K-State Extension - Barber County

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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

Late-Season Options for Sericea Lespedeza ControlSericea lespedeza is now flowering and beginning to set seed across par...
09/24/2026

Late-Season Options for Sericea Lespedeza Control

Sericea lespedeza is now flowering and beginning to set seed across parts of Kansas, but there is still an opportunity to manage this invasive perennial before the growing season ends.

Late-summer prescribed burning can reduce sericea cover and seed production, although current moisture conditions and the amount of time remaining for vegetation to regrow before frost should be considered. Sheep and goats can also be useful management tools, as they readily consume sericea and grazing at this time of year can help reduce seed production.

Herbicide selection changes as the plant matures, too. Products commonly used earlier in the summer may become less effective once sericea begins flowering, while metsulfuron-containing products can be more effective during later growth stages.

Often, the best results come from combining approaches such as grazing, prescribed fire, mowing or haying with a properly timed herbicide treatment. Sericea management is rarely a one-and-done project, so follow-up next growing season is important.

For the full article:
https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/eupdates/2026/issue-1121-september-17/late-season-sericea-control.html

Congratulations to the Barber County Meats Judging Team on a great showing at the Beef Empire Days 4-H/FFA Invitational ...
09/23/2026

Congratulations to the Barber County Meats Judging Team on a great showing at the Beef Empire Days 4-H/FFA Invitational Meats Contest in Garden City over the weekend!

Callen C. — 5th, Senior Division
Liam B. — 2nd, Intermediate Division
Taten G. — 4th, Intermediate Division

Thank you to Dr. Carr for his continued time and dedication to our youth, and a special thank you to Amanda Corr for assisting with travel arrangements.

Great job representing Barber County!

World of Weeds: GoosegrassHave you noticed a low-growing, mat-forming grass showing up in lawns, fields, pastures or alo...
09/23/2026

World of Weeds: Goosegrass

Have you noticed a low-growing, mat-forming grass showing up in lawns, fields, pastures or along roadsides? It could be goosegrass, sometimes called silver crabgrass.

Goosegrass is a summer annual that becomes especially noticeable in late summer. Although it can resemble crabgrass, look for its flattened stems, distinctive white or silvery center, and finger-like seedhead. Unlike crabgrass, goosegrass does not root at the nodes.

One reason this w**d can be troublesome is its ability to thrive in compacted, drought-stressed and heavily fertilized areas. A single plant can also produce up to 140,000 seeds, making prevention of seed production an important part of long-term management.

Management depends on where the w**d is growing, and herbicide resistance has been documented in goosegrass populations. Combining good cultural practices with properly timed control methods can provide better long-term results.

For the full article:
https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/eupdates/2026/issue-1121-september-17/world-of-w**ds-goosegrass.html

Plant Now for Spring Color!It may seem early to think about tulips, daffodils and crocus, but now through October is a g...
09/22/2026

Plant Now for Spring Color!

It may seem early to think about tulips, daffodils and crocus, but now through October is a great time to plant spring-flowering bulbs in Kansas.

Planting this fall gives bulbs time to establish roots before winter provides the chilling period they need. Choose firm, healthy bulbs and plant them in an area with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.

As a general rule, plant bulbs about 2–3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. Larger bulbs like tulips and daffodils will need to go deeper, while smaller bulbs such as crocus can be planted closer to the surface.

For an eye-catching display next spring, consider planting bulbs together in groups rather than spreading them individually throughout the landscape. Keep the soil moist this fall, and add mulch after the ground freezes to help protect them through winter.

For the full article:
https://extension.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2026/09/horticulture-plant-spring-flowering-bulbs-now.html

Connecting Generations Benefits EveryoneSpending time with older adults can be just as valuable for children as it is fo...
09/21/2026

Connecting Generations Benefits Everyone

Spending time with older adults can be just as valuable for children as it is for the adults they visit. Intergenerational relationships give children an opportunity to hear different perspectives, learn about experiences from another generation and build important social and life skills.

For older adults, those same connections provide meaningful social interaction and engagement. Whether it’s sharing a story, playing a game, working on a project or simply having a conversation, time spent together can have lasting benefits for both generations.

Creating more opportunities for children and older adults to connect can strengthen relationships—and our communities—one conversation at a time.

For the full article:
https://extension.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2026/09/child-development-intergenerational-relationships.html

Summer 2026 in Kansas: Hot, Wet, Then DryMeteorological summer wrapped up August 31, and Kansas experienced a little bit...
09/20/2026

Summer 2026 in Kansas: Hot, Wet, Then Dry

Meteorological summer wrapped up August 31, and Kansas experienced a little bit of everything—from a very wet June to intense heat and increasingly dry conditions later in the summer.

Here are a few highlights:
• 14th-warmest summer on record in Kansas
• Warmest Kansas summer since 2012
• Statewide temperatures reached an average high of 100°F or more on 11 days
• Medicine Lodge recorded 79 days at 90°F or warmer, tied for the most in Kansas
• June was the 8th-wettest June on record statewide
• Summer precipitation averaged 11.30 inches, near normal overall
• Drought coverage improved significantly after June rains but expanded again as July and August turned drier

Summer 2026 is a good reminder that a near-normal seasonal rainfall total doesn’t always tell the whole story. When the rain falls—and how temperatures behave between those rainfall events—can make a big difference for crops, pastures and water resources.

Learn more at:
https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/eupdates/2026/issue-1120-september-10/summer-2026-weather-summary-kansas.html

Planting Cover Crops? Consider Herbicide CarryoverAs fall cover crop planting approaches, producers should consider more...
09/18/2026

Planting Cover Crops? Consider Herbicide Carryover

As fall cover crop planting approaches, producers should consider more than just seed selection and planting dates. Herbicides applied to the previous crop may affect cover crop establishment.

Several factors influence the potential for injury, including the herbicide used, cover crop species, application timing and weather conditions since application.

A few things to consider:
• Cover crop species vary in their sensitivity to herbicide residues
• A field bioassay can help determine whether residues may affect establishment
• Always check the herbicide label for crop rotation restrictions
• If the cover crop will be grazed or hayed, additional restrictions may apply
• Weather and soil conditions can influence how quickly herbicides break down

A cover crop may establish without visible injury but still not be approved for grazing or haying following certain herbicide applications. Always check the label before planting and before using the crop as livestock feed.

Planning ahead can help avoid stand problems—and potential grazing or harvest restrictions—this fall.

Learn more at:
https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/eupdates/2026/issue-1120-september-10/cover-crop-response-to-herbicides.html

Scout for Fall Armyworms This FallFall armyworm activity is increasing in Kansas, making now an important time to scout ...
09/17/2026

Scout for Fall Armyworms This Fall

Fall armyworm activity is increasing in Kansas, making now an important time to scout susceptible crops and pastures. Late-planted sorghum, early-planted wheat and triticale, and stressed pastures may be at risk.

Keep these points in mind:
• Scout fields weekly until the first frost
• Catch infestations early—caterpillars under ½ inch are easier to control
• Late-planted sorghum is vulnerable during grain fill
• Watch early wheat for “window-paning” leaf damage
• Check stressed pastures for increasing caterpillar numbers
• Most feeding and damage occurs as caterpillars get larger

Fall armyworms do not overwinter in Kansas, but multiple generations can occur before cold weather arrives. Early scouting is key because infestations can cause significant damage before they’re noticed.

Learn more about fall armyworm management from K-State Agronomy:
https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/eupdates/2026/issue-1120-september-10/scout-for-armyworms-this-fall.html

Consider Planting Strawberries This Fall!Spring may be the traditional time to plant strawberries in Kansas, but K-State...
09/16/2026

Consider Planting Strawberries This Fall!

Spring may be the traditional time to plant strawberries in Kansas, but K-State research suggests late summer through early fall can also be a good time to establish June-bearing strawberries.

Preliminary research shows:
• Planting from late August through late September can be a viable option.
• Fall conditions can provide a good opportunity for root and plant establishment.
• Timing matters—planting too late may not give plants enough time to become established before winter.
• Adequate winter protection is important for fall-planted strawberries.

Learn more from K-State Extension:
https://extension.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2026/09/horticulture-planting-strawberries-in-the-fall.html

Start with a Good StandA successful wheat crop starts with good stand establishment. As planting season approaches, payi...
09/15/2026

Start with a Good Stand

A successful wheat crop starts with good stand establishment. As planting season approaches, paying attention to seed placement, planting conditions, fertility and equipment setup can help get the crop off to a strong start.

Keep these tips in mind:
• Watch tractor speed — excessive speed in hard soils or heavy residue can lead to shallow or uneven seed placement.
• Aim for a uniform seeding depth of 1–2 inches under most conditions.
• Plant into a firm seedbed and make sure the drill provides good furrow closure and seed-to-soil contact.
• Plant within the optimum window when possible. Late planting may require a 25–50% increase in seeding rate to compensate for reduced tillering.
• Pay attention to fertility — soil testing can help identify nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and soil pH needs.
• Consider disease risk when planting into corn residue, including Fusarium head blight.
• Consider a seed treatment to help protect against seed-borne and early-season fungal diseases.
• Most importantly, get out and check behind the drill. Make sure the seed is actually being placed at the depth and spacing you intended.

Small adjustments at planting can make a big difference in stand establishment, winter survival and yield potential.

Learn more from K-State Extension:
https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/eupdates/2026/issue-1120-september-10/wheat-planting-tips.html

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118 E
Medicine Lodge, KS
67104

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