K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN — “Succeeding in a Challenging Beef Industry” is the focus of the 2017 Tri-State Cow-Calf Symposium and Trade Show scheduled for Friday, Feb. 10 in Goodland.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. MST with the program from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Goodland Elks Lodge. The annual symposium is held in conjunction with a trade show. Attendees will have time to visit with industry representatives and view their materials throughout the day.

The event rotates between Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado and is a joint effort between K-State Research & Extension, University of Nebraska Extension and Colorado State University Extension. The goal is to provide a venue to share both research data and ideas that can help producers be more successful in contributing to the world’s food supply and to their local communities.

The program begins with a discussion by John Holman, K-State cropping systems agronomist, on integrating crop and livestock systems. A panel of producers will share their experience with this process. Panel members will include representatives from Maddux Cattle Co., Wauneta, Nebraska, and CSF Farms, Siebert, Colorado.

With cow-calf producers dealing with higher costs and tighter margins than a few years ago, Erin Laborie, University of Nebraska beef systems extension educator, will share ideas on the use of technology to improve cow herd efficiency.

Attendees will learn about the “U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef” from producer and roundtable member Debbie Lyons-Blythe, of Blythe Family Farms, White City, Kansas, and Clayton Huseman, roundtable member and Kansas Livestock Association executive director-feedlot division. They will explain what brought segments of the beef industry together and the group’s vision for continued improvement in the sustainability of U.S. beef production.

“Sustainability isn’t just a buzz word that is the current focus of our society. It is an important topic, one that farmers and ranchers take very seriously,” said Lyons-Blythe.

Chuck Schroeder, University of Nebraska Rural Futures Institute executive director, will talk about the “Future of Rural America: Opportunities and Challenges.” The Palisade, Nebraska native has served in numerous leadership roles including the founding CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and president and executive director of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Schroeder was also involved with his family farming, ranching and cattle feeding enterprise, Schroeder Cattle Co., for about 30 years until it sold in 2004.

The program includes a panel discussion among producers charged with discussing how they are diversifying profit centers in their businesses. Panel members include Gary Teague, Teague Diversified, Fort Morgan, Colorado; Ron Maifeld, St. Francis, Kansas; and Travis Chrisman, Wauneta, Nebraska.

Pre-registration is $30 if paid by Feb. 3. Registration will be available at the door for $35. Included in the registration fee are trade show activities, coffee and rolls, meal and presenter handouts. Complete program information and registration forms are available online at www.sunflower.K-State.edu or www.KSUBeef.org.

For more information contact Marty Fear, Sunflower Extension District livestock agent, at 785-332-3171 or Sandy Johnson, northwest area livestock specialist, at 785-462-6281.

The program is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension, Farm Credit of Western Kansas, Bank West of Kansas, Western State Bank, The Bank and First National Bank.

HPL

The Hays Public Library is always thinking of new ways to better serve patrons, from upgraded technology to events for the whole family.

Wi-Fi Hotspots: Beginning this week, the library has five mobile Wi-Fi hotspots available for check-out. You can check out the hotspots at the main floor circulation desk. The circulation period is one week and all ages may check out the devices. Now you can create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot wherever you go…whether you run out of data for the month or you’re headed to a remote location for a weekend getaway.

Charging stations: It happens to all of us – inevitably, we lose (or forget) the chargers for our electronics. Or maybe you have your charger, but you can’t find a plug-in. Library patrons and downtown Hays customers need fear no longer. The Hays Public Library is now equipped with two charging stations. The stations are located in the adult and young adult departments. Each station can charge up to 10 electronic devices at one time.

Family Fun Night: Are you ready to get out of the house? The Hays Public Library is offering a Family Fun Night this Friday, January 20th at 6:30 PM. The whole library will be transformed into a giant game board with life-size versions of Twister, Jenga and Connect Four. Families who participate will receive raffle tickets that enter them to win prizes like Chamber Cheques, sleds and baking kits. This event is free and sure to please all ages.

For more information on these and other programs, visit hayspublib.org or call 785.625.9014.

Today Cloudy, with a high near 45. South southeast wind 6 to 8 mph.

Tonight Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 35. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

FridayA 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Friday NightA 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. West wind 3 to 6 mph.

SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 52. West wind around 6 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.

Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 29.

SundaySunny, with a high near 49.

Sunday NightMostly clear, with a low around 24.

MondayMostly sunny, with a high near 49.

ECC

ELLIS–The annual meeting of the Ellis Chamber of Commerce will be held Monday, January 23, at 6:00 p.m. in the Ellis Alliance Office meeting room, 820 Washington St.

Election of board members will take place, among other business.

There are five board positions open and board members serve two year terms. The current board members whose terms are up are Jeff Augustine, Glen Keller, Donna Soneson, Nickole Byers, and one open position. Please consider serving your chamber as a board member.

If you would like to be considered for a board position, please call the Chamber office at (785) 726-2660 to add your name to the ballot.