Chuck's Chat - Welcome to June 2023

We are very thankful to have recently received some precious precipitation here along the Northern Sycamore Urban Boundary. The grass in both the lawn and the pastures have responded nicely (weeds too). Now, if we could just continue to receive some runoff to replenish the ponds and creeks, we’ll be in pretty good shape headed into summer. That being said, I know several beef producers already looking for additional hay supplies, as this year’s crop is going to be below average again. Some wheat and rye has been baled and will help stretch tight supplies, but additional supplementation will still be needed.

In my humble opinion, there is nothing more frustrating than trying to remove that darned plastic wrap from a slice of cheese. I recently learned that two researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed a film made from a milk protein that can be eaten with the cheese. Which means that it may not be too long before we have a wrapper we can eat—one that’s also healthy. Edible plastic exists, but it’s largely made of starch, not protein. That takes care of one problem, but here’s another I have encountered. Why can’t the makers of hot dog buns produce some that don’t fall to pieces when trying to open them? It just creates a mess when I try to add mustard, ketchup, relish, oh, and never mind the cheese. I already gave up on it.

Well speaking of cheese, June is recognized as National Dairy Month. Having been raised on a dairy, I have a personal appreciation for the long hours and dedication required to get the milk from the cows and into the bulk tank. And, I certainly attempt to do my part by drinking a big ‘ol, big ‘ol glass of milk almost every night. I hate to think how many gallons of milk I have drank in my life – several cows worth, I’m sure. Oh, and I eat cottage cheese nearly every day. And, I prefer to add a slice of cheese to my burgers, when I can get that darned wrapper off…

A Policy Engagement webinar available to Farm Bureau members in Kansas is scheduled for June 20 at 2 p.m. Extension Farm Economist Robin Reid with Kansas State University Department of Agricultural Economics will provide an overview of land ownership in Kansas. Bob Kent, Deputy Director for Division of Property Valuation will discuss pasture and grassland classification and classification of land used for hunting enterprises. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss policy recommendations with KFB’s lobby team. You can register at https://kfb.zoom.us/.../regi.../WN_s7ZzvcdCSTCZmU49YJ5UgQ....

The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is creating a plan to expand broadband to every Kansan and is asking everyone to visit broadbandks.com to take a quick online speed test and survey. The test is simple and will only take a couple of minutes to complete. If you do not have internet service at your home or business, you can call or text 1 (913) 349-9555 and share your address where there is no service.

Until next month,

Chuck Voelker