflowers offer variety and color to a home landscape. In addition to eye appeal, they can survive in soils containing a wide range of chemistry pH and with varying numbers of sunny […]

K-State scientists publish long-term research about woody vegetation and grassland ecology

MANHATTAN — New research from a team of Kansas State University scientists links increased woody vegetation to declining stream quality in grasslands. “Trajectories and state changes of a grassland stream and riparian zone after a decade of woody vegetation removal” has been published in Ecological Applications, the applied journal of the Ecological Society of America. […]

OALP accepting applications for Class XXI

By Trisha Gedon Stillwater, OK– For more than 40 years, the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program has enhanced knowledge and leadership skills for Oklahomans involved in agriculture. “OALP helps potential leaders develop a better understanding of the various systems of economics and government,” said Edmond Bonjour, OALP director since 2010. “Class members increase and use their […]

Home Gardening: Now is the Time to Control Iris Leaf Spot

By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service   Manhattan, KS — Spring has begun to emerge from winter, and along with it has come the iris leaf spot fungus. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham said now is the time to begin control measures by removing old, dead leaves from iris plants.   […]

Farm Bill Should Prioritize Agricultural Research, New Policy Report Says

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. should increase support for agricultural research and development (R&D) in the next Farm Bill to ensure that farmers can keep feeding the world in spite of challenges from climate change and other shocks, according to a report produced jointly by Farm Journal Foundation and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Hotter […]