The County Agent

K-State Extension - Barber County

Barber County is a local unit within the K-State Extension system. The information conveyed in the podcasts is for educational purposes. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

  1. Jun 17

    Alpha-Gal Syndrome

    In this episode of the County Agent Podcast, we visit with Dr. Raymond Cloyd, Extension Specialist and Professor in the Department of Entomology at Kansas State University, and Priscilla Brenes, MPH, Ph.D., Extension Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist in the School of Health Sciences at Kansas State University, to discuss Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS). Alpha-Gal Syndrome is a potentially life-altering allergic condition that can develop after being bitten by the lone star tick. The discussion covers what Alpha-Gal Syndrome is, how it develops, common symptoms, diagnosis, prevention strategies, and the challenges individuals face after receiving a diagnosis. Topics discussed include: • What Alpha-Gal Syndrome is and how tick bites can trigger the condition• The role of ticks and tick prevention in reducing risk• Common symptoms and how AGS differs from traditional food allergies• Dietary considerations and avoiding mammalian meat and byproducts• The importance of carefully reading ingredient labels• Potential concerns with medications and other products that may contain mammalian-derived ingredients• Why reactions and recovery timelines vary from person to person• Tick identification resources available through Kansas State University• Educational materials and trusted resources available for individuals and families affected by AGS Dr. Cloyd also explains how individuals can submit adult ticks to the K-State Department of Entomology for identification, while Brenes shares practical nutrition guidance and resources to help those living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome navigate food choices safely. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, livestock producer, parent, or simply someone who spends time outdoors, this episode provides valuable information on a condition that is becoming increasingly recognized across the United States. https://entomology.k-state.edu/about/initiatives/ags/  https://entomology.k-state.edu/about/initiatives/ags/resources/  Questions or interview ideas, please contact Justin Goodno: jgoodno@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

  2. Jun 5

    New World Screwworms

    In this episode of the County Agent Podcast, we sit down with Dr AJ Tarpoff to discuss the emergence of New World screwworm in the United States and what it means for livestock producers, veterinarians, and animal health systems moving forward. Dr. Tarpoff breaks down what the New World screwworm actually is—a parasitic fly whose larvae infest live tissue—and explains why it is a serious animal welfare concern but not a food safety issue or a disease that spreads through herds like a virus or bacteria. The discussion also covers: Historical eradication efforts in the 1950s–60s across the U.S. and Mexico Recent re-emergence and movement northward from Central America The role of sterile fly release programs in controlling populations Ongoing USDA and binational response efforts, including support from Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service New sterile fly production facilities in Mexico and Texas Why Kansas producers should remain alert but not alarmed The importance of good livestock handling, wound prevention, and fly control practices Dr. Tarpoff emphasizes that cases tend to be individual animals with wounds, not entire herd outbreaks, and that modern surveillance, treatment options, and coordinated response systems put producers in a much stronger position than in past decades. For Kansas specifically, the risk of long-term establishment is low due to winter temperatures and climate limitations, but vigilance remains important due to animal movement and interstate commerce. KDA News Release: https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/671/17 Official APHIS announcement of NWS case: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states Unified Government website for most accurate and up to date NWS information: screwworm.gov NCBA Cattlemen’s Webinar on “New World Screwworm - Regulations, Readiness & Response”: https://youtu.be/Xv6TfIoUEfM?si=iejH3ZmG9LUpCnL1 Kansas Specific factsheet: https://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/human-and-animal-health/New%20World%20Screwworms_June2025.pdf Questions or interview ideas, please contact Justin Goodno: jgoodno@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

  3. May 22

    Market Broiler Program

    This week on the County Agent Podcast, Justin Goodno is joined by Sarah LaGrone to talk all things Market Broilers as Barber County youth prepare to receive their chicks for the summer project season. Sarah shares practical tips and firsthand experience from Cowley County’s successful Market Broiler program, covering everything families need to know to get chicks started correctly from day one. Topics include setting up brooders, proper temperatures, bedding recommendations, feed and water management, handling stress in young chicks, and keeping birds healthy through the growing process. The conversation also dives into: Heat lamps, lighting, and temperature management Medicated feed and coccidiosis prevention Signs of healthy vs. unhealthy birds Preventing breast blisters and foot problems Managing fast-growing meat birds Transitioning birds to larger pens or runs Summer heat management and ventilation Predator protection Proper handling techniques for show birds Feed withdrawal before processing Whether this is your family’s first Market Broiler project or you’re looking to improve from previous years, this episode is packed with helpful reminders and practical management tips to help youth exhibitors raise healthy, productive birds. Thanks to Sarah for sharing her expertise and for helping support the Barber County Market Broiler program. Questions or interview ideas, please contact Justin Goodno: jgoodno@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

Barber County is a local unit within the K-State Extension system. The information conveyed in the podcasts is for educational purposes. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.