Agriculture & Horticulture Newsletter

December 2024

In this Issue:

Crop Talk:

Private Pesticide Applicator Changes

Livestock Buzz:

Cow Herd Management Tips

Garden Clippings:

Tips for choosing Christmas Trees
Buying Firewood

Upcoming Programs

Services, Other News & Calendar

~ Crop Talk ~

Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Changes

The Environmental Protection Agency has required each state to update their certification and training plans, which outline private and commercial pesticide certification in the state. In order to meet these objectives, the Kansas Department of Agriculture introduced house bill 2607, which was approved by the legislature making some changes to the private applicator certification.

Starting January 1, 2025 there will be three options applicators can choose to receive certification. These include:

Closed-book examination (still offered at the extension offices, but there will be new rules, which need to followed)
Attend an in-person training to obtain certification
Complete 6-module online training with reviews and activities

You can renew your certificate using the old system (Open Book) until Dec. 23rd for the MdC Extension offices will be closed for the Christmas Holiday following that date. If you have any questions, please give the Extension office a call: Paola Office - 913-294-4306 or Mound City - 913-795-2829.

~ Livestock Buzz ~

Management Considerations for January 2025

By: Jason Warner, Extension Cow-Calf Specialist

Cow Herd Management

Body condition score (BCS) both spring- and fall-calving cows.

Target BCS for spring calvers at calving: 5 for mature cows, 6 for young females
Adjust nutrition program prior to calving as needed for spring-calvers
Ensure fall-calvers maintain BCS through winter if still nursing calves

Continue grazing crop residues and dormant pastures as they are available but be prepared to move cattle or provide supplemental feed as conditions dictate.

Be ready to react to severe winter weather effects on cow nutrient requirements by providing additional feed.

Review your nutrition program and test harvested forages for the following:

Moisture/dry matter
Crude protein
Energy (NEm, NEg, and/or TDN)
Fiber components (ADF, NDF)
Macro-minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, salt)
Nitrates when appropriate
Starch for silage crops

Manage young and mature bulls during the offseason to ensure bulls are BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use and have adequate winter protection.

Calf Management

Consider your plans for weaning and marketing fall-born calves.

Watch the feeder calf market
Evaluate your feed resources and cost of gain
Talk to prospective buyers in advance of selling

Review/update your health protocols as needed for newborn calves.

Consider either supplementing fall-calving pairs or creep feeding fall-born calves to maintain calf performance on low-quality winter forages.

Monitor replacement heifers to ensure they are adequately growing and developing, take check weights and adjust your plane of nutrition accordingly.

General Management

Update herd records and use them to assess performance.
Review your genetic selection strategy to ensure your goals are met.
Develop and/or revise your risk management plans for the coming year.
Discuss herd health protocols with your veterinarian.
Take inventory of supplies and clean equipment prior to spring calving.
Ensure plans are in place to provide bedding, wind protection, and snow removal.
Make arrangements to ensure sufficient water is available in freezing conditions.
Evaluate your short- and long-term herd inventory goals with current conditions.
Renew lease arrangements as necessary.
Schedule an annual meeting with your lender, insurance agent, and extension professional.

~ Garden Clippings ~

Tips for choosing and caring for live Christmas trees

Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini said there are three characteristics to avoid when selecting a live Christmas tree:

Dull, gray-green needles.
Dry, stiff and brittle needles.
Needles drop from tree easily.

“Some commercial sites sell cut trees that have already been stored for several weeks, so evaluate these carefully before purchasing,” Domenghini said.

Click Here to View Full Article

Buying firewood? Knowing heat values could aid your choice

Not all firewood is created equal. Knowing which varieties burn safely and produce more heat as well as drying it properly will help to maximize its use.

Click Here to View Full Article

~ Upcoming Programs ~

Rural Living Series

Coyote Control

Join us on Tuesday, December 17th to hear KSRE Wildlife Specialist - Drew Ricketts present on ways to control coyotes and trapping techniques for raccoons, opossums and skunks.

A meal will be provided so please RSVP by Monday, Dec. 16th. You can RSVP by calling 913-294-4306.

Leaving A Lasting Legacy

For Midwestern Farm Women

A Succession Planning Series

A four-part succession planning workshop series. Come network with other agriculture producers and develop strategies to evaluate and improve your estate and transition plans.

You can learn more information and/or register by calling the Paola Extension office @ 913-294-4306 or visit AgManager.info.

Early Registration deadline January 13, 2025!

~ Extension Services ~

~ Other News ~

~ Calendar ~

Mark Your Calendar!

DECEMBER

Dec. 11: Both Offices Closed

Dec. 17: Rural Living Series - Coyote Control

Dec. 24 to Jan. 01: Both Offices Closed

JANUARY

Jan. 01: New Private Pesticide Certification Changes goes in affect.

Jan. 02: Offices Open

Jan. 7-9: Topeka Farm Show

Jan. 21: Leaving a Lasting Legacy Series - Motivation for Succession Planning

Jan. 28: Leaving a Lasting Legacy Series - Communication about Estate & Transition Planning

K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact Katelyn Barthol two weeks prior to the start of the event at 913-294-4306 or kbarth25@ksu.edu. Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Marais des Cygnes District Extension