K-State Extension - Barber County

K-State Extension - Barber County The role of K-State Extension is to improve the quality of life for Kansans. Social Media User Policy: k-state.edu/social k-state.edu/social

Just a reminder about the upcoming Wheat Plot Tour and Wheat Producer Meetings on May 12, 2026.Wheat Plot TourIsabel, KS...
05/11/2026

Just a reminder about the upcoming Wheat Plot Tour and Wheat Producer Meetings on May 12, 2026.

Wheat Plot Tour
Isabel, KS — 11:00 AM
Meal following at the American Legion

PLEASE NOTE The Isabel meeting and meal will be held at the American Legion, not at the plot location. Feel free to walk through the plot on your own time before or after the meeting.

Wheat Producer Meeting
Kiowa, KS — 5:00 PM
Complimentary meal provided

We look forward to seeing everyone there. Please help spread the word!

Kindness Matters - Science has proven it. Learn about the effects of Kindness both on being the giver and the recipient...
05/09/2026

Kindness Matters - Science has proven it.

Learn about the effects of Kindness both on being the giver and the recipient. We will talk about ways we can all practice more kindness.

Come learn more on May 12 at 1:00 P.M. at the Medicine Lodge Leisure Time Center.

Robin Eubank-Callis will present the program.

Community, history, and service were celebrated on April 26 as the Barber County Homemakers Units gathered in Isabel for...
05/08/2026

Community, history, and service were celebrated on April 26 as the Barber County Homemakers Units gathered in Isabel for their annual Spring Tea. The event theme and decorations honored America 250 and highlighted the strong tradition of community involvement across Barber County.

Guests enjoyed a special presentation focused on military history and service, along with recognition of Homemaker members reaching milestone years of involvement.

Years of Service Honorees:
• 5 Years – Kathy Weber and Olivia Woods
• 10 Years – Angelica Woods and Gina Woods
• 45 Years – Janie Rathgeber
• 50 Years – Anita Jones

A special congratulations to Anita Jones for 50 years of dedicated service and involvement.

The afternoon also included reports highlighting the many projects and activities completed over the past year by the Sharon Valley, Valley Builders, and Young Homemakers units.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support and strengthen our communities through service, leadership, and fellowship.

Ladybugs are showing up in large numbers across Kansas—and while it may seem unusual, it’s actually a positive sign for ...
05/08/2026

Ladybugs are showing up in large numbers across Kansas—and while it may seem unusual, it’s actually a positive sign for your garden.

Why so many?
• Mild winter and warm spring conditions
• Plenty of food, like aphids and other pests

Why they’re beneficial:
• Both larvae and adults feed on harmful insects
• Help keep pest populations under control
• One ladybug can eat thousands of aphids in its lifetime

As long as food is available, ladybugs will stick around. When it declines, they’ll naturally move on.

A few things to note:
• They’re harmless to people, pets, and plants
• They may become a nuisance if they move indoors
• Populations will decrease over time

Ants on Your Peonies? No Need to Worry!If you’ve noticed ants crawling on your peony buds, it might look concerning—but ...
05/06/2026

Ants on Your Peonies? No Need to Worry!

If you’ve noticed ants crawling on your peony buds, it might look concerning—but it’s actually completely normal and even beneficial.

Here’s what’s happening:
• Peony buds produce a sugary nectar that attracts ants
• Ants feed on this nectar as an energy source
• In return, ants help protect the buds from harmful insects

This natural partnership helps defend the plant—no sprays needed. Ants are temporary visitors and will move on once the blooms open.

Good to know:
• Peonies do NOT need ants to bloom
• Insecticides are not recommended
• Ants are harmless to the plant

Bringing peonies indoors?
Simply shake or rinse ants off outside before bringing flowers in.

Screens are everywhere—but how much is too much?Screen time can take away from activities that help kids grow physically...
05/04/2026

Screens are everywhere—but how much is too much?

Screen time can take away from activities that help kids grow physically, socially, and emotionally. While technology has its place, balance is key.

Here are a few tips for families:
• Limit screen time—especially for young children
• Keep kids under 2 screen-free when possible
• Create “screen-free” zones like bedrooms and mealtimes
• Focus on interaction—talking, playing, and learning together
• Use screens intentionally, not just as background noise

Remember, it’s not just about reducing screen time—it’s about replacing it with meaningful connection and real-world experiences.

Small changes can make a big impact on healthy development!

04/29/2026

Theileria in Kansas Cattle: What Producers Need to Know

In this episode we sit down with Dr. Cassandra Olds, Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at Kansas State University, for a timely conversation about Theileria and what Kansas cattle producers need to know right now.

Dr. Olds shares the latest updates on this emerging cattle health issue, including how understanding of the disease is changing rapidly—from new discoveries about possible stable fly involvement to its growing impact in stocker and feedyard cattle. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed as research evolves and explains why vigilance, not panic, is the right response.

Spotify (Video):
https://bit.ly/3LIJp4V

Apple (Audio Only):
https://apple.co/4rkJYkh

YouTube (Video):
https://bit.ly/4aKn92U

Good luck to Callen as he represents Barber County at the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge State Competition in Manhatta...
04/28/2026

Good luck to Callen as he represents Barber County at the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge State Competition in Manhattan!

Callen will compete in the State Tradeshow and Design Challenge on April 28, followed by the Mock Board Room Competition on April 29.

We’re proud to have Callen representing Barber County!

A big thank you to Tractor Supply Company in Medicine Lodge and everyone who supported the Paper Clover Campaign! Your ...
04/27/2026

A big thank you to Tractor Supply Company in Medicine Lodge and everyone who supported the Paper Clover Campaign!

Your generous donation to Barber County 4-H helps support youth leadership, learning, and hands-on opportunities right here in our community. We appreciate your continued investment in our local 4-H members!

04/24/2026

New Episode!

In this episode, we sit down with ATV safety expert Mike Klumpp.

Mike brings decades of experience in agriculture, Extension, and outdoor safety education. From growing up using one of the first ATVs in the 1970s to leading national safety initiatives and training programs, he shares why ATV and UTV safety is more important than ever.

Spotify (Video):
https://bit.ly/3LIJp4V

Apple (Audio Only):
https://apple.co/4rkJYkh

YouTube (Video):
https://bit.ly/4aKn92U

Address

118 E
Medicine Lodge, KS
67104

Telephone

+16208863971

Website

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