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“For Farmers’ Sake” is the theme of Kansas Farmers Union’s 118th anniversary state convention to be held at Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel in Wichita, KS November 18-19. “Our state convention is where we do the grunt work in Kansas Farmers Union. This is where our delegates create the policy we work from, where our officers are elected, and where our national delegates are selected to represent Kansas at national policy drafting,” KFU President Donn Teske said. “But even more, it is an opportunity for old friends and new friends to gather, socialize, and learn. Our team has put together a wonderful agenda of speakers that will focus on current issues and long-term issues with agriculture and rural communities. We hope you’ll join us.” The 118th anniversary KFU convention kicks off the morning of Tuesday, November 18 with registration beginning at 7:30 AM. KFU President Donn Teske will call the convention to order at 9:00 AM along with a land acknowledgment. K-State’s Stress and Resiliency team will provide educational information about stress, stress management, and resiliency. The goal is to increase awareness and people’s willingness to talk about mental health and encourage more Kansans to get the help they need. Another goal is to equip Kansans with tools and techniques that help them recognize and manage stress within their lives, families and communities. Wednesday’s lunch will feature comments from National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew and an update from Farmers Union Midwest Agency. The organization’s annual awards will be given to those who have dedicated their lives and work to agriculture, rural communities, and the Farmers Union Midwest Agency. A silent auction will be held to benefit the Kansas Farmers Union Foundation. Other Wednesday topics and speakers include Tom Giessel and Kate Giessel presenting on Farmers Union history; Visioning the Heartland Food Hub & Strengthening the Kansas Food System with Stephanie Pearl & Sheila Kjellberg; Farmer Mentorship with Jack Geiger & Jake Koehn; Kansas Rural Justice Initiative with Laurel Klein Searles; and Kansas Climate with K-State’s Chip Redmond.A social will follow at 5:30 PM, and convention attendees will get the opportunity to observe the evening lighting of the Keeper of the Plains statue. This five-ton, 44-foot-tall steel sculpture by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin stands in downtown Wichita, where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers join. On the morning of Wednesday, November 19, NFU government relations representative Layla Soberanis will provide an update on NFU’s 2025 policy priorities. KFU contract lobbyist Sean Gatewood will provide an outlook on the upcoming Kansas legislative session which begins in early January. Haley Kottler of Kansas Appleseed and Karen Siebert of Harvesters—The Community Food Network will discuss the state and federal landscape of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Together, they will examine current developments in D.C., and Topeka related to SNAP and explore what these changes could mean for Kansans. Following lunch, Kansas-based writer Sarah Green will share the story of the Ladies’ Columbian Corn Fountain, a relic of the 1893 Columbian Exposition that now lives on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. It’s a story of civic engagement, public art, community pride – and Kansas agriculture. Grassroots policy updates and development takes center stage Wednesday afternoon. Each year, members review past policy, propose, and debate new issues, and adopt policy for the coming year. KFU members will also elect board members from the north and south districts, state vice president, and delegates to National Farmers Union’s annual convention. KFU convention registration and a full schedule is available at: https://www. About Kansas Farmers Union – Since 1907, Kansas Farmers Union (KFU) has worked to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers and their communities. Kansas Farmers Union represents its members, who are engaged in diverse farming and ranching pursuits, through education, legislation, and cooperation. |
Kansas Farmers Union to meet in Wichita November 18-19
KDA Announces Crop & Livestock Research Grant Opportunity
he Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the FY26 Crop & Livestock Research Grant Program. Funds for the program are appropriated to the agency by the Kansas Legislature from the State Water Plan Fund.
The grant funds are in turn awarded to projects and organizations based on their alignment with the State Water Plan and their potential impact on the Kansas agriculture industry. Areas of particular interest include improving the performance and marketability of drought-tolerant crops; improving the ability of farmers to reduce input requirements, increase effectiveness, and reduce nutrient runoff; and agriculture innovations that reduce water use, improve water quality, or improve drought resilience.
This is a competitive, reimbursement-based grant program. Applications will be evaluated by a technical review committee. The recommendations of the committee will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, who will make the final award determination.
Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 25, 2025. For more information, please download and carefully read the FY26 Request for Applications document from the KDA website: agriculture.ks.gov/grants.
The funding appropriation for the FY26 Crop & Livestock Research Program is $450,000. Applicants may request up to $100,000 per project, and projects can be up to two years in duration.
The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. The agency will achieve this by advocating for ag sectors at all levels and providing industry outreach.
Recognizing and preventing modern scams
Kansas investigator highlights how to recognize and respond to common scams during K-State webinar.
Scams are becoming more advanced and widespread, targeting Kansans through phone calls, emails, text messages, and even artificial intelligence (AI).
During a recent Living Well Wednesday webinar hosted by Kansas State University, Ed Burr, investigator with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, shared tips on how to identify fraudulent activity, protect personal information and respond safely if targeted.
Burr emphasized that scams can happen to anyone, regardless of age or experience.
“These scammers are highly trained and very good at what they do,” he said. “Their goal is to make you act quickly and emotionally before you have time to think.”
Listen to a portion of the Living Well Wednesday presentation by Ed Burr, as heard on the weekly K-State podcast, Sound Living
Common Scams and How to Stay Safe
One of the newest and most alarming tactics involves AI-generated voice cloning. Burr shared the story of a woman who answered a call she believed was from her grandson — only to discover the voice was a scammer using AI technology.
His advice: families should establish a code word to verify a loved one’s identity in unexpected calls.
He also warned against falling for computer lock or tech support scams. Victims may receive a message claiming their computer has been hacked or locked and that they must call a provided number or speak with a supposed FBI agent.
“The best thing you can do is hang up, shut down your computer and unplug it,” Burr said. “Never click links, download attachments, or sign into bank accounts when prompted.”
If you believe you’ve been targeted, contact law enforcement and your bank immediately. Burr noted that once money is transferred to scammers, recovery is extremely difficult.
Online and Social Media Risks
Burr said scammers are increasingly using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and dating sites to lure victims into conversations that eventually move to other, less secure platforms.
He also urged people to be cautious when buying from online marketplaces and to verify who they’re communicating with.
Burr highlighted the prevalence of romance scams, in which fraudsters build emotional connections over time to gain trust and eventually request money. These scams, he said, are often orchestrated by organized groups in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia and India.
“These operations are highly organized, and they thrive on emotional manipulation,” Burr said.
Protecting Yourself
Burr encouraged Kansans to:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited messages or “wrong number” texts that quickly become personal.
- Verify credentials before investing money or sharing information; check with the Kansas Securities Commission or the FBI’s consumer resources.
- Avoid making decisions under pressure or through emotional appeals.
- Stay educated about emerging scams and talk openly with friends and family to reduce stigma or embarrassment.
“Scammers prey on trust and emotion,” Burr said. “Education and awareness are the best tools we have to stop them.”
For more information or to report a scam, visit the Kansas Attorney General’s Office website or contact local law enforcement.
Caring for Plants Indoors
- Elongated internodes (space between leaf/stem unions)
- Pale color on new leaves
- Dieback of older leaves
Control Broadleaf Weeds in Lawns in Late October-early November
