www.ksre.ksu.edu
Farm producers and ranchers faced many decisions regarding the Agricultural Act of 2014. To help with that decision-making, K-State Research and Extension held meetings throughout the state to provide information about the new programs.
Agricultural economists developed a decision tool and discussed functions of each program (Agricultural Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage, and Supplemental Coverage
Option). They helped producers understand the economics of their decisions in making the one-time program election by April 7, 2015.
Producers were able to use the information to decide which program to select by using variables — including farm yield, base acres, and forecast of prices over the next five years. K-State provided direct help in understanding each variable. In addition, an online guide to understanding the farm bill and information on price outlook and marketing-year average prices for important Kansas crops were available through the
AgManager.info site.
Increasing the capacity of local leaders of all ages and sectors is critical to long-term quality of life in Kansas communities, and two of the state’s grand challenges — identified by K-State Research and Extension stakeholders — are developing leadership and enhancing community vitality.
A team of K-State Research and Extension educators developed the Board Leadership
Training Series. Over a three-year period, they used online and local presenters and facilitators to provide four sets of four-day, two-hour training sessions for community board members across the state.
More than 500 members of about 100 communities learned skills related to holding effective meetings, understanding fellow board members, handling financial responsibility, and planning for the future. Participants represented such groups as township trustees, university foundations, parent-teacher organizations, and church boards.
The training series is designed to increase participants’ capacity to address critical issues within local organizations, the community, or the region. In surveys six months after the series, participants reported that committees had been restructured and policies formalized. In addition, meetings were better organized, more carefully planned, and more productive.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences professionals work to improve the health and vitality of individuals and communities. Along with local partners, extension educators offer programs such as Strong People, Physical Activity for Fun and Fitness, and Walk Kansas. These evidence-based programs reflect current physical activity and dietary guidelines to improve adult health and fitness.
Older adults who participated in strength-training programs reported improved balance, flexibility, and emotional health as well as increased strength, bone density, and physical activity.
In 2014, Walk Kansas reached 16,200 participants. Evaluation surveys revealed the following outcomes as a result of the eight-week program:
• 85% were more physically active and 81% met activity goals;
• 79% were confident they would continue the activity during the next six months;
• 94% understood the need to break periods of sitting throughout the day;
• 81% were more aware of healthy eating recommendations;
• 84% increased fruit and vegetable consumption; and
• 91% were confident they would continue their improved dietary habits during the
next six months.
Mission Statement:
K-State Research and
Extension is dedicated to a safe, sustainable, competitive food and fiber system and to strong, healthy communities, families, and youth through integrated research, analysis, and education.
Kansas extension professionals are working to build relationships with youth, families, and volunteers to share research-based educational opportunities. Statewide, more than
65,200 youth participate in 4-H clubs and youth development activities. 4-H members build leadership skills by participating in local, county, regional, and statewide educational events. By participating in these in-depth experiences, they learn to make better decisions, gain confidence in their ability to communicate, work with others to solve problems, and build character traits that will make them effective leaders.
According to a national youth development study, 4-H members are nearly four times more likely than others to make contributions to their communities. They serve as club officers, council representatives, and volunteers in other organizations. The value of the time given to the 4-H program by teen leaders is estimated to equal $1 million a year.
These examples reflect the K-State Research and Extension commitment to help find solutions to address five grand challenges of interest to all
Kansans: global food systems, water, health, developing tomorrow’s leaders, and community vitality. For more information, see www.ksre.ksu.edu.
Kansas Association
of County Agricultural Agents
Allen Baker, 2014-15 President
Phone: 620-375-2724
Email: abaker@ksu.edu
Kansas Extension Association
of Family and Consumer Sciences
Denise Sullivan, 2014-15 President
Phone: 913-364-5700
Email: dsulliva@ksu.edu
Kansas Association of Extension 4-H Agents
Beth Drescher, 2014-15 President
Phone: 316-660-0100
Email: drescher@ksu.edu
Epsilon Sigma Phi - Alpha Rho Chapter
Stacey Warner, 2014-15 President
Phone: 785-532-5790
Email: swarner@ksu.edu
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension
Districts, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, John D. Floros, Director.