State Line Shopper - March 8, 2021 by Authentic Ag

March 8, 2021

PRESORT STANDARD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID

State Line Shopper

PO Box 118 Phillipsburg, KS 67661 785-533-0104 email: statelineshopper@gmail.com

Authentic Ag, Inc.

postal customer

We appreciate ALL our customers & enjoy what we do & ask for your help:

Our freezers are FULL again -- If you've received a postcard or phone call & your meat is ready, please come and get it. We need to keep making room.

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PHILLIPS COUNTY MEDICAL CLINIC IS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Our providers specialize in primary care - that means taking care of you and your whole family and seeing your primary provider in both the clinic and the hospital for optimal continuity of care. Whether you are new to the area or just looking for a local medical provider, CHOOSE US to be the healthcare team your family turns to!

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PAGE 2

State Line Shopper choices are they consider the taste, safety diets as vegan, vegetar- and price of beef to Spring is right around ian, flexitarian or other. be more appealing. the corner! Try the listed sugTonsor said regular “Those are key differmeat consumers re- entiation points we see gestions (or at least ported being willing in this study and have a few of them) to help to pay $1.87 more per seen in several studies,” prevent chronic dismeal for a beef burger Tonsor said. “Taste and eases like type 2 diain a restaurant. They safety, in particular, are betes, heart disease, also would pay up to key drivers of U.S. beef and cancer. .29 more per pound for demand.” 1. Move more, sit store-brand, 80% lean “The protein market less. Get at least 150 ground beef at the gro- is immensely competminutes of modercery store. itive, both from existThose who prefer al- ing and new products ate-intensity aerobic ternative diets would being introduced,” he activity every week, pay $1.48 more per added. “At the same plus muscle-strengthmeal in a restaurant, time, global protein ening activities at and up to $2.32 per demand is strong and least 2 days a week. pound more in the gro- growing. The U.S. beef 2. Eat a healthy cery store. industry produces a diet. Make healthy “There’s a big pref- high quality, tasty, safe, food choices like erence among regular nutritious, healthy, and fruits, vegetables, meat consumers to- affordable product in whole grains, lean day for the beef burg- an increasingly susmeat, and low-fat er, and there’s a strong tainable way. Capital- dairy products. (Tip: preference among the izing on what the in- Make half your plate alternative diet folks dustry does well while fruits and vegetables for those newly offered continuously striving and half your grains items,” Tonsor said. to do it better is the whole grains.) But the number of best advice we can proconsumers choosing vide to compete in the 3. Rethink your beef over plant-based evolving global protein drink. Substitute waalternatives is clearly in market.” ter for sugary or alcofavor of the beef indusThe full report, as holic drinks to reduce try. The report notes well as an executive calories and stay safe. that beef is consumed summary, is availthree times more often able online from the 4. Get enough than plant-based pro- K-State Department of sleep. Adults need teins in the U.S. Agricultural Econom- at least 7 hours of Among the factors ics’ website, agman- sleep at night. (Did influencing consumer’s ager.info. you know that kids age 6-12 need 9-12 hours of sleep a night. Teens age 13-18 need

Study: Consumers still favor beef as protein source

Consumers who prefer beef over plantbased protein alternatives said they are willing to pay nearly two dollars more per meal for a burger when dining at a restaurant, according to a study from Kansas State University. But, the same study notes, those who have turned to plant-based protein alternatives are equally passionate about their choice, saying they would be willing to pay $1.48 more per meal. Those are among the key findings released by K-State agricultural economists Glynn Tonsor and Ted Schroeder in the study, Impact of New Plant-Based Protein Alternatives on U.S. Beef Demand. The study was co-authored by Jayson Lusk, a Distinguished Professor of

agricultural economics at Purdue University. “Beef has what we call a good image and we document it as a good image throughout the report,” Tonsor said. “We’ve looked at a litany of questions, such as how does beef compare to plant-based proteins on a lot of dimensions, such as taste, safety, price, nutritional content, protein, iron and even on whether it’s good for farmers, the planet and consumers.” The nationwide study involved more than 3,000 consumers that represented the population of the country. Nearly 70 percent of respondents identified themselves as regular meat consumers (those who regularly consumer meat or food from animals), while the remainder identified with such alternative

9 Strategies for a Healthy Spring

HELP WANTED Parts Manager

Job Description: Help customers, take deposits, enter parts sales, manage inventory and place parts orders. Experience is preferred; training can be provided Stop by Matteson Motors, 276 W. State St., Phillipsburg, KS for an application, or call 785-543-2423 with any questions.

March 8, 2021

M &

8-10 hours of sleep a night.) 5. Quit smoking. You can do it! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free support. 6. Be sun safe. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15. (Tip: Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays for best protection. 7. Brush your teeth. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. 8. Get your checkups. Visit your doctor regularly for preventative services like cancer and diabetes screenings. 9. Learn your health history. Talk to your family and your doctor about your family health history. Learn more ways to stay healthy and prevent chronic disease at www.cdc.gov/ chronicdisease.

MAPES & MILLER Certified Public Accountants P.O. Box 266 711 3rd Street Phillipsburg, KS 67661

Rebecca A. Lix, CPA Partner

Office 785-543-6561

Denis W. Miller, CPA Partner

Email: mmpburg@ruraltel.net

March 8, 2021

State Line Shopper

Rural Mainstreet Economy Expands Again: Economic Outlook Soars to Highest Level since 2011

February Survey Results at a Glance: For the fourth time in the past five months, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) climbed above growth neutral. According to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy, the index increased to its highest level since January 2020. Overall: The overall index for February rose to 53.8 from January’s 52.0. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral. “Sharp gains in grain prices, federal farm support, and the Federal Reserve’s record-low interest rates have underpinned the Rural Mainstreet Economy. Only 8% of bank CEOs indicated economic conditions worsened from the previous month. Even so, current rural economic activity remains below pre-pandemic levels,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University's Heider College of Business. Farming and ranching: For a fifth straight month, the farmland price index advanced above growth neutral. The February read-

ing climbed to 60.0, its highest level since May 2013, and up from 56.3 in January. This is first time since 2013 that Creighton’s survey has recorded five straight months of above growth-neutral farmland prices. Bank CEOs estimated 2021 cash land rent for non-irrigated, non-pastureland at $218. The February farm equipment-sales index rose to 62.7, its highest reading since February 2013, and up from 54.5 in January. After 86 straight months of readings below growth neutral, farm equipment bounced into growth territory for the last three months. “As a result of the rapidly improving farm economy, bankers expect farm equipment sales to expand by 3.8% over the next 12 months. This is up significantly from October when bank CEOs estimated that farm equipment sales would fall by an additional 3.1% over the same period,” said Goss. Banking: Bankers once again reported anemic loan volumes. The February loan volume index increased to a weak 46.1 from January’s 33.9. The checking-deposit index soared to record high 88.5 from

January’s 88.0, while the index for certificates of deposit, and other savings instruments increased to 46.2 from 46.0 in January.

Hiring: The new hiring index climbed to 51.9 from January’s 46.0. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that nonfarm employment levels for the Rural Mainstreet economy are down by 146,000 (nonseasonally adjusted), or 3.3%, compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, and down by 236,000, or 5.3%, from 12 months earlier. “It will take many months of above growth neutral readings to get back to pre-COVID-19 employment levels for the region,” said Goss. Confidence: The confidence index, which reflects bank CEO expectations for the economy six months out, rose to a very healthy 64.0, its highest level since March 2011, and up from January’s 60.0. “Federal farm support payments, improving gain prices, and advancing exports have supported confidence offsetting negatives from pandemic ravaged retail and leisure and hospitality companies in rural areas,” said Goss. Home and retail sales:

The home-sales index climbed to 69.2 from 60.0 in January. The retail-sales index for February increased to a frail 46.2 from 42.0 in January. “On-line buying and business closures linked to COVID-19 continue to harm the region’s retailers,” said Goss.

America, created the monthly economic survey in 2005.

PAGE 3

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Kansas: The Kansas RMI for February increased to 55.9 from 53.6 in January. The state’s farmland-price index increased to 61.0 from January’s 57.1. The new-hiring index for Kansas climbed to 53.9 from 47.8 in January. Over the past 12 months, Each month, commu- Kansas’ Rural Mainnity bank presidents street economy has and CEOs in nonur- lost 3.9% of its nonemployment ban agriculturally and farm e ne rg y - d e p e nd e nt compared to a 4.2% portions of a 10-state loss for urban areas of area are surveyed re- the state. garding current economic conditions in Nebraska: The Netheir communities braska RMI for Feband their projected ruary expanded to economic outlooks 58.4 from January’s six months down the 55.6. The state’s farmindex road. Bankers from land-price Colorado, Illinois, climbed to 62.3 from Iowa, Kansas, Min- last month’s 56.1. Nenesota, Missouri, Ne- braska’s new-hiring braska, North Dako- advanced to 55.2 from ta, South Dakota and 45.4 in January. Over Wyoming are includ- the past 12 months, Nebraska’s Rural ed. Mainstreet econoThis survey represents my has lost 2.4% of an early snapshot of its nonfarm employthe economy of ru- ment compared to a ral agriculturally and 2.2% loss for urban e ne rg y - d e p e nd e nt areas of the state. portions of the nation. The Rural MainWant to advertise street Index (RMI) is your business? a unique index coverState Line ing 10 regional states, focusing on approxShopper can help imately 200 rural you! We offer communities with competitive rates an average populaand will work with tion of 1,300. It gives Hwy 24 & 181 • Downs, KS you to get the the most current reDaytime785-454-3931 most ‘bang’ for al-time analysis of the Evening 785-454-3720 your hard-earned rural economy. Goss 785-545-6898 dollars. and Bill McQuillan, 785-454-1038 former chairman Call: of the Independent 785-533-0104 Community Banks of today for details.

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Nebraska Land Link Now Available By Jessica Groskopf and Allan Vyhnalek

Nebraska Extension is pleased to announce that the Nebraska Land Link is open for applications. Nebraska Land Link connects new or beginning farmers and ranchers seeking land with landowners who wish to lease, sell or gift their land to a new or beginning farmer or rancher. The webbased enrollment and information for the program can be found at https://farm.unl. edu/landlink A 2017 survey of 3,500 farmers by the National Young Farmer’s Coalition listed access to land as the most difficult challenge for

new farmers (Ackoff, et al., 2017). The challenge of land access is twofold. First, the high cost of land, livestock and equipment makes it difficult for new and beginning farmers to purchase these capital assets. The second challenge to land access is that many landowners are asset rich and cash poor. Therefore, they need to earn income for retirement from their land, equipment and livestock while transitioning away from the labor and management of their operation. When a traditional multi-generational

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State Line Shopper farm or ranch exists for land seekers and owners will be given (parent-child), it can landowners. This ef- the applications of land be easier to develop fort is important for a seekers in their area a transition plan that thriving rural Nebras- that seem to be a good transitions the assets ka. One way to keep match. After the landand management of rural America, and owner has reviewed the operation from the especially rural Ne- the applications, they owner to their child. braska, in business is can interview potenHowever, when a farm- to keep as many ag op- tial land seekers they er or rancher does not erations functioning as feel have shared valhave a child who wish- possible. ues, skills and interests. es to actively take over Our service has three Once both parties have the operation, the path main parts (1) an on- agreed to the match, the to retirement is less line application, (2) process of transitioning clear. applicant vetting and the operation hopefully The Nebraska Land (3) additional educa- begins. Link strives to connect tional support. The Throughout the pronew and beginning application can be cess, Nebraska Extenfarmers and ranchers found at: https://farm. sion will provide imwith retiring landown- unl.edu/landlink. Af- portant educational ers who do not have a ter your application is information regarding successor. The goal of submitted, Nebraska communication, nethe Nebraska Land Link Extension personnel gotiations, goal setting is to provide land ac- will contact you to and more. And we are cess using lease agree- verify the information here to answer any quesments, lease-to-own in your application. tions you might have. arrangements, buy-sell Once the applicant In time, it is hoped that arrangements, or other vetting is complete, the match will lead to creative methods that you will be enrolled some type of long-term are mutually beneficial in the program. Land- relationship where the land seekers have land, or livestock Kingsbury Septic and Pumping equipment that they can call their

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March 8, 2021 own that gives them a solid future. Any size operation will be supported by Nebraska Land Link. There are land seekers that just want a few acres for their (smaller scale) fruit or vegetable businesses, for instance. Landowners can indicate that they would allow a smaller tract to be used. Applying to Land Link is free for Nebraskans. Out-of-state residents will be charged $30 to apply as a land seeker and $50 to apply as a landowner. Nebraska Land Link is a project of Nebraska Extension's Farm and Ranch Succession and Transition program and Nebraska Women in Agriculture. For questions, please contact Allan Vyhnalek at avyhnalek2@unl.edu or Jessica Groskopf at jgroskopf2@unl.edu.

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March 8, 2021

State Line Shopper

PAGE 5

Kansas Farm Bureau hires Joel Leftwich as chief strategy officer

Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) has hired Joel Leftwich as chief strategy officer. Leftwich will build on KFB’s advocacy initiatives and evaluate opportunities for new services and business development.

“We’re excited to have Joel join Kansas Farm Bureau to further our mission of strengthening agriculture and the lives of Kansans,” KFB CEO Terry Holdren says. “Joel’s experience working in public policy and his understanding of ag issues will be invaluable in helping our members navigate a fast-changing landscape to achieve greater success.”

A Wellington native, Leftwich joins KFB after serving as executive director of the Wichita-based William L. Hudson BVI Workforce Innovation Center, whose mission is to train and employ individuals with visual impairments. Prior to that role, Leftwich spent nearly two decades in Washington D.C., serving as a legislative aide to U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, staff assistant for U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts and staff director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Other roles have included government affairs work for PepsiCo, Inc., DuPont,

and being a managing director for the Glover Park Group, a strategic communications and government relations consulting firm. “I look forward to building on the fantastic work Kansas Farm Bureau does for farmers and ranchers every day,” Leftwich says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to strengthen existing ties and forge new alliances as we look for ways to add more value for our members.” Leftwich received a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Friends University and a Master of Arts in political science in American government from Loyola University of Chicago.

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Pam Miller Named Interim Executive Director of Renewable Fuels Nebraska Pam Miller has been named the interim executive director of Renewable Fuels Nebraska (RFN), effective February 15, 2021. Pam has been involved in the ethanol industry since 2004. At that time, she was an elected official, serving as a county commissioner in Northeast Nebraska. As such, she created the Dakota County Economic Development Committee. A thorough SWOT analysis of the county led to the genesis of Siouxland Ethanol as an economic development project. Pam became one of the original founders of Siouxland Ethanol, wrote the business plan for the company, and became passionate about the value-added benefits of this clean source of octane. Siouxland Ethanol began as a 50 million

gallon dry mill ethanol plant in Jackson, Neb., in 2007 and has expanded to producing more than 90 million gallons of ethanol a year. Pam received her bachelor of science degree in business administration from Wayne State College and her MBA from University of South Dakota. She created Leadership Dakota County in 2004 and continues to serve as coordinator for this program that has produced over 300 leaders in the county. She served as dean of the College Center for Northeast Community College and Wayne State College from 20052016. Prior to that, Pam was a college professor in business. Pam has served continuously on the board of directors for Siouxland

Ethanol since inception and most recently served as chair of the board for a number of years. Pam is a vocal advocate for the ethanol industry and a past board member of the Renewable Fuels Association, American Coalition for Ethanol, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska. She currently serves on the boards of MercyOne Health Foundation-Sioux City and Siouxland Freedom Park. Ms. Miller assumes the role created from the departure of Troy Bredenkamp who served as RFN executive director since October 2017. Troy resigned his position in January 2021 and will lead communication and advocacy efforts for the Renewable Fuels Association located in Washington D.C.

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PAGE 6

State Line Shopper March 8, 2021 For years now, alter- and livestock produc- Kansans connected native protein prod- ers needing year-round and economically viainsurance and other ucts have confused help. I will work with ble. tools. Quite frankly, many consumers with my colleagues on both It is crucial that those securing the next farm misleading packaging sides of the aisle to of us in Washington do bill starts now. and creative names for help get legal ag work- absolutely everything Fourth, we must do products. I will con- ers our producers back in our power to proeverything we can to tinue to advocate for home need for contin- vide farmers, ranchers, continue the revital- greater transparency ued success. and producers with ization of rural com- in labeling to protect And finally but cer- the tools necessary so munities in Kansas and terms like “meat” and tainly not least, we that they can continexpand cleaner, more “beef ” and help con- must continue to in- ue to feed, fuel, and affordable options at sumers better differ- vest in rural communi- clothe this nation and the pump—support for entiate real meat from ties by deploying more the world. The vastness our biofuel producers non-meat products. broadband across rural of Kansas agriculture will do just that. The 10 Additionally, on the Kansas. My parents can’t be overstated, and biofuel plants operating meat front, local butch- grew up in an era when I look forward to proin Kansas utilize corn, ers and small meat 160 acres of good Kan- viding leadership for sorghum and soybeans processors who have sas land, hard work, all Kansans on this imto produce clean-burn- state-inspected facili- and a sharp pencil portant committee. ing fuel, while contrib- ties and the livestock could support a family. uting to the economic producers who use But today’s producer Roger Marshall, M.D., is health of rural commu- their services should has to be as much of a a U.S. senator for nities across the state. have better access to sharp business person Kansas. Under the previous ad- consumers across the as they are a mechanic, ministration we made country. I will push a master of technologreat strides to increase for changes to provide gy, and a soothsayer of Classified Ads are demand, both domes- those producers with the markets. They’ve $5.00 for the first ten tically and abroad, and more options to market turned the pencils into grow consumer access directly to consumers high tech precision agwords, then $0.25 per to biofuels with com- across state lines. riculture, and in order word thereafter. mon sense regulatory Sixth, while we must to remain successful, adjustments. We must continue to secure our they need access to a Please pre-pay classified continue this work in borders, we need to fast and reliable broadad when you mail it to: the new administra- make common sense band connection. tion. State Line Shopper reforms for our im- Whether it’s a farmer Fifth, we have to make migrant agricultural out on his combine at PO Box 118 progress so consumers workers. We can do dawn, a small business Phillipsburg, KS 67661 can be sure that the both. The previous ad- owner working on paymeat products they ministration finalized roll, or a child virtually are buying are indeed H2A visa changes mak- learning, increasing the PLEASE NOTE: Our real meat. Consumers ing that program more availability and quality next Deadline is should be able to rely flexible and efficient. of broadband for rural WEDNESDAY by noon. on the information on However, the current areas is critical to keep food labels they see on system still is not workthe shelves to be truth- able for dairy farms Independent Sales Representative ful and not deceptive.

Kansas keeps seat at the table on Senate Agriculture Committee By: U.S. Senator Roger Marshall

Having grown up in agriculture and now with the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of my good friend and mentor Pat Roberts, I could not be more proud to join the Senate Agriculture Committee. For 48 of the past 50 years, Kansas has had a voice on the Senate Ag Committee. Why? Because agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Kansas and is responsible for 40% of the state’s economy. This assignment will keep Kansas’ voice at the table to help ensure our farmers, ranchers and producers remain profitable and our rural communities prosperous. Where I’m from people work per acre, not per hour. My earliest and fondest memories growing up were spending time on our family farm. While it’s true growing up a Kansas farm boy is mostly having fun, I learned some of life’s most important lessons: an appreciation for the land and environment, a hard work ethic, and the value of a strong handshake. Those life lessons will guide my work in the Senate Ag Committee, and here are just some of the priorities I have my sights set on: First, we have to stay on top of our push to

reduce the regulatory burden on famers and ensure the new administration doesn’t increase this burden. We made great strides in the previous administration on this front—whether it was repealing Waters of the United States rule or waiving electronic logging device mandates—and we can’t afford to go backward and hamper Kansas farmers, ranchers and producers with bureaucratic red tape. Second, I will work with the new administration and my colleagues to advance the mission of free and reciprocal trade in order to open new international markets for Kansas farmers and ranchers. With the China Phase One Deal, the Japan Free Trade Agreement, and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, we’ve modernized nearly 50% of our export markets. We must enforce our existing agreements and continue to seek new export opportunities around the globe. Third, we must continue to fully protect and preserve crop insurance. I’ve seen firsthand how harsh Mother Nature has been on our Kansas producers, and during these times we must ensure our producers continue to have access to crop

The Deadline for our Next Issue is noon on WEDNESDAY, March 10. You may submit your ad by email to statelineshopper@gmail.com or by text/phone: 785-533-0104.

State Line Shopper is looking for self-motivated, goal-oriented people, for independent contractor position(s). We are looking for individuals for specific counties or areas, depending on level of interest. Training will be provided. Generous commissions and flexibility are some of the benefits. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact State Line Shopper at 785-533-0104 or by email at statelineshopper@gmail.com

March 8, 2021

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Breeding Soundness Exams Identify Bull Fertility Issues from Frostbite Rachael Boyle Phillips-Rooks District Extension Agent Agriculture and Natural Resources

The impacts of the cold weather experienced in Kansas and surrounding states in early February will not be forgotten anytime soon and will leave lingering effects. The bull battery often does not get close attention during the winter months and some may have lacked adequate bedding or wind protection needed to prevent scrotal frostbite. Older bulls with pendulous scrotums seem more prone to issues than yearling bulls. Bull breeding soundness exams (BSE) were first developed due to concerns regarding bull fertility after a series of storms during the winter of 1948-1949. According to the National Weather Service, a massive blizzard hit in early January that lasted 3 days and brought heavy snow, strong winds and cold temperatures. Additional storms through mid-February created huge snowdrifts. The effects of frostbite were then followed in 15 bulls impacted by the 1949 blizzard and 8 of the bulls refused service for 6 months. Bull anatomy is designed to keep the testicles at a lower temperature than the body core and during cold weather the testicles are drawn closer to the body. However, compared to the rest of the body, the scrotum has less hair and thinner skin. When temperature regulation is not maintained, fertility is reduced. A bull

suffering from frostbite may exhibit inflammation and swelling of the scrotum a few days after the weather event. The subsequent heat produced from the inflammation negatively effects the sperm cells maturing and being stored in the epididymis. The effects of frostbite may be temporary but may also result in permanent damage to sperm production. Scabs of various sizes may become evident as healing occurs, but the lack of a scab does not mean there is no injury. In more extreme cases, tissue adhesion can influence circulation in the scrotum and scrotal circumference can be reduced. After a 1964 blizzard, eight veterinarians reported on 553 bulls with some level of frostbite. In this group, semen quality of 89% of bulls with severe frostbite was unsatisfactory, in bulls with moderate frostbite, 48% were satisfactory, 25% were questionable and 27% were unsatisfactory. Regardless of weather, bulls should have a breeding soundness exam before each breeding season. Several large data sets indicate that 10-30% of mature bulls fail BSE annually. It is recommended that breeding soundness exams be delayed 60 days following the occurrence of frostbite or illness with elevated body temperature. Exams earlier than this may result in culling bulls that may yet recover. A breeding soundness exam consists of a physical evaluation,

palpation of accessory sex glands and testes, and semen evaluation. The exam does not evaluate the willingness to mate or serving capacity so observing activity during the breeding season is an important component of minimizing the risk of open cows. If adjustments were not made for increased energy demands of cattle during the extreme cold weather, weight loss most likely occurred and would be greater in animals that were already thin. A study in Western Canada found fewer low body condition bulls (2, scale of 1 thin to 5 obese) had satisfactory semen quality compared to bulls in moderate condition (2.5 – 3.5). On the other end of the spectrum, fat in the scrotum interferes with the normal cooling process and is detrimental to semen quality. Bulls should be in good body condition, but not fat, in advance of the breeding season. Finding out after the fact your bull was only a ‘cow companion’ during the breeding season is a costly problem. Schedule breeding soundness exams with your veterinarian so unsatisfactory breeders (cow companions) can be replaced before the breeding season begins. For more information, please contact the local K-State Research and Extension Office. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Article written by: Sandy Johnson, K-State Research and Extension Beef Systems Specialist.

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Did the Extreme Cold Hurt This Year’s Fruit Crop? Rachael Boyle Phillips-Rooks District Extension Agent Agriculture and Natural Resources

Normally we are concerned with cold damage to fruit buds as they break dormancy in the spring. However, this year, people are concerned that the extreme cold temperatures last week may have damaged their fruit plants. Though most fruit plants should have come through the cold temperatures without significant damage, fruit buds or fruit canes are more sensitive. For example, thornless blackberry canes may have been killed to

the ground. However, the thornless blackberry plant is likely fine and will put up new growth this summer. Raspberries and thorned blackberry fruiting canes may have survived but it will be a wait and see proposition. What about tree fruit? The trees are likely fine but fruit buds may have been affected. Usually we start losing the fruiting buds of peaches and nectarines when the temperature drops to 10 degrees F below zero. Cherry buds are more hardy and will often withstand temperatures

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down to -15F. Apple and pear are even more hardy and often escape damage until the temperature reaches -25 to -30F. However, there is significant variability among different varieties or even different localities and you may receive damage at temperatures less severe than those mentioned. Also, you may not find damage even though temperatures dropped below those listed. For more information, please contact the local K-State Research and Extension Office.

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