Johnson County 4-H members put in many hours of work year-round on their projects, and all that culminates when they showcase their work at the Johnson County Fair in Gardner, Kansas, which is happening now through August 5.

Join in the fair fun! Here are 7 Reasons to Support Johnson County 4-H at the Fair.

Celebrating bats and their ecological services

Bats may be the most underappreciated animals that live in our community. The ecological services they provide are endless, and yet they are feared and hated by many.

The truth is, most bats are harmless, preferring to avoid humans as much as possible. Let’s take a closer look at bats that may live in your neighborhood.  

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BLV and Kansas Cows

Veterinarians from Kansas State University provide the latest research on bovine leukemia virus and its impact on beef production.

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Oak Leaf Itch Mites? 

Will oak leaf itch mites return this fall? Your guess might be as good as ours. There is a lot we know about their life cycle, but much remains a mystery. Here is what we do know and how you can prepare. 

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August Gardening Notes

• Plant seeds of beans, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage into the garden
• Harvest crops on a regular basis for season-long production
• Turn compost pile and add water when dry
• Ease fruit loads on tree branches by propping with wooden supports

View a complete August gardening calendar.

Sunset Garden Update

The beginning of July saw many milestones for the Sunset Garden, as their yearly produce total surpassed 1,500 pounds and their largest harvest yet of 280 pounds came from the garden.

Now in the thick of summer, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, potatoes, onions, garlic, and blackberries are turning out ample pounds of produce. Despite being cool-season crops, broccoli, kale, cabbage, and carrots are also still producing.

As we approach the latter half of the warm vegetable season, fall crops are beginning to be incorporated in the garden. These will include more broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, and kale, as well as lettuce and bok choy. 

Learn more about the Sunset Garden here. Volunteers are welcome at our weekly Tuesday morning workdays.

On July 25 we hosted our first pop-up farmers market. More than 75 people came for produce and to sample salsa and infused water from the Extension Master Food Volunteers. View photos here.

Fall Vegetable Gardening

The beginning of August is upon us, you still have a narrow window of time left to plant that fall vegetable garden you have always dreamed of.

Planted now, you can expect many leafy and root vegetables alike for their late-September to early-November harvest. 

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Developing Positive, Healthful Habits in Kids

It's a fact: Many school-aged children are not eating enough healthy foods, which means they miss out on nutrients required to support their growing bodies. 

But there is hope! Parents and caregivers can play a significant role in children’s nutrition and health. Teach kids about healthful foods, be a good role model, and incorporate physical activity into each day. 

August is Kids Eat Right Month®, and a perfect time to reevaluate your family's habits.

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August Financial Check In

“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.”

- Robert Kiyosaki

Some financial matters to consider for this month:

• Social Security smarts: Review Record of Earnings
• Back-to-school season is here. Maybe not for you, but take advantage of season low prices to replenish your office supplies.
• Financial Awareness Day is August 14. It's a great time to set a financial goal or review your budget.

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Don’t let back to school bust your budget

In grades K-12, parents are expected to spend an average of $597 on back-to-school expenses per child. Does this number seem overwhelming to you? If so, you're not alone.

Before you head to the store or shop online, prioritize your expenses and plan your spending. 

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Strategies to Keep Volunteers Engaged

Those who have the honor of working with volunteers know it can be rewarding and challenging at times. Here are four key things to keep in mind when supporting volunteers.

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Become a citizen scientist!

Community volunteers are still needed to gather data for the Kansas Community Heat Mapping program.

Sign up to volunteer

Learn more about the program

JCEEF Signature Event

Saturday, August 26

5 - 8 PM

Arts and Heritage Center

Our Signature Event includes live and silent auction, delicious food and live music. All proceeds benefit the Johnson County Extension Education Foundation, which provides $20,000 in grants each year.

You can support Extension programs-- while enjoying a fun evening out-- by attending this annual event. Tickets are $50 each.

Buy tickets