Everyday Extension brings the expertise of the Central Kansas District Extension office to your community. Hosted by Justine Johns and other extension agents, this podcast covers livestock and crop production, horticulture, 4-H youth development, family resource management, community wellness, and community vitality. Whether you’re a farmer, gardener, parent, or community leader, we provide practical tips, expert insights, and research-based knowledge to help you thrive in everyday life. Tune in to discover how extension services are making a difference in the lives of Kansans like you!
#10 with Justine & Blaire - Body Condition Scoring
In this episode, Justine Johns and Blair Todd discuss the importance of body condition scoring in cattle management, covering how to do it, when to do it, and how it impacts reproductive performance and profitability.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Blair Todd
01:27 Background of Blair Todd and her role as a livestock agent
03:06 Importance of body condition scoring in cattle management
04:32 Understanding the body condition scoring system and scale
06:56 Indicators to look for when scoring cattle
12:08 Different scores and what they look like in cattle
13:38 When to body condition score cattle during the year
18:51 How body condition scoring affects reproductive performance
22:37 How body condition scoring can save money on the farm
24:29 Common mistakes in body condition scoring
26:45 Getting started with body condition scoring for beginners
31:34 Key takeaways and resources for producers
Resources:
CKD Extension: https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/ (https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/)
Post Rock Extension: https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/ (https://www.postrock.k-state.edu/)
Body condition scorecard: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/body-condition-scorecord-for-cattle_MF3230.pdf (https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/body-condition-scorecord-for-cattle_MF3230.pdf)
Poster: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/beef-cow-body-condition-scoring_MF3677 (https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/beef-cow-body-condition-scoring_MF3677)
Guide to BCS Publication: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/guide-to-body-condition-scoring-beef-cows-and-bulls_MF3274 (https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/guide-to-body-condition-scoring-beef-cows-and-bulls_MF3274)
Digital BCS record book: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/body-condition-record-book_MF3277 (https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/body-condition-record-book_MF3277)
17 Jun 2026
#9 with Joe Gerken - Blue Green Algae
In this episode, Justine Johns interviews Joe Gerken, fisheries and aquatic specialist at K-State, about blue-green algae in ponds. They discuss what blue-green algae is, how blooms form, risks to livestock and pets, and management strategies to prevent and address blooms.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Blue-Green Algae and Its Importance
04:39 Understanding Blue-Green Algae: What It Is and Its Effects
10:02 Conditions Favoring Blue-Green Algae Blooms
15:31 Testing and Monitoring for Blue-Green Algae
20:12 Management Practices to Prevent Blue-Green Algae
25:32 Trends and Awareness of Blue-Green Algae Issues
29:11 Final Advice for Livestock Producers
Resources
ID and Management of BGA -https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/identification-and-management-of-blue-green-algae-in-farm-ponds_MF3065.pdf (https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/identification-and-management-of-blue-green-algae-in-farm-ponds_MF3065.pdf)
Jar Test - https://www.meadowlark.k-state.edu/docs/livestock/blue_green%20algae_jar_Test.pdf (https://www.meadowlark.k-state.edu/docs/livestock/blue_green%20algae_jar_Test.pdf)
Testing Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSq000wDGDs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSq000wDGDs)
23 Mar 2026
#8 with Molly Reichenborn - Assessing pasture condition before turnout
"Always have a drought management plan in place."
In this episode, Dr. Molly Reichenborn and Justine Johns discuss how to assess pasture conditions and forage availability before turning cattle out in spring. They cover key management strategies, tools like grazing sticks, and planning for drought and recovery pastures to optimize grazing systems.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Pasture Management
02:58 Understanding Pasture Condition vs. Forage Availability
06:05 Common Mistakes in Pasture Assessment
09:10 Evaluating Pasture Readiness for Turnout
12:04 Impact of Weather on Grazing Decisions
14:52 Calculating Forage Availability
18:07 The Take Half, Leave Half Rule
20:56 Utilizing Technology for Pasture Management
24:11 Importance of Residual Forage
27:09 Management Options for Early Turnout
30:12 Long-term Effects of Early Grazing
32:57 Understanding Grazing Cycles and Plant Growth
41:11 Drought Management Strategies for Pasture Health
46:54 Managing Recovery Pastures Effectively
47:14 Resources for Pasture Management and Assessment
53:27 Key Takeaways for Producers on Pasture Readiness
55:40 Introduction to Pasture Management
56:08 Resources for Grazing Management
56:30 Introduction to Grazing Management
56:57 Resources for Pasture Assessment
Resources
Kansas Rangeland Analysis Platform - https://rangelands.app
Kansas Grazing Land Coalition - https://www.kglc.org/
"The opportunities are endless"
In this conversation, Justine Johns interviews EllieVincent, the 4-H Youth Development Agent for Central Kansas District. They discuss the multifaceted nature of the 4-H program, its impact on youth development, and the various opportunities it provides for young people to build skills in leadership, responsibility, and community engagement. Ellie shares her personal journey with 4-H, the diverse project areas available, and the importance of volunteers and staff in supporting the program. The discussion emphasizes the year-round activities of 4-H, its inclusivity for all youth, and the long-term benefits it offers to participants.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to 4-H and Ellie Vincent
02:00 Ellie's 4-H Journey and Experience
04:30 Understanding 4-H: More Than Just a Fair
06:05 Year-Round Opportunities in 4-H
07:58 Who 4-H Serves: Age Groups and Inclusivity
08:57 What Sets 4-H Apart from Other Youth Programs
10:43 Getting Started with 4-H
12:03 Diverse Project Areas in 4-H
14:30 The Role of Staff and Volunteers in 4-H
19:09 Core Life Skills Developed in 4-H
22:43 The Impact of 4-H on Youth Development
25:19 Favorite Moments in 4-H
28:00 Enrollment Process and Timeline
32:07 Long-Term Impact of 4-H on Youth
34:31 4-H's Relevance in Rural Communities
39:17 Conclusion: 4-H as a Personalized Growth Experience
Resources
CKD 4-H Website: https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/4-h/ (https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/4-h/)
26 May 2025
#6 with Beks Lohmeier: "Empowering Communities Through SNAP & Nutrition Education"
SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator Rebekah Lohmeier discusses with host Justine Johns how SNAP-Ed empowers communities through innovative nutrition education and addresses challenges in accessing healthy food in this interview episode.
12 May 2025
#5 with Dr. Cassandra Olds: "Biting Back: Managing Ticks & Flies in Your Herd"
"Flies will win every single year."
In this episode of the Everyday Extension podcast, host Justine Johns and K-State Entomologist Dr. Cassandra Olds discuss the significant challenges that cattle producers face with flies and ticks. They explore how these pests affect animal health and production, and provide insights on recognizing fly problems, building an integrated pest management plan, and the role of spring burning in controlling pest populations. The conversation also highlights innovative methods for fly control, the importance of dung beetles, and the complexities of insecticide resistance. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on effective strategies to manage livestock insects and improve herd health.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Fly and Tick Management
03:32 Understanding the Impact of Flies and Ticks
13:31 Creating an Integrated Pest Management Plan
21:18 The Role of Burning in Pest Control
24:27 Research Findings on Burning and Livestock Production
33:00 Innovative Fly Control Methods
34:51 Innovative Fly Control Solutions
38:20 The Role of Dung Beetles in Ecosystem Health
51:52 Understanding Insecticide Resistance vs. Failure
01:02:11 Effective Insecticide Rotation Strategies
01:02:21 Understanding Chemical Grouping in Agriculture
01:03:55 Effective Use of Fly Tags
01:07:20 Tagging Strategies for Optimal Fly Control
01:11:16 The Importance of Resistance Management
01:16:15 Feed Through Insect Growth Regulators
01:20:40 Debunking Myths: The Truth About Garlic in Fly Control
01:25:47 Contact Info
ResourcesWillis Bruce Fly Trap - https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g1195
Livestock Pest Face Flies Publication - https://bookstore.ksre.k-state.edu/download/face-flies-livestock-pests_MF3611
How to manage flies video - https://youtu.be/CruB4fINMKY
Cattle Pen Maintenance Publication - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/cattle-pen-maintenance_MF3511.pdfSpring burning helps to control tick, fly populations video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbTRC8rjTXw
10 Mar 2025
#4 with Dr. Chao & Guests: "Red Meat Allergy (Alpha Gal Syndrome): The Hidden Tick Threat"
"Not just a red meat allergy, it's a growing health concern"
This episode discusses Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), a red meat allergy triggered by tick bites, featuring experts from Kansas State University. The conversation covers the nature of AGS, its causes, the role of ticks, ongoing research on meat products, and community awareness efforts. The experts emphasize the importance of education and resources for those affected by AGS, as well as the long-term goals of establishing a research center to further study and address this growing health concern.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Alpha-Gal Syndrome
09:55 Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome
16:47 The Rise of Alpha-Gal Syndrome Cases
19:27 Research on Reintroducing Red Meat
27:08 Extension Efforts and Community Awareness
36:48 Long-Term Goals and Future Directions
44:47 Contact Info - Outro
3 Mar 2025
#3 with Lisa Newman: "Getting Your Health Spark Back After Winter and brief overview of the Simply Produce & Walk Kansas Programs”
"Find what you like and start doing it."
Summary
In this episode of Everyday Extension, host Justine Johns and family and community wellness agent Lisa Newman discuss the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the winter months. They share practical tips for staying motivated to eat healthy and exercise, introduce the Simply Produce program that provides affordable access to fresh produce, and explore the Walk Kansas initiative aimed at promoting physical activity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support and personal accountability in achieving health goals.
Chapters
00:00 Winter Health Slump: A Common Struggle
10:39 Simply Produce: A Community Wellness Initiative
22:48 Getting Your Spark Back
23:10 Introduction to Walk Kansas
23:55 Overview of Walk Kansas Program
23:55 Physical Activity Guidelines
25:31 Team Dynamics in Walk Kansas
27:08 Tracking Progress and Visualizing Success
28:48 Personal Success Stories
30:28 Additional Features of Walk Kansas
32:15 How to Register for Walk Kansas
33:25 Encouragement to Participate
34:21 Favorite Ways to Stay Active
36:46 Upcoming Programs and Events
40:20 Contact Info - Outro
24 Feb 2025
#2 with Everyone: "Meeting your CKD extension agents"
"Extension is for everyone"
Summary
Get to know your extension agents! This conversation introduces the Central Kansas Extension Agents, highlighting their diverse roles in community education, youth engagement, and the importance of research-based information. The agents share their personal experiences and passion for connecting with the community, emphasizing the value of horticulture and agricultural education, enhancing well-being and fostering connections with nature, and providing services and education to everyone, regardless of who you are or where you live.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Central Kansas Extension
02:30 Meet Lisa Newman: Family and Community Wellness Agent
07:07 The Impact of Extension Work
08:15 Introduction to Jay Wisby and His Background
10:02 Exploring Crop Production and Agronomy
11:31 One-on-One Producer Engagement and Problem Solving
12:39 Engaging Youth in Agriculture
13:54 The Rewards of Being an Extension Agent
14:12 Introduction to Horticulture and Jason Graves
16:14 Jason's Journey into Horticulture
18:40 The Broad Scope of Horticulture
20:29 Master Gardeners Program Overview
22:51 The Impact of Extension Work
24:02 Introduction to Melissa Schrag
26:05 Melissa's Journey to Extension
28:35 Understanding Family Resource Management
30:56 The Role of Extension in Community Education
33:30 Meeting Justine
13 Feb 2025
#1 with Cade Rensink: “What is Extension? Understanding K-State Extension and its Impact for Kansans”
In the inaugural episode of the Everyday Extension Podcast, host Justine Johns and guest Cade Rensink, the district director of the Central Kansas District Office, delve into the role of K-State Research and Extension. They discuss the importance of extension services, community vitality, and the various educational programming methods available to Kansans. Cade shares his journey into extension, the structure of the organization, and how it serves as a vital resource for the community. The episode emphasizes the accessibility of extension resources and encourages community involvement.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Everyday Extension Podcast
01:53 Understanding K-State Research and Extension
08:24 Community Vitality and Its Importance
12:24 The Role of Extension in Kansas
20:07 Agents vs. Specialists in Extension
26:15 Educational Delivery Methods in Extension
30:23 Accessing Extension Resources
33:53 Community Involvement with Extension
36:47 Key Takeaways About Extension
38:52 Closing
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
4,657,709,572
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
34
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
32
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