Wilson County Conservation District

10/28/2026

Managing working agricultural lands using a whole-farm approach can help to build healthy soils that produce healthy food. Holistic planning and regenerative practices also improve resilience to invasive species, extreme weather, and market fluctuations.

Learn more about using the soil health principles on your land at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/soil/soil-health and visit your local NRCS office.

10/28/2026

🍂 Fall Pasture Walk: 5 Things to Look For

Fall is a good time to slow down, walk your pasture, and see how they handled the growing season. What you notice now can help guide grazing and management decisions through fall and winter.

Here are 5 things to look for on your next pasture walk:

🌱 Forage Availability
How much usable forage is actually there? Look beyond overall height and consider whether there is enough quality forage to meet livestock needs.

🌾 Ground Cover
Check for bare soil or thin areas. Maintaining good plant residue and ground cover helps protect soil from erosion, conserve moisture, and support soil health.

🌿 Plant Diversity
Take note of grasses, legumes, and other plants present. Also watch for weeds or undesirable species that may be increasing.

🐄 Signs of Overgrazing
Look for areas that have been grazed especially short or repeatedly. Giving plants adequate recovery time can help protect root reserves and improve long-term pasture productivity.

💧 Water & High-Traffic Areas
Inspect areas around water sources, gates, mineral feeders, and shade. Bare ground, compaction, mud, or erosion may indicate places that need attention before winter.

A pasture walk doesn't have to take long. A few observations now can help you decide where to graze, when to rest a pasture, and whether additional winter forage or hay may be needed.

🍁 What is your pasture telling you this fall?

10/28/2026

10/28/2026

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is seeking a skilled and experienced engineering professional to serve as Chief Engineer!

This is an opportunity to lead critical water management programs and help shape the policies and practices that support the conservation, management, use and control of water resources across Kansas.

The Chief Engineer provides leadership for the Water Management Services, Water Structures and Water Appropriations programs while working with state, federal and local partners on important water resource issues.

Qualified applicants must be licensed as a Professional Engineer in Kansas and have at least eight years of experience in water resources engineering or management, hydrology, or water law administration, including supervisory experience.

Learn more about the position and apply today!

🔗 Visit: agriculture.ks.gov/jobs

10/28/2026

10/28/2026

The Kansas Department of Agriculture recently announced that Chief Engineer Earl Lewis will be retiring from his position at the Division of Water Resources effective November 20, 2026. Lewis has served as Chief Engineer for six years, during which he has led KDA–DWR in its efforts to serve water users in the state within the framework of Kansas law including administration of more than 30,000 active water rights, four interstate water compacts, and the state’s program regulating dams and other water structures.

“I thank Earl Lewis for the leadership he has provided to water issues in Kansas throughout his career,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Water has been a priority during my administration, and I have appreciated Earl’s diligence in addressing the challenges as we have worked together to develop a long-term strategy to ensure a safe and resilient water supply for Kansas.”

Lewis retires after nearly 35 years serving the State of Kansas in the water resources field. He began his career at KDA–DWR in 1992, then spent more than 20 years at the Kansas Water Office, where he served as director for two years before being appointed Chief Engineer with KDA–DWR. During his time as Chief Engineer, Lewis has provided leadership for the Division’s work in addressing the challenging water issues in Kansas.

“It has been an honor to serve the state in this role, and I’m proud of the work we have done in the Division of Water Resources,” said Chief Engineer Earl Lewis. “We have made significant progress on some of the state’s most difficult water problems, and I am confident the team will continue that focus on solving the issues that are facing Kansas water users. I am grateful for all of the support from the administration and the cooperation of stakeholders over the last six years.”

KACD executive director Dan Meyerhoff noted "KACD has had the pleasure of working with Earl in many capacities over his 35 years of service to the State of Kansas. We appreciate Earl's dedication on conservation and wish him well in retirement".

10/28/2026

10/28/2026

Join us on the latest edition of the Kansas Canopy Podcast as we visit with retired Geary County Extension Agent and lifelong birder Chuck Otte to discuss hummingbirds!

Chuck joins us to share information about which hummingbird species migrate through Kansas, how to create a hummingbird habitat in your yard, and the dos and don’ts of hummingbird feeders!

Listen now: https://buff.ly/d3mQ4kN

10/26/2026

10/23/2026

Fall Plant Swap is Monday!
Starts promptly at 5 to be there early to participate in the swapping rounds that go fast!
10392 Jade Road near Fredonia at the Rollin "Red" Vandever Memorial Park, and the grounds of Wilson County Old Iron Club.