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Presto Digital Pressure Canner

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Many questions have been received about the Presto Digital Pressure Canner. Here is advice, shared with permission, from the University of Georgia National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Presto is a well-respected and conscientious name in the industry. The University of Georgia has not independently verified their marketing statements for you at this time. If someone wants to use this canner, they have to be willing to trust the manufacturer at this time.

Presto has carried out the research on their own to make the claim that the appliance meets USDA guidelines for processing, and so it is up to the company to stand behind it.  The type or extent of research Presto has done is not available.

It does seem like Presto is aware that they have to meet a minimum temperature inside the canner, not just a pressure, which is a positive indication.

The Presto instruction booklet does not contain at least two USDA low acid processes that have special canner and water level requirements in the canner different from other low acid canned foods in the USDA manual.  Therefore, follow the Presto instruction manual and not directions from other sources including the USDA book or the NCHFP if you are going to use it.  They do put full instructions for preparing and processing foods in their user manual, which is also a positive approach.

One can read through the online instruction manual to see how the canner operates and the features built into the appliance.

Other questions about their research will have to be directed to Presto at this time.

The National Center for Home Food Preservation does not recommend or approve any specific brand of canners.  The USDA also does not approve specific home appliances or canners.  If you have noticed the little USDA round seal on some of the Presto promotional materials, that symbol was developed by Presto and is not an official USDA seal. It does not indicate USDA approval. (Even official USDA symbols, which this is not, are not allowed to be used by anyone to imply or endorse a commercial product or service.)

Source: The National Center for Home Food Preservation, March 2021

By: Ashley Svaty

Simply Produce is Coming to Smith County!

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Gene’s Heartland Foods of Smith Center and Post Rock Extension are excited to announce the implementation of a produce basket program!  “Simply Produce” offers customers approximately 15 pounds of produce for $15.00.  Produce baskets will contain a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and may vary slightly from what is typically available on the produce department’s shelves.  Basket contents will be different for each ordering period as well.  In addition to produce, customers will receive a recipe highlighting basket items, as well as educational materials on food storage and produce handling.

Produce baskets are purchased through the Grocery store register and must be paid for at time of ordering.  The purchase is taxable.  For the first distribution, baskets must be ordered April 8 through April 13th at Noon prior to the distribution days which will occur on the third Friday of each month. April’s distribution is set for April 16th from 12-12:30pm at the Mary’s Parish Hall, 403 US-36 in Smith Center. Customers will drive up to the Parish Hall and volunteers will bring out their purchased basket(s).

Produce basket distribution that utilizes local retail venues is designed to increase access to healthy fruits and vegetables for consumers, while stimulating positive economic impact and building regional food system sustainability. We are proud to partner with Gene’s Heartland Foods to promote this great opportunity for our residents.

For more information, please contact Post Rock Extension agents, Ashley Svaty (asvaty@ksu.edu) or Brenda Langdon (bklangdon@ksu.edu).  Volunteers are needed to assist during distribution days.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Extension Office. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on future distributions at https://www.facebook.com/postrockextension/ 

 

By: Ashley Svaty

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

The Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally Funded Program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.  The application period is from January 4 through March 28, however this year it has been extended to May 28, 2021.

With the unprecedented winter weather in February, many households will face higher than normal energy bills. You can apply online or contact your local DCF office. This year the income guidelines have increased slightly so more Kansans can benefit from this program. The benefit amount may not be based on the amount owed to the utility company. The benefit amount is based on several factors including number of applicants, type of primary  heating fuel and household income along with other requirements.  Reach out to the local DCF office or contact your local extension office for assistance.

By: Brenda Langdon

 

Free Pressure Gauge Testing

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Now is the time to ensure your canner’s dial gauge is accurate!

It is highly recommended to have your canner checked annually to ensure you are preserving food safely.  We will test your gauges and contact you with any adjustments which might need to be made. Contact Ashley at asvaty@ksu.edu with any food preservation questions or to schedule a time to test your dial gauge.

Visit our KSRE Food Preservation Site here: https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation/

By: Ashley Svaty

Vegetable Planting Dates

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

The veggies that we grow in the garden fit into two groups, based on their temperature preferences – cool season and warm season crops.

 

 

 

Most cool season crops can be planted and will germinate when soil temperatures average 45F.  These include:

  • Lettuce
  • Radishes
  • Spinach
  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • Cabbage
  • Asparagus

Most warm season crops will not germinate and should not be planted until soil temperatures are 55F- some even 60F.  These veggies are:

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Melons
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Pumpkin
  • Squash
  • Eggplant
  • Beans

We typically reach the 45F level about mid to late March and the 55F level about late April.

The next step is to know what the soil temperature is. K-State Mesonet Site is a great resource to find local soil temperatures. https://mesonet.k-state.edu/

By: Cassie Homan

Economic Impact Payments

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Some people are starting to see the next round of the Economic Impact Payment in their bank account, if the IRS has your banking information from filing your tax return.  The IRS had started sending out payments as early as March 12.

In general, most eligible people with get $1,400 for themselves (those filing joint returns will get $2,800) and $1,400 for each of their qualifying dependents claimed on their tax return including college students, adults with disabilities, parents and grandparents.  If you would like to check on your payment you can go to www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment .

If you did not get your first or second payment in 2020 and you feel that you are eligible for that, at this point you will need to file a 2020 tax return, even if you aren’t required to file due to your income limit.

If the IRS does not have your bank account information or has old bank account information, your payment will be sent back to them and they will either issue a paper check to you or a debit card (EIP card) that will get mailed to your most recent address. The debit card will be sent by U.S. Mail in a white envelope with the U.S. Department of the Treasury seal and a return address from “Economic Impact Payment Card”.  If you received your payment last year on a card, it will not be loaded onto that card, a new card will be mailed to you.

By: Brenda Langdon

We’re Hiring a 4-H Program Coordinator

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

​We are taking applications for a full time 4-H Program Coordinator to be located in the Beloit and Lincoln, KS Offices. The motivated professional is responsible for coordinating and managing the comprehensive 4-H Youth Development program in the Post Rock District, with a focus on Mitchell County and Lincoln County. 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