K-State Research and Extension Post Rock District is taking applications for a full time Office Professional to be located in the Beloit, KS Office. Visit www.postrock.ksu.edu for position description and application procedure. Position is open until filled. K-State Research and Extension Post Rock District is an equal opportunity provider and employer. A criminal background check is required.
By: Nora Rhoades
Blaire Todd earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Missouri and her master’s degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Todd was most recently employed as a Graduate Research Assistant for Iowa State University with research focused on swine nutrition. She grew up in Northwest Missouri, where she showed livestock and was active in 4-H and FFA.
Blaire looks forward to meeting the faces of Post Rock District and visiting with producers and their families to learn more about their needs within the community. “While moving to the area, I noticed how beautiful the landscape was, but as I’ve settled into the community, the people have stood out to me as they have been more than welcoming and inviting,” Todd said. “I’ve also noticed the value this community places in agriculture and the betterment of this industry and I’m excited to work alongside people that have similar passions that I do.”
Livestock Production agents develop and deliver educational programs related to livestock production. Post Rock Extension District serves Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith counties. Blaire’s primary office will be in Beloit. Contact Blaire Todd at 785-738-3597 or blairet@ksu.edu.
By Shannon Rogers
Most of us designate life insurance, retirement and other beneficiaries when we are first hired for a job. As we focus on our careers and changes within our lives, those designations often become afterthoughts.
If you were asked today who your beneficiary is, would you know with certainty? If you have had any life changes since your last designation, it may be time to update your beneficiaries. Is your beneficiary an ex-spouse or someone who has fallen out of favor? Did you know that your beneficiary designations can be updated anytime?
To ensure you have the most up-to-date designation for your beneficiary(ies), it is recommended to complete or submit an updated beneficiary form if one of the following events occurs:
By: Brenda Langdon
Although it may be an uncomfortable topic, beneficiaries are individuals you designate to receive a benefit if you become deceased. You may designate one or more individuals to receive any death-related benefits, such as a retirement benefit, life insurance benefit, or funds from your FSA.
Most benefits allow a participant to designate multiple beneficiaries with either a primary or contingent designation. A primary beneficiary receives the benefit when you become deceased. If more than one individual is designated as a primary beneficiary, funds are split evenly between them. Contingent beneficiaries only receive the benefit in the event that both you and the primary beneficiaries are also deceased. It is important to note that an individual cannot be both a primary and contingent beneficiary. In most cases, you may have as many primary and/or contingent beneficiaries as desired.
By: Brenda Langdon
“Feeling stressed” is different for each person. Are you familiar with how your body “feels” when you are stressed? Learning to recognize the early warning signs of stress is the first step in managing your stress.
Common signs of stress:
Managing stress and developing coping skills are important to your long-term health and well-being. Here are some ideas, but find what works for you.
Coping strategies may include:
Resources
Farm Bureau #FarmStateOfMind –
https://www.fb.org/land/fsom
K-State Research and Extension –
browse for health and wellness resources
https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/
Kansas Department of Agriculture –
https://www.kansasagstress.org/
Project funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Award # 2019-70028-30436
Kansas Department of Agriculture –
https://www.kansasagstress.org/
North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center https://farmstress.org; 800-447-1985
Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center –
https://www.ksphq.org/; 785-841-2345
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL):
800-273-8255 (TALK)
Crisis Text Line 24/7: Text “Home” to 741741
Project funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Award # 2019-70028-30436
Presented by K-State Research and Extension Stress Resiliency Team
And
Kansas Farm Bureau, The Voice of Agriculture
Printed with Permission
This year we have seen numerous reports of fall armyworms. Though we have had fall armyworm outbreaks in the past, this is earlier than usual. Armyworms are so-called because they invade fields or landscapes as large groups and can cause a lawn to turn brown seemingly overnight.
Young worms are ½ to 3/4 inch long. Mature ones are 1 ½ inches long. Body color may vary from green to almost black but light stripes will be visible along the length of the body. Look for a whitish inverted “Y” on the top of the black head. It normally takes 2 to 3 weeks to progress from egg to pupa. The adult is a moth.
Armyworm damage can resemble drought damage but close inspection of the turf will reveal the larvae. Look for active feeding during early morning or evening hours or on cloudy days. Larvae feed on foliage and the resulting dehydration causes to turf to quickly brown. Normally, armyworm damage does not kill established turf but may if populations are high enough. Thick infestations of fall armyworm can damage turfgrass crowns which will kill turf.
Acephate (Orthene), spinosad (Conserve; Natural Guard Spinosad, Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew; Monterey Garden Insect Spray) and other insecticides are effective caterpillar killers. Treat in late afternoon, when the caterpillars are likely to begin feeding. Do not mow for 3 days after treatment.
By: Cassie Homan
Each year brings new health plan and drug coverage choices. Look at your current health and drug coverage each fall and make sure your plan’s still right for you. Medicare open enrollment is October 15-December 7. This gives you an opportunity to make changes to your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
September & October
Take time to review your current plan. Review any notices from your plan about changes for next year.
October 15—Open Enrollment begins
This is the one time of year when ALL people with Medicare can make changes to their health and drug plans for the next year. October 15 is the first day you can change your Medicare coverage for 2022.
December 7—Open Enrollment ends
In most cases, December 7 is the last day you can change your Medicare coverage for next year. The plan has to get your enrollment request by December 7.
January 1—Coverage begins
Your new prescription drug coverage begins January 1 if you switch to a new plan. If you stay with the same plan, any changes to coverage, benefits, or costs for the new year will begin on January 1.
If you would like assistance with your Medicare prescription drug plan during open enrollment, call your local Post Rock Extension District office and ask to make an appointment.
By: Brenda Langdon
