MINNEAPOLIS, Kan. — As summer releases its grips on our thermometers and gives way to cool autumn weather and fall foliage, nature begins putting on a show. One of my favorite autumn arrivals is sunflowers. In addition to being the official Kansas state flower, these brilliant flowers are a healthy snack, a symbol of our native prairies and provide an important value-added opportunity to Kansas farms through a double-crop production system.
This September, Kansas farmers and ranchers have an opportunity to raise a new variety of sunflowers as the Sunflower Supreme Replacement Heifer Program expands into central Kansas. A joint effort between K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the Sunflower Supreme Replacement Heifer Program provides research-based best management protocols for beef cattle producers seeking to add value to their herds. Not only does the program provide cattlemen and women with important reproduction and health management protocols, it also provides marketing opportunities for heifers enrolled in the program.
The Sunflower Supreme Heifer Program, established in southeast Kansas in 2013, has provided opportunities for herd improvement and value-added marketing. As interest has grown, producers statewide have asked for this practical method of developing and marketing heifers to expand throughout Kansas, and the first region for expansion will be in central Kansas beginning in fall 2017. Producers who enroll heifers this fall will have the opportunity to market heifers that meet specific program guidelines at a special sale to be held in Salina in 2018. As demand grows, additional marketing opportunities will be added.
Just as it takes careful consideration to add sunflowers into a farmer’s crop rotation, beef producers must have a strong understanding of the Sunflower Supreme Program as they evaluate if it is a good fit for their operation. In order to provide opportunity for this learning and discussion, three educational, produced-focused meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, September 12 in communities throughout central Kansas. K-State Research and Extension specialists will share with producers how they can enhance their operation through participation and inform sellers on the value and assurance they purchase in the sale ring. There is no cost to attend, but RSVP’s are appreciated.
Below are the meeting times and locations:
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the First State Bank Basement Meeting Room, 120 W. Mill St., Plainville; contact Rachael Boyle 785-425-6851 or rboyle@ksu.edu
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Phillips County Annex Meeting Room, 784 Sixth St., Phillipsburg; contact Rachael Boyle 785-425-6851 or rboyle@ksu.edu
6:30 p.m – 8:00 p.m. at the American Ag Meeting Room, 925 West. Magnolia Road, Salina (right beside Menard’s of I-135); contact Anthony N. Ruiz 785-392-2147 or anruiz@ksu.edu
September is here, and the sunflowers are stunning. Sunflowers are naturally adapted to the Kansas ecosystem. Year after year sunflowers yield a magnificent crop, regardless of weather. In all regions of Kansas, sunflowers are uniform in their brilliant yellow blooms. Much like our native sunflower plants, Sunflower Supreme Heifers are selected and developed to thrive in our great state. Whether raising or purchasing these heifers, they represent a tremendous value and peace of mind during calving season and beyond.
Make plans now attend a local Sunflower Supreme Heifer Program informational meeting near you. For more information, contact your local K-State Research and Extension Agent or Dr. Jaymelynn Farney, K-State Research and Extension beef extension specialist, at 620-820-6125 or jkj@ksu.edu.
— Anthony Ruiz, Central District Agriculture & Livestock Extension Agent, K-State Research and Extension
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