April 1, 2020
Information You Can Trust
Community Development
April is National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month – and we’re dedicating this newsletter to the countless volunteers throughout Douglas County. The selfless giving of time, talent and treasure provides an immeasurable impact on Community. Service in this way may very well be the glue that binds us to one another. Certainly, non-volunteer activities bring cohesion and connectedness, but we think that there’s a special added value to the uncompensated commitment of a citizen to his or her neighbors.

Here at K-State Research and Extension – Douglas County, our mission to create a safe, sustainable, competitive food and fiber system and strong, healthy communities, families and youth through integrated research, analysis and education is made possible through public investment. Financial investment, yes, but also through investments made by over 300 volunteers who are committed to helping us achieve that mission. These altruistic individuals are not simply committed to us, they’re committed to you – their acquaintances, their community, their natural world, their fellow humans.
Health-Nutrition-Food Safety
Basic Foods Checklist
During this unprecedented time, it's challenging to know what to consider purchasing at the grocery store in a timely and safe manner. Make your trip thoughtful and purposeful so you don't forget to consider some common food staples.

Use this basic foods checklist for some ideas to help stock your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer for simple meals. Personalize the list with foods you frequently use.

Wonder How to Disinfect Surfaces Effectively?
How do you disinfect surfaces effectively? A simple bleach and water solution can do it! Get the details at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
Dietary Fat - Do We Need It?

There are many reasons why fats are essential in the diet. First, fat adds flavor and a pleasing texture to food. Fat also helps provide a feeling of fullness. Next, dietary fats carry and help our bodies absorb necessary fat soluble Vitamins; these are Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Plant foods and oils, like olive oil, are a heart smart fat choice because of the high amounts of unsaturated fat, specifically monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Strive to choose unsaturated fats over saturated through reading food labels. Recognize that the fats we are trying to limit are solid at room temperature and the fat we want to choose instead are liquid at room temperature. When a recipe calls for a solid fat such as butter, if possible, substitute a liquid vegetable oil. Read more.....
Volunteer Groups Are Invaluable

In the US, it appears that every day is acknowledged for something. According to the National Day Calendar, March 30 th , for example, is recognized for National Doctors Day, Pencil Day, Take a Walk in the Park Day, I Am In Control Day, Turkey Neck Soup Day, and Virtual Vacation Day.

It’s hilarious to see what has risen to the top. However, one hallmark of American life that ALL should recognize is National Volunteer Week/Month. On April 20, 1974, President Richard Nixon signed Proclamation 4288, which officially designated the first annual National Volunteer Week. . Read more...
Lawn and Garden
Ready Set Garden!!
You spent the winter planning every detail of your garden for this year so you are ready to go, right? Instead, March just blew past and now that there have been some warm days you feel that sense of urgency. So, let’s catch up and figure out what needs to get done to get some vegetables in the ground.
Appreciating the Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners
On March 28 th the Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners had been planning to hold their biennial Spring Garden Show. Prior to the Stay at Home order for Douglas County, the committee decided to postpone the show until May 30 th, and we are still optimistically planning for that date. While current events have delayed many of the outreach and educational events for the Master Gardeners this spring, they are quickly working to adjust how they serve the community, answering questions on Facebook and email rather than through face-to-face interactions. The Garden hotline is still open, you have questions about gardening you can either e mail : dgcogardenhotline@gmail.com (faster response) or phone: 785-843-7058 (leave a message). Continue Reading
Crops and Livestock
Using the Flight Zone to Easily Herd Livestock

Herding livestock from one place to another can sometimes be a daunting task; however, when you understand animal behavior it can be easy and stress-free. One of the greatest animal scientist of all times, Dr. Temple Grandin, revolutionized the way the world views animal behavior and care. One of the ways she accomplished this was by teaching ranchers about grazing animal's flight zones.


Managing Pink Eye in Cattle

Spring is here and summer is on its way, and sadly so is pink eye infections in cattle. Every cattle owner knows the struggles that pink eye causes on their herd.

Volunteers Make the Difference!
K-State Research and Extension wouldn’t be able to create an impact on Douglas County without all the support from our wonderful service minded volunteers. Whether it’s teaching grade school students about agriculture or setting up livestock panels before the county fair, each task makes a difference.
4-H Youth In Action
Kids and the Coronavirus
The coronavirus COVID- 19 has changed our households. This can be a time of uncertainty for families. These tips are from the experts at the Child Mind Institute. For more information visit https://childmind.org. 

Don't be afraid to discuss the coronavirus.
Not talking about something that can make kids worry more. Provide developmentally appropriate fact based information. As the coronavirus situation evolves, continue having conversations with your child.  Don't be afraid to discuss the coronavirus.

Take cues from your child.
Encourage your child to ask questions and share their feelings. Be prepared to give answers. If you don't know the answer don't be afraid to research together.

Focus on what you are doing to stay safe.
Reassure your child by talking about the precautions your family are taking to stay safe. Explain how hand washing and social distancing are helping your family not spread germs.

Stick to a routine.
Most kids thrive off of schedules and predictability. Structured days with regular mealtimes and bedtimes are an essential part of keeping kids happy and healthy.
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4-H Volunteers Make the Best Better
Each year 4-H adult and youth volunteers give hundreds of thousands of hours helping youth be the best they can be. Volunteers guide 4-H members in becoming productive citizens, outstanding communicators, effective leaders, and successful learners. This is achieved through a volunteer’s passions, skills, and talents. To help accomplish our goal of positive youth development, Kansas 4-H screens volunteers who work directly with youth so we can assure a safe learning environment. Continue
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal
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