#9 with Joe Gerken - Blue Green Algae

#9 with Joe Gerken - Blue Green Algae

In this episode, Justine Johns interviews Joe Gerken, fisheries and aquatic specialist at K-State, about blue-green algae in ponds. They discuss what blue-green algae is, how blooms form, risks to livestock and pets, and management strategies to prevent and address blooms. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blue-Green Algae and Its Importance 04:39 Understanding Blue-Green Algae: What It Is and Its Effects 10:02 Conditions Favoring Blue-Green Algae Blooms 15:31 Testing and Monitoring for Blue-Green Algae 20:12 Management Practices to Prevent Blue-Green Algae 25:32 Trends and Awareness of Blue-Green Algae Issues 29:11 Final Advice for Livestock Producers Resources ID and Management of BGA -https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/identification-and-management-of-blue-green-algae-in-farm-ponds_MF3065.pdf [https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/identification-and-management-of-blue-green-algae-in-farm-ponds_MF3065.pdf] Jar Test - https://www.meadowlark.k-state.edu/docs/livestock/blue_green%20algae_jar_Test.pdf [https://www.meadowlark.k-state.edu/docs/livestock/blue_green%20algae_jar_Test.pdf] Testing Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSq000wDGDs [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSq000wDGDs]

#8 with Molly Reichenborn - Assessing pasture condition before turnout

"Always have a drought management plan in place." In this episode, Dr. Molly Reichenborn and Justine Johns discuss how to assess pasture conditions and forage availability before turning cattle out in spring. They cover key management strategies, tools like grazing sticks, and planning for drought and recovery pastures to optimize grazing systems. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pasture Management 02:58 Understanding Pasture Condition vs. Forage Availability 06:05 Common Mistakes in Pasture Assessment 09:10 Evaluating Pasture Readiness for Turnout 12:04 Impact of Weather on Grazing Decisions 14:52 Calculating Forage Availability 18:07 The Take Half, Leave Half Rule 20:56 Utilizing Technology for Pasture Management 24:11 Importance of Residual Forage 27:09 Management Options for Early Turnout 30:12 Long-term Effects of Early Grazing 32:57 Understanding Grazing Cycles and Plant Growth 41:11 Drought Management Strategies for Pasture Health 46:54 Managing Recovery Pastures Effectively 47:14 Resources for Pasture Management and Assessment 53:27 Key Takeaways for Producers on Pasture Readiness 55:40 Introduction to Pasture Management 56:08 Resources for Grazing Management 56:30 Introduction to Grazing Management 56:57 Resources for Pasture Assessment Resources Kansas Rangeland Analysis Platform - https://rangelands.app Kansas Grazing Land Coalition - https://www.kglc.org/

#7 with Ellie Vincent: "Raising Tomorrows Leaders - CKD 4-H Program"

"The opportunities are endless" In this conversation, Justine Johns interviews EllieVincent, the 4-H Youth Development Agent for Central Kansas District. They discuss the multifaceted nature of the 4-H program, its impact on youth development, and the various opportunities it provides for young people to build skills in leadership, responsibility, and community engagement. Ellie shares her personal journey with 4-H, the diverse project areas available, and the importance of volunteers and staff in supporting the program. The discussion emphasizes the year-round activities of 4-H, its inclusivity for all youth, and the long-term benefits it offers to participants. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 4-H and Ellie Vincent 02:00 Ellie's 4-H Journey and Experience 04:30 Understanding 4-H: More Than Just a Fair 06:05 Year-Round Opportunities in 4-H 07:58 Who 4-H Serves: Age Groups and Inclusivity 08:57 What Sets 4-H Apart from Other Youth Programs 10:43 Getting Started with 4-H 12:03 Diverse Project Areas in 4-H 14:30 The Role of Staff and Volunteers in 4-H 19:09 Core Life Skills Developed in 4-H 22:43 The Impact of 4-H on Youth Development 25:19 Favorite Moments in 4-H 28:00 Enrollment Process and Timeline 32:07 Long-Term Impact of 4-H on Youth 34:31 4-H's Relevance in Rural Communities 39:17 Conclusion: 4-H as a Personalized Growth Experience Resources CKD 4-H Website: https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/4-h/ [https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/4-h/]

#6 with Beks Lohmeier: "Empowering Communities Through SNAP & Nutrition Education"

"We're creating concepts instead of just recipes." In this episode of the Everyday Extension Podcast, host Justine Johns welcomes Rebekah Lohmeier, the SNAP-Ed nutrition educator for Central Kansas District. They discuss the importance of nutrition education, the challenges faced by communities in accessing healthy food, and the innovative solutions SNAP-Ed provides to empower individuals and families. Rebecca shares her journey into nutrition education, the various programs offered for different age groups, and the significance of partnerships with local organizations and food pantries. The conversation emphasizes the joy of food, the need for accessible nutrition education, and how community members can get involved with SNAP-Ed resources. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to SNAP-Ed and Beks Lohmeier 04:03 Beks' Journey into Nutrition Education 06:55 Challenges in Food Access and Nutrition Education 10:02 SNAP-Ed's Adaptation to Rural Needs 13:18 Curriculum and Outreach for All Ages 16:14 Partnerships and Community Engagement 18:57 Understanding SNAP-Ed's Income-Based Structure 21:55 Future Aspirations for SNAP-Ed 24:57 How to Get Involved with SNAP-Ed 28:06 Final Thoughts and Resources 31:13 Contact Info Information & Resources Find out more - k-state.edu/ks-snaped [k-state.edu/ks-snaped] Sign up for classes - https://www.k-state.edu/extension-nutrition-program/free-classes/ [https://www.k-state.edu/extension-nutrition-program/free-classes/]

#5 with Dr. Cassandra Olds: "Biting Back: Managing Ticks & Flies in Your Herd"

"Flies will win every single year." In this episode of the Everyday Extension podcast, host Justine Johns and K-State Entomologist Dr. Cassandra Olds discuss the significant challenges that cattle producers face with flies and ticks. They explore how these pests affect animal health and production, and provide insights on recognizing fly problems, building an integrated pest management plan, and the role of spring burning in controlling pest populations. The conversation also highlights innovative methods for fly control, the importance of dung beetles, and the complexities of insecticide resistance. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on effective strategies to manage livestock insects and improve herd health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fly and Tick Management 03:32 Understanding the Impact of Flies and Ticks 13:31 Creating an Integrated Pest Management Plan 21:18 The Role of Burning in Pest Control 24:27 Research Findings on Burning and Livestock Production 33:00 Innovative Fly Control Methods 34:51 Innovative Fly Control Solutions 38:20 The Role of Dung Beetles in Ecosystem Health 51:52 Understanding Insecticide Resistance vs. Failure 01:02:11 Effective Insecticide Rotation Strategies 01:02:21 Understanding Chemical Grouping in Agriculture 01:03:55 Effective Use of Fly Tags 01:07:20 Tagging Strategies for Optimal Fly Control 01:11:16 The Importance of Resistance Management 01:16:15 Feed Through Insect Growth Regulators 01:20:40 Debunking Myths: The Truth About Garlic in Fly Control 01:25:47 Contact Info Resources Willis Bruce Fly Trap - https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g1195 [https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g1195] Livestock Pest Face Flies Publication - https://bookstore.ksre.k-state.edu/download/face-flies-livestock-pests_MF3611 [https://bookstore.ksre.k-state.edu/download/face-flies-livestock-pests_MF3611] How to manage flies video - https://youtu.be/CruB4fINMKY [https://youtu.be/CruB4fINMKY] Cattle Pen Maintenance Publication - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/cattle-pen-maintenance_MF3511.pdf [https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/cattle-pen-maintenance_MF3511.pdf] Spring burning helps to control tick, fly populations video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbTRC8rjTXw [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbTRC8rjTXw]