Spring is HERE!
Cost-share Sign-up
does not guarantee approval or cost share assistance.
Do you own land in Greenwood County? Are you interested in improving the environmental quality of your land? If so stop by the conservation office and find out how you could possibly qualify for state financial assistance to improve your land.
Program funds have been allocated to the conservation. Money comes from the State Water Plan Fund. Anyone interested in receiving cost share assistance from either the Water Resources Cost Share Program or the Non Point Source Pollution Program is The Conservation District will be con- encouraged to contact the Conservation District Office to sign up. ducting a county-wide sign up for interested owners and operators to acIf you have any questions or concerns cept requests for state cost share asabout these programs please call the sistance beginning June-July for the office at (620) 583-6461. 2017 program year. The cost share Funding provided by the State Conservation programs are administered by the State Conservation Commission (SCC) Commission through appropriation from the Kansas Water Plan Fund. through the conservation districts which provides landowners financial assistance to implement approved conservation practices. After completing an application for cost share assistance the practice will These conservation practices must be ranked according to a point system. comply with USDA NRCS Field Office Higher points result in higher priority Technical Guide Standards and specifito receive cost share. Once the district cations, or other standards specificaand the State Conservation Commistions approved by the SCC. Applicasion have approved the application tions receiving approval from the Greenwood County Conservation Dis- cost-share assistance is available. Approved practices are paid compared to trict and SCC may start implementathe county average cost. tion. Any project completed prior to
Cost-Share Percentages
approval by either the district or SCC will not be available for cost share assistance. Participating in the sign-up
Spring is HERE!
2016 Newsletter
Inside this issue Range Youth Camp ................ 2 Streambank Workshop ........... 2 2015 Annual Report ................ 3 Water Festival …..................... 4 Seeding Dates/Services .......... 5 Award Winner-Kirkhams ........ 6 Award Winner-Haas & Sons ... 7 WRAPS target Map................ 8 WRAPS News ........................ 9 Calibrating Sprayers .............. 10 Important Dates April 27– Annual Water Festival June 30– End of 2016 Cost Share Year June-July ‘17 Cost Share Sign-up June29-7/2 Range Youth Camp July 29-Aug 1- 2015 County Fair Sept. – Day on the Farm Nov.- KACD Annual Convention Nov.5-Cattleman’s Day
Receive Newsletters In The Future By E-mail We are asking if you would like to receive the newsletter electronically through email rather than by the postal service. If so, please submit your e-mail address to the [email protected]. Place subscribe in the subject line or call Keila at 620-583-6461. Thank you for your support of the Conservation District.
Nov. 5- The Tallest Big Bluestem
GWCCD Since 1950
Kansas Range Youth Camp July 12-15, 2016 If YOU are interested in plants, livestock, or wildlife, attend an education event like no other in Kansas! The camp is open to upcoming high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students will learn range plant identification, plant growth, stocking rate determinations, livestock nutrition, rangeland wildlife management and much more! All students should contact the local Conservation District for possible financial assistance. The camp is sponsored by Kansas Section Society for Range Management. There will be field trips and steak dinner for all campers along with special activities. Activities include swimming, canoeing, fishing
and hiking! Registration form available at office, our website or by email request.
Registration deadline is June 1, 2016. To receive financial support from the district ALL registration forms MUST be turned into the G.W. County Conservation District by MAY 9, 2016 Registration forms will be approved for financial support during the May 10th meeting. E-mail, drop off at/or mail to Conservation District 1819 E River St Eureka, KS 67045
Kansas Noxious Weeds: Sericea Lespedeza, Johnsongrass, Field Bindweed, Musk Thistle, Hoary Cress, Kudzu, Canada Thistle, Bur Ragweed, Russian Knapweed, Leafy Spurge, Quackgrass, Pignut, Bull Thistle and Multiflora Rose. For more information on controlling these weeds call your local conservation office.
Stream Bank Restoration On October 6, 2015 a Stream Bank Restoration workshop was held at the Eric Bitler Farm. The workshop was provided by Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, Greenwood County Conservation District, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism, Natural Resource and Conservation Ser-
vice, Greenwood County Extension Service, Kansas Forest Service, Wildhorse Riverworks, Inc. and Eric Bitler. College students helped with placing of the cedar trees along the bank. This workshop showed the technique to armor the banks from eroding using Cedar Trees. For more information on this technique please contact the Eureka office.
Students from Emporia State and Hays University. Board meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm from October to March; 8:00pm April to September.
2015 Annual Report The Greenwood County Conservation District completed its 65th year of operation on December 31, 2015. Many activities dealing with administering state cost-share programs, watersheds, information and education projects and maintaining district finances were undertaken. This report contains highlights of those activities. For the year 2015 the District received technical assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel, Luke Westerman, Conservationist and Glenn Bechtel, Soil Technician, in a joint effort to provide customer maximum service for all landowners developing and implementing conservation plans. The District maintained a close working relationship with all Farm Service Center personnel, by sharing the responsibilities of day to day office management. The District cooperated with other agencies and organizations on many projects. Those included the Greenwood County Research & Extension Service, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, Greenwood County Farm Bureau Association, Greenwood County Cattlemen’s, Cattlewomen’s Associations, and KS Alliance for Wetlands & Streams-WRAPS. Throughout the year the Conservation District provided support to the Watershed Boards of Fall River, Walnut-West Creeks, and Otter Creek. For the information and education program, the District promoted the following activities and programs: Greenwood County Water Festival and helped with the Woodson and Wilson County Water Festival The Kansas Range Youth Camp promoted and provided scholarships to Haylee Boulanger and
Breann Altis of Eureka. Display at the Greenwood County Fair on the topics of soil and other conservation practices Greenwood County Grassland Award for outstanding grass management and good stewardship Kansas Banker’s Conservation Awards for Soil Conservation Presented information on trees and water quality to area elementary students Serves as a local source for native grass, wildflower seeds & geotextile Sponsored a team from the Madison Ag Club to attend Envirothon competition Co-organized the Streambank Restoration workshop at Eric Bitler’s Farm Cooperated with the Kansas State Forestry Service to support and work the Fall Forestry Festival at
the Dean farm north of Madison The 2016 budget and work plan were approved. Support was received from the Board of Greenwood County Commissioners granting the District a $500 increase in funds for the year 2016. Training for the District staff included State Conservation Commission Fall Meeting , KACD fall workshop, KACD Annual Convention and a Quick Books training workshop.
GWCCD prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status.
Cost Share Practices Eligible Abandoned Well Plugging Buffer Strips Critical Area Planting Dry Hydrant Fence Field Borders Filter Strip Grassed Waterway Livestock Waste System Livestock Well Pasture & Hayland Planting Pest Management Pipeline Pond Pond Restoration (pipe) Range Planting Sediment Control Basin Tank Terraces For a complete listing of the cost-share practices available, please visit the Eureka Conservation office at 1819 E. River St.
GW County WATERFESTIVAL
Is planned for APRIL 27, 2016!
Greenwood County Water Festival The Greenwood County Conservation District held two Water Festivals for fourth graders from Eureka, Hamilton and Madison. On April 27th Luke Westerman, our local conservationist, gave a demonstration on the importance of keeping our waters clean and controlling water pollutants to the Madison school on April 27th. Using a watershed model called Enviroscape, the students could see how the effects of fertilizers, pesticides and waste can contaminate our waters. Keila Sherman, District Manager, and Mrs. Sheila Hughes, a Hamilton USD 390 teacher, gave a hands on view of the water cycle. On April 29th, the conservation district continued their water education at the Annual Greenwood County Water Festival. The conservation office, along with several volunteers presented information on conserving water, the water cycle, erosion and improving water quality with wetlands. After learning the stages of the Water Cycle, the students played a game called the Incredible Journey. Each child pretended to be a water molecule and rotated throughout the cycle. The kids enjoyed being in the clouds, lakes, rivers and even the ocean. The Long Haul had children experience the work required to haul water to the house from a well and the need for conserving. Water Olympics demonstrated the physical properties of water. One demonstration was to see how many drops of water each student could get to stay on a penny. The Stream Model trailer demonstrated how water from streams end up in a watershed and how to reduce erosion of the land. The Clean Machine demonstrated the importance of wetlands and showed how they filter pollutants out of water. Each child received prizes and a backpack for participating. The district would like to thank all of its volunteers. The festival would not have been possible without you.
Greenwood County Conservation District is a licensed native grass and wildflower seed dealer. Seed orders can be placed at anytime. New this year is Pollinator Mix just for the bees and butterflies!
Conservation Seeding Dates
Conservation District Services Find the District on the World Wide Web!
CRITICAL AREA PLANTING Planting Date (Statewide)
www.facebook.com/ GreenwoodCountyKansasConservationDistrict
Cool-season species: Aug 15—Oct 1; Dec 1—Apr 15
www.greenwoodcounty.org
Warm-season species: Dec 1—May 15
The District has a root plow available year round to use on your land. Cost is $20 per day of use.
Bermuda grass sprigs: Mar 1—May 15 Note: An extension of 2 weeks to the cut -off seeding date may be given by the district conservationist, based on favorable moisture and temperature conditions. When it is not practical to wait for the seeding periods as noted above and at the discretion of the responsible technician, permanent seeding may be completed as soon as construction work is completed. Where soil erosion is a concern or at the discretion of the responsible technician, mulch will be applied according to Conservation Practice 484, Mulching, and immediately following completion of the permanent seeding.
To aide you in reaching all required elements needed to complete your cost share practices, geotextile fabric is available for sale. Getotextile fabric may be sold for gardening or other projects where you need to have a weed barrier and hold rock in place. Grass and wildflower seeds are available to purchase. A seed mixtures of native grasses is available on hand for seeding pond dams. Seed may be ordered anytime upon request.
FORAGE AND BIOMASS PLANTING Planting Date (Statewide) Warm-season grasses. December 1 to May 15 Cool-season grasses. December 1 to April 15 and August 15 to October 1 Legumes. December 1 to April 15 and August 15 to October 1 Note: The responsible technician may extend the seeding dates two weeks where justified by climatic conditions.
RANGE PLANTING Planting Date (Statewide) March 15 to May 15 (Optimum) December 1 to May 15 (Maximum) November 1 to December 31 (Frost Seeding introduced legumes) Note: The responsible technician may extend the seeding dates two weeks where justified by climatic conditions.
Tallest Big Bluestem Contest King of the Prairie The tallest stalk of Big Bluestem in Greenwood County was declared by the District during the 2015 Cattleman’s Day. The contest is to recognize rancher’s good management and give everyone a chance to celebrate our amazing prairie. The entries were displayed at the Greenwood Hotel. This is a yearly contest centered around the Cattleman’s celebrations. The winning lengths were as follows. Kevin & Carrie Allison with a stalk length of 9’2” in the adult class. Kaleb, Isaac & Thomas Arnold (Mike & Pam Collinge’s grandchildren) with a stalk length of 8’ 8 5/8” for the youth division. Allison’s won a steak dinner for Benny’s and the children received gifts cards for Sonic. Gifts were provided by Sharp Bros Seed Co.
All winners, enjoy your bragging rights!
Dale & Nancy Kirkham 2015 Grassland Award By Luke Westerman, District Conservationist, NRCS and Robin Wunderlich, The Eureka Herald Dale and Nancy Kirkham, longtime residents of rural Eureka, was awarded the 2015 Grassland Award at the Greenwood County Conservation District Annual Meeting, on Saturday, January 9, for their efforts maintaining 1020 acres, a task they have continued since 1983. Their property is approximately 10 miles east of Eureka. Dale moved to Greenwood County in 1983 when he accepted the District Conservationist position at the Greenwood County Natural Resources Conservation Service Office, a position he held until his retirement in 2002. Growing up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in Valley Falls, Dale was exposed to an industry that he would grow to love. He quickly fell in love with rangeland fields and to this day conducts wildflower and grassland tours and volunteers for the Symphony in the Flint Hills . Kirkham attended Fort Hays State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Agriculture. He later received graduate degrees in Range Management and in Plant Ecology from the University of Wyoming and the University of Missouri, respectfully. He taught biology at Oakland City College in Indiana and Missouri South-ern for a few years each. Nancy was raised in Elmdale. Although she wasn’t raised on a farm, she considered her upbringing one that ex-posed her to great diversity. As a young child, her father took the caretaker position at Camp Wood and the family was able to meet a variety of people. After graduation, Nancy stayed in the Chase County area and began working in Cottonwood Falls in 1993 as the District Manager. With both Dale and Nancy working for Natural Resource Conservation Service offices, the two came to see each other at various meetings. A few years later, the couple was united in marriage, however, it wasn’t until 2000 that Nancy moved to Eureka, as she wanted her daughters to finish their schooling at Chase County. Nancy worked for the Greenwood County Conservation District for a few years before taking a position at Home Bank and Trust. She worked there until her retirement in 2015. After Kirkham started his own operation, Kirkham Brangus, he joined his dad and brother in stocker and feeder cattle operations from 1985 to the early 2000’s. Dale and Nancy own and operate Kirkham Brangus, where they manage a purebred cow-calf and custom grazing operation just east of Eureka. They also co-own property, which is home to Nancy’s favorite wildflower Deptford Pink, with Dale’s brother and father. They own 400 acres in Greenwood, 310 in Jefferson and lease an additional 620 acres. The couple actively treat their land for wild thistle, sericea lespedeza and other invasive brush species in an effort to preserve the Flint Hills grasslands. Dale and Nancy don’t visit a pasture without taking along a pair of loppers to remove the young brush trying to take hold in their pastures. They also strongly believe in rotating their cattle for the health of the grass. Through education and experience, Dale and Nancy have learned resting the grass in the pasture is the best thing for it. Rotational grazing allows for the grass to recover from being grazed and build a healthy root system. Not only does the couple believe in rotational grazing, Dale and Nancy also believe in providing good water quality to the livestock on their land. The couple have installed an insulated hydrant tank and also have cleaned out all of their ponds. One of the first limited access lanes was installed in the county by the Kirkhams. A limited access lane controls access to the pond by livestock. A fence is constructed around the pond, and a small lane is left for the cattle to access the water. The lane is rocked to provide a hardened pad for the livestock to walk on. The cattle tend to get a drink and get out of the pond due to the rock being uncomfortable on their feet. The water in the pond is much cleaner than ponds that have full cattle access. An old terrace system was creating problems for their Kirkhams. The terraces were achieving desired results when the field was being farmed. However, the field was converted to grass and the terrace system was concentrating water leading to gully erosion. The Kirkhams hired a dirt contractor to come and break the terraces at several locations throughout the field. By breaking the terraces, the water was spread out over the field and not being concentrated in a few sensitive locations. This work greatly reduced the soil loss from the field and improved with water quality leaving the field. Burning off the old grass in the pastures is still a priority for the Kirkhams. However, Dale recognizes the timing of the burn is especially important. Delaying a burn for a couple of years in order to build up enough mulch to carry a fire later in the spring will achieve better results of killing trees than an early spring fire. The Kirkhams believe fewer, properly timed fires can achieve better results than numerous fires that are applied without a goal. These fewer fires also achieve better wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, and improve air quality. Proper stocking rates during the growing season allows the Kirkhams to utilize the dormant grass in their pastures through the first part of the winter. Once the cold weather hits, some supplemental hay is fed. Proper placement of the hay is important to Dale and Nancy. The hay is unrolled in a new place each time it is provided to the livestock. Spreading out the hay prevents concentrated manure buildup and reduces the chance that the vegetation in the pastures will be stomped out. The Kirkham’s have been married for 20 years and they have three daughters Tracey McDermid of Alexandria, Va., Tracy Anderes of Glen Elder and Randee Watkins of Osbourne. They also have two grandchildren, Raylynn and Lathe. Dale and Nancy plan to continue with their work on the challenges property ownership brings. The Kirkham’s hard work is evident as you drive across their pastures. The soil yields sufficient vegetation to support a longterm grazing operation while still protecting the viability of other biological processes on the prairie’s rolling hills. These efforts are why they are deserving of the 2015 Greenwood County Grassland Award.
Haas & Sons 2015 Water Quality Conservation Award By Luke Westerman, District Conservationist, NRCS and Robin Wunderlich, The Eureka Herald Five generations of the Haas family were recognized on January 9, 2016, at the annual Greenwood County Conservation District meeting as winners of the 2015 Water Quality Conservation Award. This hard working family has formed a conservation legacy for over a century in northeastern Greenwood County. The family began farming in Greenwood County in the late 1800s and the early 1900s as Lloyd’s grandparents settled in the Hilltop and Lamont area. His paternal grandparents, William F. and Sallie Haas moved to a farm near Lamont in 1903. Lloyd’s father, Taylor, farmed the Haas farm and in 1919 he married Anna Sauder and purchased the adjoining farm. A farm that Lloyd, his late wife Betty, and his sons Mike and Mark have expanded over the years. Anna grew up on a farm near Hilltop with her parents, Abe and Julia Sauder. In 1958, Lloyd purchased half interest in the Sauder Lumber and Grain Company and ran the elevator with Doc Sauder. The grain elevator and mill happens to be the oldest functional elevator in the state of Kansas. The family operation officially began in 1968 with 13 heifers they acquired from a neighbor. In 1970, Mike bought out Doc Sauder’s half of the elevator and the family changed the name of the elevator to Haas Mill and Elevator. According to Mike, the elevator was a centerpiece to their operation. “The elevator was the outlet for the grain we grew and we were able to make feed for our operation as well as other ranchers around the Lamont area”. Mike’s son Kane and grandson Quentin are also an important part of the Haas and Son operation, today. Kane joined the operation in 1989 after returning from active military duty in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Quentin has also helped with the operation in recent years and currently helps on weekends and breaks while attending college at Allen Community College. Over the years, Haas and Son has acquired approximately 3,000 acres that they own and approximately 1,000 acres they rent. The Hasses work together in an effort to keep their operation progressing forward. The success this family partnership has can likely be attributed to each individual having their own interests and specialties they can focus on in the operation. For example, Mark focuses on the spraying and the grain elevator, Mike focuses on the crops and Kane and Quentin focus on the livestock. In 1978, Haas and Sons was recognized as the Banker Award Winner for their conservation efforts. Since then, they have expanded their operation and have adopted additional conservation practices on their operation. The operation has been in no-till for more than 10 years. Not disturbing the soil is important to saving money in the operation as well as improving the soil quality for the crops they grow. “I can find earthworms in every shovel full of soil I pull from our fields”, explains Mike. The Haases have recently been planting cover crops to further improve soil quality as well as providing a high quality forage for their livestock. The Haases believe the key to reducing soil erosion is to always have something growing in their fields and protecting the soil surface. Weather plays an important role in deciding their crop rotation as does the demand for feed grain at the mill. Corn, soybeans and wheat are their primary crop but also plant oats and alfalfa when the need arises. Rye, tur-nips, beans, peas, and radishes are included in their cover crop mix. Livestock herd management has been a priority for the Haas family. Bulls are selected for the traits necessary to fit into a diverse operation. In addition, all of the cows are homegrown and an active culling process is in place to ensure only the most productive and well natured cows remain in the operation. The Haases strongly believe in the importance of rotational grazing. Herds are separated by age class and are rotated through the different pastures they have acquired over the years. Mike and Mark recognize the benefit of having a feed mill available to their operation. They are able to mix up a ration that fits their operation and provide low-cost supplemental feed to their livestock. Sufficient forage and high quality supplemental feed ensures the Haases cattle are kept in the best condition possible. The recent drought has allowed for maintenance to be completed on three ponds in the operation. The Haases recognize the importance of clean water for their livestock and have a watering tank plumbed into a pond. They also have watering tanks connected to a well and rural water. Sericea lespedeza has been a thorn in Mark’s side. His concern for the potential harm this plant can inflict has made it a top priority for him in the summer. Countless hours are spent spot spraying this noxious weed. Broad-cast spraying is done only when the sericea lespedeza becomes out of control and it needs set back. They also continue to battle the invasive brush species in their pasture, which they do all year round. Chemical spot treatment of sumac, dogwood and buckbrush keeps them busy during the growing season. During the winter months, clipping hedge, locust, and cedar is an ongoing job. The family operation currently includes Lloyd of Lamont, Mike and Darlene of Madison; Mark and Marjorie of Lamont; Kane and Jolene of Madison and Quentin of Madison. The Haas’ dedication to conservation and their desire to maintain a profitable farming and ranching operation is evident by the conservation practices they have installed. Their efforts have made them deserving of the Green-wood County 2015 Water Quality Award.
Un-Wrapping the Potential of WRAPS Landowners in the Toronto and Fall River watersheds have access to financial assistance that is available at this moment! If you have erosion concerns or water quality concerns on your land, the Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy, WRAPS, may to able to help you address the issue. Sign up is continuous and projects are reimbursed within 10 days once completed and submitted for payment! On most projects, the financial assistance is about 70% of the total cost. The WRAPS program was initiated in 2006 in Greenwood County out of a concern for the two federal reservoirs in the county and the rate of siltation occurring in the lakes. Both of these reservoirs are filling with sediment at a high rate and their future is in peril. Toronto has the highest percent loss of capacity due to siltation at 45%, followed by Tuttle Creek (43%), John Redmond (41%) and Fall River (38%). All four of these federal reservoirs are now approaching the 50% mark of sediment in the conservation pool. That computes to reduced flood control ability and less water available for other uses such as water supply and fishing. Both of these watersheds have participated in the monitoring and planning phases and are now in the implementation phase of WRAPS. The goal now is to put projects on the land that help reduce the sedimentation and nutrient load that is ending up in Fall River and Toronto Reservoirs. One of the defining elements of WRAPS is the establishment of target areas within each watershed. The Target Areas represent the portions of the watershed that are contributing the most sediment and where projects can have the largest benefit. This is where WRAPS projects and funds are targeted. However, even if your land lies outside the target area, you are still encouraged to contact us as other assistance is usually available. WRAPS is just one small piece of the funding puzzle but this funding is focused on a single goal. In 2015, WRAPS funding helped in the completion of 8 projects involved in fencing ponds and providing an alternative water source in the form of a tank or limited access watering lane for livestock. Another project stabilized gully erosion resulting from salt water leakage over the years near some oil tanks. A total of $28,085 was expended out of the WRAPS budget, which averages just over $3,000 per project. In addition to these projects, WRAPS partnered with the Conservation District, NRCS, Extension Service and several other agencies and landowners to host a Stream Bank Restoration and Protection Workshop in October demonstrating the use of cedar tree revetments to help protect eroding and failing steam banks. In 2016, WRAPS has just over $20,000 in the Toronto Watershed and nearly $16,000 in the Fall River Watershed available for assisting with projects. In addition to the projects mentioned above, WRAPS funds may assist with implementing no-till and/or cover crops, terraces and waterways, buffers of permanent vegetation, relocating livestock feeding sites, fencing streams and providing an alternative livestock watering site, repairing gully erosion in fields and many other practices. WRAPS funding comes from Non-Point Source Pollution 319 Grants that are administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (KAWS) is the non-profit organization contracted by KDHE to coordinate the project in these two watersheds. WRAPS works closely with the Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Greenwood County on all projects. NRCS standards and specifications are utilized to guarantee a quality product and ensure longevity.
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Bob Culbertson WRAPS & Wetland Coordinator Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams 207 Cheyenne Street New Strawn, KS 66839 620-364-9485 [email protected] http://www.kswraps.org/faq
A Few Cost Share Practices
Terraces Watering Facility Fencing
Pond Restoration Stream Crossing Water & Sediment Control Basin Filter Strip Critical Area Planting Heavy Use Area Protection Contact the office for the entire available practice list. For more information or a field visit, please contact Bob Culbertson, Project Coordinator at 620-364-9485 or [email protected]. You may also contact Keila Sherman at the Greenwood County Conservation District Office in Eureka or Luke Westerman, Supervisory District Conservationist with NRCS in Eureka. Their phone number is 620-583-6461. Page written by Bob Culbertson
Preparing to Calibrate. For calibration to be successful, several items need to be taken care of before going to the field. Calibration will not be worthwhile if the equipment is not properly prepared. Calibration should be performed using water only. Follow the steps outlined below to prepare spraying equipment for calibration. Inspect the sprayer. Be sure all components are in good working order and undamaged. Pay attention to the pump, control valves, strainers, and hoses. Be sure there are no obstructions or leaks in the sprayer. Be sure all components are in good working order and undamaged. Check all nozzles. Make sure the discharge rate of all the nozzles is within 10% of the overall average. Replace or unclog any nozzle that has an uneven pattern. Check the label of the product or products to be applied and record the following: o Application Rate, gallons per acre (GPA) o Nozzle Type, droplet size and shape of pattern o Nozzle Pressure, pounds per square inch (PSI)
Accurate ground speed is very important to good calibration. Set the sprayer for the desired ground speed based on field conditions and run the course at least twice. Average the times required for the course distance and determine ground speed from the equation below.
If the tractor or sprayer is equipped with a true ground speed indicator such as radar or ultrasonic, this speed can be used for calibration. Tractor tachometers, transmission speed charts, and ATV speedometers are often not accurate enough for calibration purposes. Calculate the application rate based on the average discharge rate measured for the nozzles, the ground speed over the test course, and the nozzle spacing, or spray swath on the sprayer. Measure the discharge rate from a single nozzle on the boom. The spray width will be the distance, in inches, between nozzles. Application Rate (GPA)
=
x
Discharge Rate (GPM)
Measure the discharge rate from all the nozzles on the sprayer. The spray width will be the distance in feet of the effective spray width. Effective spray width on boomless sprayers is usually 80-85% of the total spray width.
Compare the application rate calculated to the rate required. If the rates are not the same, choose the appropriate adjustment and reset the sprayer. Recheck the system if necessary. Once it is accurate, calibration is complete.
Continued on page 11 of newsletter.
X Discharge Rate (GPM) = Application Rate (GPA) X Ground Speed (MPH) X Spray Width (FT) 495
Shaun Muncy Excavating
620-490-0791
Zimmers Fencing
620-583-2122
Francis Chaplin
620-583-3445
Kevin Karmann
620-682-5973
Wilson Brothers Construction
620-366-1891
Jerry Soule
620-750-0023
Justin’s Backhoe Service
620-437-2244
Marshall Stauffer
620-437-6816
Larcom & Sons, Inc.
620-583-2247
Craig Reyer
620-341-0273
Steve Goebel
620-365-9092
David Wyckoff
620-583-5336
Gowen Backhoe
620-437-2250
Ranch Aid
620-583-5585
Thornton’s Backhoe
620-750-0282
Melvin Winter
316-772-7614
John Riggs
620-583-3376
Dan Thurston
620-437-2027
Dirtworks, Zack Marshall
620-340-5788
Cent. Ag Aviation
785-366-0513
4F Enterprise, Mike Frakes
620-583-5767
Roth Aerial
402-761-2333
Ryan’s Home Improvement
620-583-9880
Sowder Seed
620-637-2228
Joe Beeman
407-924-4167
Warner Ag Air
620-332-3748
Twister Mud, Coulter/Dehlinger 620-750-0882
Robert Kurtz
620-583-4445
Meisch Dirt Construction
620-249-4103
This list is provided as a service to
Wayne Bailey
620-678-4069
landowners who request the names
Long Drilling
620-437-7444
of contractors doing conservation
Cedar Quest Farm Excavating 620-205-9212
work. By providing this list to our
Mike Collinge
620-678-3688
Seth Greenwood
620-583-3338
Clark Bogle
620-583-3137
John Talkington
620-437-2686
Johnson’s Fencing
620-583-9443
customers, it is in no way serves as a recommendation of anyone on this list. We encourage our customers to check references and get bids from several contractors prior to starting work. Did you know? You can refill an 8oz glass of water approximately 15,000 times for the same cost as a six-pack of pop. An automatic dishwasher uses 9 to 12 gallons of water while washing by hand can use up to 20.
The Greenwood County Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
Greenwood County Conservation District 1819 E River St, Eureka, KS 67045 [email protected] 620-583-6461
Monday– Friday
8:00 a.m.— 4:30p.m.
Be On The Look-out For NOXIOUS WEEDS
Sericea lespedeza is a state listed noxious weed. It’s called one of the biggest threats to the tallgrass prairie in the Flint Hills region. It has a tremendous growing season in 2015. If you are going to spot spray with a hand wand, mix 1 oz. of Metsulfuron Methyl (i.e. Escort) with 100 gallons of water. If you are going to broadcast spray sericea lespedeza, apply 1/2 oz./acre of Metsulfuron Methyl. Put 1 qt. of non-ionic surfactant/100 gallons of water for both spot spray and broadcast spray. Be sure to calibrate your sprayer prior to broadcast treatment! Found elsewhere in this newsletter is information for calibrating. Don’t feel comfortable doing this for yourself? Please do not hesitate to call the Field Office in Eureka for assistance. Information provided by Luke Westerman, Conservationist
does not guarantee approval or cost share assistance.
Do you own land in Greenwood County? Are you interested in improving the environmental quality of your land? If so stop by the conservation office and find out how you could possibly qualify for state financial assistance to improve your land.
Program funds have been allocated to the conservation. Money comes from the State Water Plan Fund. Anyone interested in receiving cost share assistance from either the Water Resources Cost Share Program or the Non Point Source Pollution Program is The Conservation District will be con- encouraged to contact the Conservation District Office to sign up. ducting a county-wide sign up for interested owners and operators to acIf you have any questions or concerns cept requests for state cost share asabout these programs please call the sistance beginning June-July for the office at (620) 583-6461. 2017 program year. The cost share Funding provided by the State Conservation programs are administered by the State Conservation Commission (SCC) Commission through appropriation from the Kansas Water Plan Fund. through the conservation districts which provides landowners financial assistance to implement approved conservation practices. After completing an application for cost share assistance the practice will These conservation practices must be ranked according to a point system. comply with USDA NRCS Field Office Higher points result in higher priority Technical Guide Standards and specifito receive cost share. Once the district cations, or other standards specificaand the State Conservation Commistions approved by the SCC. Applicasion have approved the application tions receiving approval from the Greenwood County Conservation Dis- cost-share assistance is available. Approved practices are paid compared to trict and SCC may start implementathe county average cost. tion. Any project completed prior to
Cost-Share Percentages
approval by either the district or SCC will not be available for cost share assistance. Participating in the sign-up
Spring is HERE!
2016 Newsletter
Inside this issue Range Youth Camp ................ 2 Streambank Workshop ........... 2 2015 Annual Report ................ 3 Water Festival …..................... 4 Seeding Dates/Services .......... 5 Award Winner-Kirkhams ........ 6 Award Winner-Haas & Sons ... 7 WRAPS target Map................ 8 WRAPS News ........................ 9 Calibrating Sprayers .............. 10 Important Dates April 27– Annual Water Festival June 30– End of 2016 Cost Share Year June-July ‘17 Cost Share Sign-up June29-7/2 Range Youth Camp July 29-Aug 1- 2015 County Fair Sept. – Day on the Farm Nov.- KACD Annual Convention Nov.5-Cattleman’s Day
Receive Newsletters In The Future By E-mail We are asking if you would like to receive the newsletter electronically through email rather than by the postal service. If so, please submit your e-mail address to the [email protected]. Place subscribe in the subject line or call Keila at 620-583-6461. Thank you for your support of the Conservation District.
Nov. 5- The Tallest Big Bluestem
GWCCD Since 1950
Kansas Range Youth Camp July 12-15, 2016 If YOU are interested in plants, livestock, or wildlife, attend an education event like no other in Kansas! The camp is open to upcoming high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students will learn range plant identification, plant growth, stocking rate determinations, livestock nutrition, rangeland wildlife management and much more! All students should contact the local Conservation District for possible financial assistance. The camp is sponsored by Kansas Section Society for Range Management. There will be field trips and steak dinner for all campers along with special activities. Activities include swimming, canoeing, fishing
and hiking! Registration form available at office, our website or by email request.
Registration deadline is June 1, 2016. To receive financial support from the district ALL registration forms MUST be turned into the G.W. County Conservation District by MAY 9, 2016 Registration forms will be approved for financial support during the May 10th meeting. E-mail, drop off at/or mail to Conservation District 1819 E River St Eureka, KS 67045
Kansas Noxious Weeds: Sericea Lespedeza, Johnsongrass, Field Bindweed, Musk Thistle, Hoary Cress, Kudzu, Canada Thistle, Bur Ragweed, Russian Knapweed, Leafy Spurge, Quackgrass, Pignut, Bull Thistle and Multiflora Rose. For more information on controlling these weeds call your local conservation office.
Stream Bank Restoration On October 6, 2015 a Stream Bank Restoration workshop was held at the Eric Bitler Farm. The workshop was provided by Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, Greenwood County Conservation District, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism, Natural Resource and Conservation Ser-
vice, Greenwood County Extension Service, Kansas Forest Service, Wildhorse Riverworks, Inc. and Eric Bitler. College students helped with placing of the cedar trees along the bank. This workshop showed the technique to armor the banks from eroding using Cedar Trees. For more information on this technique please contact the Eureka office.
Students from Emporia State and Hays University. Board meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm from October to March; 8:00pm April to September.
2015 Annual Report The Greenwood County Conservation District completed its 65th year of operation on December 31, 2015. Many activities dealing with administering state cost-share programs, watersheds, information and education projects and maintaining district finances were undertaken. This report contains highlights of those activities. For the year 2015 the District received technical assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel, Luke Westerman, Conservationist and Glenn Bechtel, Soil Technician, in a joint effort to provide customer maximum service for all landowners developing and implementing conservation plans. The District maintained a close working relationship with all Farm Service Center personnel, by sharing the responsibilities of day to day office management. The District cooperated with other agencies and organizations on many projects. Those included the Greenwood County Research & Extension Service, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, Greenwood County Farm Bureau Association, Greenwood County Cattlemen’s, Cattlewomen’s Associations, and KS Alliance for Wetlands & Streams-WRAPS. Throughout the year the Conservation District provided support to the Watershed Boards of Fall River, Walnut-West Creeks, and Otter Creek. For the information and education program, the District promoted the following activities and programs: Greenwood County Water Festival and helped with the Woodson and Wilson County Water Festival The Kansas Range Youth Camp promoted and provided scholarships to Haylee Boulanger and
Breann Altis of Eureka. Display at the Greenwood County Fair on the topics of soil and other conservation practices Greenwood County Grassland Award for outstanding grass management and good stewardship Kansas Banker’s Conservation Awards for Soil Conservation Presented information on trees and water quality to area elementary students Serves as a local source for native grass, wildflower seeds & geotextile Sponsored a team from the Madison Ag Club to attend Envirothon competition Co-organized the Streambank Restoration workshop at Eric Bitler’s Farm Cooperated with the Kansas State Forestry Service to support and work the Fall Forestry Festival at
the Dean farm north of Madison The 2016 budget and work plan were approved. Support was received from the Board of Greenwood County Commissioners granting the District a $500 increase in funds for the year 2016. Training for the District staff included State Conservation Commission Fall Meeting , KACD fall workshop, KACD Annual Convention and a Quick Books training workshop.
GWCCD prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status.
Cost Share Practices Eligible Abandoned Well Plugging Buffer Strips Critical Area Planting Dry Hydrant Fence Field Borders Filter Strip Grassed Waterway Livestock Waste System Livestock Well Pasture & Hayland Planting Pest Management Pipeline Pond Pond Restoration (pipe) Range Planting Sediment Control Basin Tank Terraces For a complete listing of the cost-share practices available, please visit the Eureka Conservation office at 1819 E. River St.
GW County WATERFESTIVAL
Is planned for APRIL 27, 2016!
Greenwood County Water Festival The Greenwood County Conservation District held two Water Festivals for fourth graders from Eureka, Hamilton and Madison. On April 27th Luke Westerman, our local conservationist, gave a demonstration on the importance of keeping our waters clean and controlling water pollutants to the Madison school on April 27th. Using a watershed model called Enviroscape, the students could see how the effects of fertilizers, pesticides and waste can contaminate our waters. Keila Sherman, District Manager, and Mrs. Sheila Hughes, a Hamilton USD 390 teacher, gave a hands on view of the water cycle. On April 29th, the conservation district continued their water education at the Annual Greenwood County Water Festival. The conservation office, along with several volunteers presented information on conserving water, the water cycle, erosion and improving water quality with wetlands. After learning the stages of the Water Cycle, the students played a game called the Incredible Journey. Each child pretended to be a water molecule and rotated throughout the cycle. The kids enjoyed being in the clouds, lakes, rivers and even the ocean. The Long Haul had children experience the work required to haul water to the house from a well and the need for conserving. Water Olympics demonstrated the physical properties of water. One demonstration was to see how many drops of water each student could get to stay on a penny. The Stream Model trailer demonstrated how water from streams end up in a watershed and how to reduce erosion of the land. The Clean Machine demonstrated the importance of wetlands and showed how they filter pollutants out of water. Each child received prizes and a backpack for participating. The district would like to thank all of its volunteers. The festival would not have been possible without you.
Greenwood County Conservation District is a licensed native grass and wildflower seed dealer. Seed orders can be placed at anytime. New this year is Pollinator Mix just for the bees and butterflies!
Conservation Seeding Dates
Conservation District Services Find the District on the World Wide Web!
CRITICAL AREA PLANTING Planting Date (Statewide)
www.facebook.com/ GreenwoodCountyKansasConservationDistrict
Cool-season species: Aug 15—Oct 1; Dec 1—Apr 15
www.greenwoodcounty.org
Warm-season species: Dec 1—May 15
The District has a root plow available year round to use on your land. Cost is $20 per day of use.
Bermuda grass sprigs: Mar 1—May 15 Note: An extension of 2 weeks to the cut -off seeding date may be given by the district conservationist, based on favorable moisture and temperature conditions. When it is not practical to wait for the seeding periods as noted above and at the discretion of the responsible technician, permanent seeding may be completed as soon as construction work is completed. Where soil erosion is a concern or at the discretion of the responsible technician, mulch will be applied according to Conservation Practice 484, Mulching, and immediately following completion of the permanent seeding.
To aide you in reaching all required elements needed to complete your cost share practices, geotextile fabric is available for sale. Getotextile fabric may be sold for gardening or other projects where you need to have a weed barrier and hold rock in place. Grass and wildflower seeds are available to purchase. A seed mixtures of native grasses is available on hand for seeding pond dams. Seed may be ordered anytime upon request.
FORAGE AND BIOMASS PLANTING Planting Date (Statewide) Warm-season grasses. December 1 to May 15 Cool-season grasses. December 1 to April 15 and August 15 to October 1 Legumes. December 1 to April 15 and August 15 to October 1 Note: The responsible technician may extend the seeding dates two weeks where justified by climatic conditions.
RANGE PLANTING Planting Date (Statewide) March 15 to May 15 (Optimum) December 1 to May 15 (Maximum) November 1 to December 31 (Frost Seeding introduced legumes) Note: The responsible technician may extend the seeding dates two weeks where justified by climatic conditions.
Tallest Big Bluestem Contest King of the Prairie The tallest stalk of Big Bluestem in Greenwood County was declared by the District during the 2015 Cattleman’s Day. The contest is to recognize rancher’s good management and give everyone a chance to celebrate our amazing prairie. The entries were displayed at the Greenwood Hotel. This is a yearly contest centered around the Cattleman’s celebrations. The winning lengths were as follows. Kevin & Carrie Allison with a stalk length of 9’2” in the adult class. Kaleb, Isaac & Thomas Arnold (Mike & Pam Collinge’s grandchildren) with a stalk length of 8’ 8 5/8” for the youth division. Allison’s won a steak dinner for Benny’s and the children received gifts cards for Sonic. Gifts were provided by Sharp Bros Seed Co.
All winners, enjoy your bragging rights!
Dale & Nancy Kirkham 2015 Grassland Award By Luke Westerman, District Conservationist, NRCS and Robin Wunderlich, The Eureka Herald Dale and Nancy Kirkham, longtime residents of rural Eureka, was awarded the 2015 Grassland Award at the Greenwood County Conservation District Annual Meeting, on Saturday, January 9, for their efforts maintaining 1020 acres, a task they have continued since 1983. Their property is approximately 10 miles east of Eureka. Dale moved to Greenwood County in 1983 when he accepted the District Conservationist position at the Greenwood County Natural Resources Conservation Service Office, a position he held until his retirement in 2002. Growing up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in Valley Falls, Dale was exposed to an industry that he would grow to love. He quickly fell in love with rangeland fields and to this day conducts wildflower and grassland tours and volunteers for the Symphony in the Flint Hills . Kirkham attended Fort Hays State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Agriculture. He later received graduate degrees in Range Management and in Plant Ecology from the University of Wyoming and the University of Missouri, respectfully. He taught biology at Oakland City College in Indiana and Missouri South-ern for a few years each. Nancy was raised in Elmdale. Although she wasn’t raised on a farm, she considered her upbringing one that ex-posed her to great diversity. As a young child, her father took the caretaker position at Camp Wood and the family was able to meet a variety of people. After graduation, Nancy stayed in the Chase County area and began working in Cottonwood Falls in 1993 as the District Manager. With both Dale and Nancy working for Natural Resource Conservation Service offices, the two came to see each other at various meetings. A few years later, the couple was united in marriage, however, it wasn’t until 2000 that Nancy moved to Eureka, as she wanted her daughters to finish their schooling at Chase County. Nancy worked for the Greenwood County Conservation District for a few years before taking a position at Home Bank and Trust. She worked there until her retirement in 2015. After Kirkham started his own operation, Kirkham Brangus, he joined his dad and brother in stocker and feeder cattle operations from 1985 to the early 2000’s. Dale and Nancy own and operate Kirkham Brangus, where they manage a purebred cow-calf and custom grazing operation just east of Eureka. They also co-own property, which is home to Nancy’s favorite wildflower Deptford Pink, with Dale’s brother and father. They own 400 acres in Greenwood, 310 in Jefferson and lease an additional 620 acres. The couple actively treat their land for wild thistle, sericea lespedeza and other invasive brush species in an effort to preserve the Flint Hills grasslands. Dale and Nancy don’t visit a pasture without taking along a pair of loppers to remove the young brush trying to take hold in their pastures. They also strongly believe in rotating their cattle for the health of the grass. Through education and experience, Dale and Nancy have learned resting the grass in the pasture is the best thing for it. Rotational grazing allows for the grass to recover from being grazed and build a healthy root system. Not only does the couple believe in rotational grazing, Dale and Nancy also believe in providing good water quality to the livestock on their land. The couple have installed an insulated hydrant tank and also have cleaned out all of their ponds. One of the first limited access lanes was installed in the county by the Kirkhams. A limited access lane controls access to the pond by livestock. A fence is constructed around the pond, and a small lane is left for the cattle to access the water. The lane is rocked to provide a hardened pad for the livestock to walk on. The cattle tend to get a drink and get out of the pond due to the rock being uncomfortable on their feet. The water in the pond is much cleaner than ponds that have full cattle access. An old terrace system was creating problems for their Kirkhams. The terraces were achieving desired results when the field was being farmed. However, the field was converted to grass and the terrace system was concentrating water leading to gully erosion. The Kirkhams hired a dirt contractor to come and break the terraces at several locations throughout the field. By breaking the terraces, the water was spread out over the field and not being concentrated in a few sensitive locations. This work greatly reduced the soil loss from the field and improved with water quality leaving the field. Burning off the old grass in the pastures is still a priority for the Kirkhams. However, Dale recognizes the timing of the burn is especially important. Delaying a burn for a couple of years in order to build up enough mulch to carry a fire later in the spring will achieve better results of killing trees than an early spring fire. The Kirkhams believe fewer, properly timed fires can achieve better results than numerous fires that are applied without a goal. These fewer fires also achieve better wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, and improve air quality. Proper stocking rates during the growing season allows the Kirkhams to utilize the dormant grass in their pastures through the first part of the winter. Once the cold weather hits, some supplemental hay is fed. Proper placement of the hay is important to Dale and Nancy. The hay is unrolled in a new place each time it is provided to the livestock. Spreading out the hay prevents concentrated manure buildup and reduces the chance that the vegetation in the pastures will be stomped out. The Kirkham’s have been married for 20 years and they have three daughters Tracey McDermid of Alexandria, Va., Tracy Anderes of Glen Elder and Randee Watkins of Osbourne. They also have two grandchildren, Raylynn and Lathe. Dale and Nancy plan to continue with their work on the challenges property ownership brings. The Kirkham’s hard work is evident as you drive across their pastures. The soil yields sufficient vegetation to support a longterm grazing operation while still protecting the viability of other biological processes on the prairie’s rolling hills. These efforts are why they are deserving of the 2015 Greenwood County Grassland Award.
Haas & Sons 2015 Water Quality Conservation Award By Luke Westerman, District Conservationist, NRCS and Robin Wunderlich, The Eureka Herald Five generations of the Haas family were recognized on January 9, 2016, at the annual Greenwood County Conservation District meeting as winners of the 2015 Water Quality Conservation Award. This hard working family has formed a conservation legacy for over a century in northeastern Greenwood County. The family began farming in Greenwood County in the late 1800s and the early 1900s as Lloyd’s grandparents settled in the Hilltop and Lamont area. His paternal grandparents, William F. and Sallie Haas moved to a farm near Lamont in 1903. Lloyd’s father, Taylor, farmed the Haas farm and in 1919 he married Anna Sauder and purchased the adjoining farm. A farm that Lloyd, his late wife Betty, and his sons Mike and Mark have expanded over the years. Anna grew up on a farm near Hilltop with her parents, Abe and Julia Sauder. In 1958, Lloyd purchased half interest in the Sauder Lumber and Grain Company and ran the elevator with Doc Sauder. The grain elevator and mill happens to be the oldest functional elevator in the state of Kansas. The family operation officially began in 1968 with 13 heifers they acquired from a neighbor. In 1970, Mike bought out Doc Sauder’s half of the elevator and the family changed the name of the elevator to Haas Mill and Elevator. According to Mike, the elevator was a centerpiece to their operation. “The elevator was the outlet for the grain we grew and we were able to make feed for our operation as well as other ranchers around the Lamont area”. Mike’s son Kane and grandson Quentin are also an important part of the Haas and Son operation, today. Kane joined the operation in 1989 after returning from active military duty in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Quentin has also helped with the operation in recent years and currently helps on weekends and breaks while attending college at Allen Community College. Over the years, Haas and Son has acquired approximately 3,000 acres that they own and approximately 1,000 acres they rent. The Hasses work together in an effort to keep their operation progressing forward. The success this family partnership has can likely be attributed to each individual having their own interests and specialties they can focus on in the operation. For example, Mark focuses on the spraying and the grain elevator, Mike focuses on the crops and Kane and Quentin focus on the livestock. In 1978, Haas and Sons was recognized as the Banker Award Winner for their conservation efforts. Since then, they have expanded their operation and have adopted additional conservation practices on their operation. The operation has been in no-till for more than 10 years. Not disturbing the soil is important to saving money in the operation as well as improving the soil quality for the crops they grow. “I can find earthworms in every shovel full of soil I pull from our fields”, explains Mike. The Haases have recently been planting cover crops to further improve soil quality as well as providing a high quality forage for their livestock. The Haases believe the key to reducing soil erosion is to always have something growing in their fields and protecting the soil surface. Weather plays an important role in deciding their crop rotation as does the demand for feed grain at the mill. Corn, soybeans and wheat are their primary crop but also plant oats and alfalfa when the need arises. Rye, tur-nips, beans, peas, and radishes are included in their cover crop mix. Livestock herd management has been a priority for the Haas family. Bulls are selected for the traits necessary to fit into a diverse operation. In addition, all of the cows are homegrown and an active culling process is in place to ensure only the most productive and well natured cows remain in the operation. The Haases strongly believe in the importance of rotational grazing. Herds are separated by age class and are rotated through the different pastures they have acquired over the years. Mike and Mark recognize the benefit of having a feed mill available to their operation. They are able to mix up a ration that fits their operation and provide low-cost supplemental feed to their livestock. Sufficient forage and high quality supplemental feed ensures the Haases cattle are kept in the best condition possible. The recent drought has allowed for maintenance to be completed on three ponds in the operation. The Haases recognize the importance of clean water for their livestock and have a watering tank plumbed into a pond. They also have watering tanks connected to a well and rural water. Sericea lespedeza has been a thorn in Mark’s side. His concern for the potential harm this plant can inflict has made it a top priority for him in the summer. Countless hours are spent spot spraying this noxious weed. Broad-cast spraying is done only when the sericea lespedeza becomes out of control and it needs set back. They also continue to battle the invasive brush species in their pasture, which they do all year round. Chemical spot treatment of sumac, dogwood and buckbrush keeps them busy during the growing season. During the winter months, clipping hedge, locust, and cedar is an ongoing job. The family operation currently includes Lloyd of Lamont, Mike and Darlene of Madison; Mark and Marjorie of Lamont; Kane and Jolene of Madison and Quentin of Madison. The Haas’ dedication to conservation and their desire to maintain a profitable farming and ranching operation is evident by the conservation practices they have installed. Their efforts have made them deserving of the Green-wood County 2015 Water Quality Award.
Un-Wrapping the Potential of WRAPS Landowners in the Toronto and Fall River watersheds have access to financial assistance that is available at this moment! If you have erosion concerns or water quality concerns on your land, the Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy, WRAPS, may to able to help you address the issue. Sign up is continuous and projects are reimbursed within 10 days once completed and submitted for payment! On most projects, the financial assistance is about 70% of the total cost. The WRAPS program was initiated in 2006 in Greenwood County out of a concern for the two federal reservoirs in the county and the rate of siltation occurring in the lakes. Both of these reservoirs are filling with sediment at a high rate and their future is in peril. Toronto has the highest percent loss of capacity due to siltation at 45%, followed by Tuttle Creek (43%), John Redmond (41%) and Fall River (38%). All four of these federal reservoirs are now approaching the 50% mark of sediment in the conservation pool. That computes to reduced flood control ability and less water available for other uses such as water supply and fishing. Both of these watersheds have participated in the monitoring and planning phases and are now in the implementation phase of WRAPS. The goal now is to put projects on the land that help reduce the sedimentation and nutrient load that is ending up in Fall River and Toronto Reservoirs. One of the defining elements of WRAPS is the establishment of target areas within each watershed. The Target Areas represent the portions of the watershed that are contributing the most sediment and where projects can have the largest benefit. This is where WRAPS projects and funds are targeted. However, even if your land lies outside the target area, you are still encouraged to contact us as other assistance is usually available. WRAPS is just one small piece of the funding puzzle but this funding is focused on a single goal. In 2015, WRAPS funding helped in the completion of 8 projects involved in fencing ponds and providing an alternative water source in the form of a tank or limited access watering lane for livestock. Another project stabilized gully erosion resulting from salt water leakage over the years near some oil tanks. A total of $28,085 was expended out of the WRAPS budget, which averages just over $3,000 per project. In addition to these projects, WRAPS partnered with the Conservation District, NRCS, Extension Service and several other agencies and landowners to host a Stream Bank Restoration and Protection Workshop in October demonstrating the use of cedar tree revetments to help protect eroding and failing steam banks. In 2016, WRAPS has just over $20,000 in the Toronto Watershed and nearly $16,000 in the Fall River Watershed available for assisting with projects. In addition to the projects mentioned above, WRAPS funds may assist with implementing no-till and/or cover crops, terraces and waterways, buffers of permanent vegetation, relocating livestock feeding sites, fencing streams and providing an alternative livestock watering site, repairing gully erosion in fields and many other practices. WRAPS funding comes from Non-Point Source Pollution 319 Grants that are administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (KAWS) is the non-profit organization contracted by KDHE to coordinate the project in these two watersheds. WRAPS works closely with the Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Greenwood County on all projects. NRCS standards and specifications are utilized to guarantee a quality product and ensure longevity.
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Bob Culbertson WRAPS & Wetland Coordinator Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams 207 Cheyenne Street New Strawn, KS 66839 620-364-9485 [email protected] http://www.kswraps.org/faq
A Few Cost Share Practices
Terraces Watering Facility Fencing
Pond Restoration Stream Crossing Water & Sediment Control Basin Filter Strip Critical Area Planting Heavy Use Area Protection Contact the office for the entire available practice list. For more information or a field visit, please contact Bob Culbertson, Project Coordinator at 620-364-9485 or [email protected]. You may also contact Keila Sherman at the Greenwood County Conservation District Office in Eureka or Luke Westerman, Supervisory District Conservationist with NRCS in Eureka. Their phone number is 620-583-6461. Page written by Bob Culbertson
Preparing to Calibrate. For calibration to be successful, several items need to be taken care of before going to the field. Calibration will not be worthwhile if the equipment is not properly prepared. Calibration should be performed using water only. Follow the steps outlined below to prepare spraying equipment for calibration. Inspect the sprayer. Be sure all components are in good working order and undamaged. Pay attention to the pump, control valves, strainers, and hoses. Be sure there are no obstructions or leaks in the sprayer. Be sure all components are in good working order and undamaged. Check all nozzles. Make sure the discharge rate of all the nozzles is within 10% of the overall average. Replace or unclog any nozzle that has an uneven pattern. Check the label of the product or products to be applied and record the following: o Application Rate, gallons per acre (GPA) o Nozzle Type, droplet size and shape of pattern o Nozzle Pressure, pounds per square inch (PSI)
Accurate ground speed is very important to good calibration. Set the sprayer for the desired ground speed based on field conditions and run the course at least twice. Average the times required for the course distance and determine ground speed from the equation below.
If the tractor or sprayer is equipped with a true ground speed indicator such as radar or ultrasonic, this speed can be used for calibration. Tractor tachometers, transmission speed charts, and ATV speedometers are often not accurate enough for calibration purposes. Calculate the application rate based on the average discharge rate measured for the nozzles, the ground speed over the test course, and the nozzle spacing, or spray swath on the sprayer. Measure the discharge rate from a single nozzle on the boom. The spray width will be the distance, in inches, between nozzles. Application Rate (GPA)
=
x
Discharge Rate (GPM)
Measure the discharge rate from all the nozzles on the sprayer. The spray width will be the distance in feet of the effective spray width. Effective spray width on boomless sprayers is usually 80-85% of the total spray width.
Compare the application rate calculated to the rate required. If the rates are not the same, choose the appropriate adjustment and reset the sprayer. Recheck the system if necessary. Once it is accurate, calibration is complete.
Continued on page 11 of newsletter.
X Discharge Rate (GPM) = Application Rate (GPA) X Ground Speed (MPH) X Spray Width (FT) 495
Shaun Muncy Excavating
620-490-0791
Zimmers Fencing
620-583-2122
Francis Chaplin
620-583-3445
Kevin Karmann
620-682-5973
Wilson Brothers Construction
620-366-1891
Jerry Soule
620-750-0023
Justin’s Backhoe Service
620-437-2244
Marshall Stauffer
620-437-6816
Larcom & Sons, Inc.
620-583-2247
Craig Reyer
620-341-0273
Steve Goebel
620-365-9092
David Wyckoff
620-583-5336
Gowen Backhoe
620-437-2250
Ranch Aid
620-583-5585
Thornton’s Backhoe
620-750-0282
Melvin Winter
316-772-7614
John Riggs
620-583-3376
Dan Thurston
620-437-2027
Dirtworks, Zack Marshall
620-340-5788
Cent. Ag Aviation
785-366-0513
4F Enterprise, Mike Frakes
620-583-5767
Roth Aerial
402-761-2333
Ryan’s Home Improvement
620-583-9880
Sowder Seed
620-637-2228
Joe Beeman
407-924-4167
Warner Ag Air
620-332-3748
Twister Mud, Coulter/Dehlinger 620-750-0882
Robert Kurtz
620-583-4445
Meisch Dirt Construction
620-249-4103
This list is provided as a service to
Wayne Bailey
620-678-4069
landowners who request the names
Long Drilling
620-437-7444
of contractors doing conservation
Cedar Quest Farm Excavating 620-205-9212
work. By providing this list to our
Mike Collinge
620-678-3688
Seth Greenwood
620-583-3338
Clark Bogle
620-583-3137
John Talkington
620-437-2686
Johnson’s Fencing
620-583-9443
customers, it is in no way serves as a recommendation of anyone on this list. We encourage our customers to check references and get bids from several contractors prior to starting work. Did you know? You can refill an 8oz glass of water approximately 15,000 times for the same cost as a six-pack of pop. An automatic dishwasher uses 9 to 12 gallons of water while washing by hand can use up to 20.
The Greenwood County Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
Greenwood County Conservation District 1819 E River St, Eureka, KS 67045 [email protected] 620-583-6461
Monday– Friday
8:00 a.m.— 4:30p.m.
Be On The Look-out For NOXIOUS WEEDS
Sericea lespedeza is a state listed noxious weed. It’s called one of the biggest threats to the tallgrass prairie in the Flint Hills region. It has a tremendous growing season in 2015. If you are going to spot spray with a hand wand, mix 1 oz. of Metsulfuron Methyl (i.e. Escort) with 100 gallons of water. If you are going to broadcast spray sericea lespedeza, apply 1/2 oz./acre of Metsulfuron Methyl. Put 1 qt. of non-ionic surfactant/100 gallons of water for both spot spray and broadcast spray. Be sure to calibrate your sprayer prior to broadcast treatment! Found elsewhere in this newsletter is information for calibrating. Don’t feel comfortable doing this for yourself? Please do not hesitate to call the Field Office in Eureka for assistance. Information provided by Luke Westerman, Conservationist
