K-State Extension - Douglas County

10/29/2026

The weeks before a sow gives birth are some of the most important in her life, and in the life of the farm that cares for her.

Our researchers in the K-State Department of Animal Sciences & Industry wanted to know why aggression can rise among group-housed sows as farrowing nears, and what producers can do about it. Working alongside the University of Missouri, Carthage Innovative Swine Solutions and the National Pork Board, they tested five approaches on commercial farms. Nearly 1,500 sows and gilts were in one trial alone.

What we learned: more feed or added fiber meant fewer scuffles at the feeder, and simple enrichment blocks helped calm pens. Some ideas didn’t move the needle, and that answer matters just as much to the farmers who rely on this work.

This is what being a land-grant university looks like. We ask questions that come from the farm. Our graduate students, like doctoral candidate Cooper McAuley, help find the answers. Extension brings those answers home to Kansas producers and beyond. 🐖

Join us at K-State Swine Day on Thursday, Nov. 19, at the K-State Alumni Center. Register by Nov. 10 for $30.

📖 The story: https://extension.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2026/10/sow-aggression-k-state-swine-day.html

📝 Register: https://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/swine-day/

10/28/2026

Our compliments to the chef👩‍🍳🎉 Congratulations to K-State Extension Community Food Systems Team on winning the Outstanding Team Award at Annual Conference last week!
Though you may not know the CFS Team by name you definitely know them from hits such as:
🌻The Kansas Food First Magazine – the only publication published by Kansas local food enthusiasts *for* Kansas local food enthusiasts
🌻The Food Business Start-Up Summit – an annual conference focused on setting your favorite local food business up for success
🌻Peer Learning Groups for farmer’s market managers, shared kitchen operators, and rural grocers – creating a collaborative environment for these so important but oft forgotten folks to share ideas, information, and resources
🌻And of course, the individualized technical assistance that helps entrepreneurs get their business not only up and running, but thriving!
Over the past several years, the team has intentionally developed and delivered programming that addresses the full spectrum of local food system development, from farm and food business startup support to market expansion, transition planning, business education, consumer engagement, and community capacity building. Their work connects research-based education with practical solutions that improve economic opportunities for Kansans while enhancing access to locally produced food.
Together, these efforts have created a robust support network that helps food and farm entrepreneurs navigate challenges, build successful enterprises, and contribute to stronger local economies!
Although CFS is a statewide team, you should see a few familiar faces in those photos as a couple members of the team are housed right here in Douglas County! Please join us in giving the whole team a well deserved round of applause!

10/28/2026

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Interested in how to maintain outdoor birding equipment and supplies for the winter? Join us at Haskell on Tuesday, November 17th for this free event. NRCS District Conservationist, Tim McCoy, will lead a fun and informative session on how to help out our fine, feathered, friends this Winter Season!

10/26/2026

Did you know that one of the soil health principles is livestock integration? Whether you have livestock on your land or are just interested in livestock and grazing, you should join our webinar this month. The economic case studies of 3 Kansas grazers will be interesting to hear!

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Phf20W0TSjCd9ZHatuD5Lw

10/23/2026

Huge congratulations to C-Tran at Pinckney on the grand opening of Empowering Brew! We joined LiveWell Douglas County at the ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday morning and were so pleased so see so many of you there in support!
Through a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Grant, LiveWell was able to provide the student- centered café $50,000 to purchase the espresso machines, coffee-making accessories, handwashing stations, and other items needed to get the business up and operational!
As part of the Community Transition Program, Empowering Brew will provide a space for students to get hands-on experience working as a team and with the public. We can’t wait to see how this amazing project continues to unfold and lend our support along the way!
Shoutout to everyone who came together over the years to make this happen!

10/23/2026

Last, but certainly not least, we would like you to meet the Community Health & Wellness Program Development Committee nominees! You can read their thoughts on Extension and more at bit.ly/dgext-candidates
Don't forget! Voting begins Nov 6 at our Celebration Breakfast! You still have today to RSVP, so don't miss out! https://bit.ly/celebrationbreakfast26

10/22/2026

Another day, another group of Extension Council nominees to say hello to! Today we'd like to introduce those on the ballot for the 4-H Youth Development Program Development Committee! Their work will help guide the programs we create to help Douglas County youths grow and flourish~
Read their thoughts on extension and more at bit.ly/dgext-candidates
Voting for the Extension Council begins November 6 at our annual Celebration Breakfast! Please join us by RSVPing at https://bit.ly/celebrationbreakfast26

10/21/2026

We are excited to introduce the candidates for the Agriculture & Natural Resources Program Development Committee! Some faces you may already recognize, as they are up for reelection - read their thoughts on extension and more at bit.ly/dgext-candidates
Voting for the Extension Council begins November 6 at our annual Celebration Breakfast! Please join us by RSVPing at https://bit.ly/celebrationbreakfast26
Hope to see you there!

10/20/2026

Meet the candidates for the Community Development Program Development Committee! Read their thoughts on Extension and more at bit.ly/dgext-candidates
Voting opens November 6th at our Annual Celebration Breakfast
You can RSVP for that free event at https://bit.ly/celebrationbreakfast26

10/15/2026

As we approach our Celebration Breakfast, we want to give a sneak peek into some of what we'll be celebrating! We'll be sharing more leading up to the big event, but nothing beats hearing a story in person so we hope you join us Friday, November 6! 📖

RSVP at bit.ly/celebrationbreakfast26