Life Sciences Commons^™

Frindle: A Review For Agricultural Communications Courses, Quisto Settle, Alyssa Rockers

Journal of Applied Communications

Review of Frindle.

Impact Of Computer-Based Peer Review On College Students’ Performance And Perceived Self-Efficacy In An Online Graphic Design Course, Sharon P. Wagner, Tracy Rutherford

Journal of Applied Communications

Prior research has indicated that the incorporation of computer-based peer review into writing instruction increases student engagement, improves student performance, and increases student perceptions of self-efficacy. This study used a quasi-experimental untreated control group design to examine the impact of computer-based peer review on student performance and perceived self-efficacy in an undergraduate agricultural graphic design course. The impact of participation in computer-based peer review on performance scores was investigated using a MANOVA. After two rounds of peer review, students improved their overall course performance by one-half letter grade. Perceptions of self-efficacy were further analyzed using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. …

Feeding Victory: 4-H, Extension, And The World War Ii Food Effort, Katherine Sundgren

Online Journal of Rural Research & Policy

4-H and the Extension Service were instrumental in contributing to the nationwide increase in food production that sustained the United States and its armed forces during World War II. At the onset of the war, the Extension Service distributed essential information at the national, state, and local levels through universities and the 4-H program. 4-H drew upon the intellectual and cultural tradition that they had cultivated to motivate and organize the food effort and help the allies win the war. 4-H’s national influence and resources provided eager allies to war-oriented programs. The war had a lasting impact on 4-H as …

Heated Discussion: Strategies For Communicating Climate Change In A Polarized Era, Jessica Merzdorf, Linda J. Pfeiffer, Beth Forbes

Journal of Applied Communications

The 2018 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that Earth’s temperatures may soon reach a tipping point that threatens humanity’s future. Scientists from many disciplines agree that anthropogenic climate change is a serious problem yet many Americans remain skeptical of the existence, causes, and/or severity of climate change. In this article, we review recent research on climate change communication focusing on audience variables and messaging strategies with the goal of providing communication practitioners research-based recommendations for climate change message design. Factors that influence audience acceptance and understanding of climate science include: demographic variables (such as political party …

Social Media For Government: Theory And Practice, Brittany L. Bowman

Journal of Applied Communications

Book review of Social Media for Government: Theory and Practice, by Staci M. Zavattaro and Thomas A. Bryer

Food Insecurity And Assistance On Campus: A Survey Of The Student Body, Michael Miller, Gerad Middendorf, Spencer Wood, Sonya Lutter, Scott Jones, Brian Lindshield

Online Journal of Rural Research & Policy

According to recent studies, food insecurity affects from 34%-59% of college students. This will continue to be an issue as tuition increases and more low-income and first-generation students enter universities and colleges. Nearly 52% of college students live at, or near, the poverty level, compared to a national poverty rate of 14.5%. This leaves many undergraduate and graduate students with challenging decisions around meeting their basic housing, nutritional, and educational expenses. To assess food insecurity at Kansas State University (KSU), a random sample of undergraduate and graduate students was surveyed. Findings include a high rate of food insecurity (44.3%) among …

Excellence By Simplicity: Life And Contributions Of Professor Ramesh Maheshwari (1940-2019), Keyur Adhvaryu

Fungal Genetics Reports

Professor Ramesh Maheshwari passed in Bangalore on 30 March 2019. His work generated fundamental understanding in diverse areas of fungal biology including the germination and infection of plants by rust fungi, the life-cycle of Neurospora in its natural habitat; fungal senescence and heterokaryosis, and the production of microconidia in fungi. He was a member of many professional societies including the American Society of Plant Physiologists, Society of Microbiologists of India, and the Indian Phytopathological Society, and he served on the Editorial Board for Journal of Genetics. He nurtured scientific curiosity in his students and colleagues.

State Level Revenue Analysis Of The Market Facilitation Program, Anil Giri, Sankalp Sharma, Kyle Lovercamp, Iuliia Tetteh, Dhruba Dhakal, Rudra Baral

Online Journal of Rural Research & Policy

To compensate the US producers affected by the “trade war” with China, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offered direct payments to producers using 2018 production levels under the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). Results of the revenue efficiency analysis of the MFP payments show the average producers in 12 out of 14 major corn and soybean producing states were compensated such that their 2018 per acre revenue was more than their 2017 per acre revenue. Conversely, an average producer in those states that experienced drought was under-compensated, as their total per acre revenue after the MFP payment was less …

Crowdsourcing Change: An Analysis Of Twitter Discourse On Food Waste And Reduction Strategies, Annie R. Specht, Emily B. Buck

Journal of Applied Communications

Food waste has emerged as a major issue in the United States as the nation collectively sends more than 133 billion pounds of food to its landfills every year. In September 2015, the USDA and EPA announced an initiative to cut U.S. food waste in half by 2030. Between 2015 and 2016, nearly 100,000 posts about food waste have been published on Twitter, a microblogging platform that has been a hub of “slacktivism” since its inception in 2006. Using a conceptual framework of social cognitive theory, online activism, and crowdsourcing, we analyzed food waste conversation participants’ demographics, online communities, and …

Evaluation Of Two Implants For Steers On Early-Intensively Grazed Tallgrass Native Range, J. K. Farney, M. E. Corrigan

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:To evaluate the effect of two implants that have different lengths of effective use on stocker cattle gains within an intensive early double-stocked native tallgrass prairie grazing system.

Study Description:Stocker steers (n = 281) were implanted with Revalor-G (Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ) or Synovex One Grass (Zoetis, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI) and grazed on tallgrass native range for 90 days during the summer. The steers were individually weighed, after an overnight shrink, on the day of implanting, at midpoint of grazing, and the end of the grazing period. Total gains and average daily gain were evaluated. …

Consumers' Evaluations Of Genetically Modified Food Messages, Taylor K. Ruth, Joy N. Rumble

Journal of Applied Communications

Consumers are concerned about the risks related to genetically modified (GM) food, and there is a need for agricultural communicators and educators to address those concerns. The purpose of this study was to explore Florida residents’ latitudes of acceptance, rejection, and noncommitment toward GM food messages. The findings from this study can be used to guide communication and education campaigns for GM food. An online survey was distributed to a non-probability sample of 500 Florida residents to fulfill the purpose of the study. The messages that most aligned with the respondents’ views toward GM food discussed how potential risks related …

A Content Analysis Of Antibiotic Use In Livestock In National U.S. Newspapers, Garrett M. Steede, Courtney Meyers, Nan Li, Erica Irlbeck, Sherice Gearhart

Journal of Applied Communications

The discovery of the antibiotic Aureomycin as a growth promotor for the livestock industry was viewed as revolutionary in 1950. The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock, however, has been questioned by health professionals concerned with the role this use might play in the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. As a public health issue, newspapers have covered this topic since its discovery. Media, such as newspapers, have used frames to discuss the topic over time as new discoveries have occurred, policy changes have been implemented, and food animal production has changed. The purpose of this study was to …

Changes In Soil Microbiology Under Conventional And No-Till Production During Crop Rotation, C. J. Hsiao, G. F. Sassenrath, L. Zeglin, G. Hettiarachchi, C. Rice

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soil microbial activity is important for crop production. Soil microbes are involved in nutrient and water cycling within the soil, and interact with crop plants to provide the basic nutrient and water resources needed for crop production. Claypan soils have unique physical characteristics that impact soil biology. This study explored the tempo­ral changes in soil microbiology in a claypan soil under conventional and no-till produc­tion during a crop rotation of corn/winter wheat/soybean/fallow commonly planted in southeast Kansas. We found soil microbial activity changed more in the top two inches of soil than in the lower soil layers. Wheat resulted in …

Wheat Grain Yield And Protein Response To Nitrogen And Sulfur Rates, B. R. Jaenisch, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Winter wheat is often double-cropped after soybeans in no-tillage systems. The soybean crop removes large quantities of sulfur (S), which might unbalance ratios of nitrogen (N) to S for the following wheat crop. Our objective was to evaluate the responses of two wheat varieties to three N and four S rates representing a range of N:S ratios. The experiment was arranged as a complete factorial with a split-split-plot design. Variety was the whole-plot, N the sub-plot, and S the sub-sub plot. Nitrogen rates were 50, 100, and 150% of the recommended rate for 60 bu/a, which corresponded to ~45, 87, …

Cattle Preference For Annual Forages, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Many plant species that are available to use as cover crops also have potential as for­age for cattle. With this array of options it can be daunting to decide which plants to establish to meet goals as either a cover crop, forage, or for both. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the annual forages fed to cattle in the fall, winter, or sum­mer that cattle preferred. To summarize, grasses were the most highly preferred forage for cattle regardless of grazing period. Low glucosinolate brassicas such as ‘Graza’ forage radish was the most highly preferred brassica that was …

Anthem Maxx Tank Mixture Comparisons In Irrigated Corn, R. S. Currie, P. W. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The use of multiple herbicide modes of action in single versus sequential applications was examined for efficacy in corn. Common sunflower control was complete with all early postemergence and postemergence herbicides late in the season. Control of Russian thistle, Palmer amaranth, and green foxtail were 95% or more with all early postemergence and postemergence herbicides except Halex GT. All herbicide treatments increased grain yield 15–33% compared to the nontreated controls except Halex GT applied early postemergence.

Effect Of Degree Of Doneness, Quality Grade, And Time On Instrumental Color Readings From Beef Strip Loin Steaks Cooked To Six Degrees Of Doneness, L. L. Prill, L. N. Drey, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Chao, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the effect of quality grade and time after cooking on the instrumental color of steaks cooked to varying degrees of doneness.

Study Description:Beef strip loins (n = 24) from 12 animals representing five quality treatments [Prime, Top Choice, Low Choice, Select, Select Enhanced (108%)] were collected. Each steak was cooked to a peak internal temperature of very-rare (130°F), rare (140°F), medium-rare (145°F), medium (160°F), well-done (170°F), or very well-done (180°F). Each cooked steak was cut in half, perpendicular to the long axis of the steak, and lightness (L*), …

Consumer Evaluation Of The Degree Of Doneness Of Beef Strip Loin Steaks Cooked To Six End-Point Temperatures, L. L. Prill, L. N. Drey, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Chao, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess consumers’ degree of doneness practices in addition to their ability to identify beef steak degrees of doneness.

Study Description:Beef strip loins (n = 24) from 12 animals representing five quality treatments [Prime, Top Choice, Low Choice, Select, and Select Enhanced (108%)] were collected. Steaks were cooked to an end-point temperature of very-rare (130°F), rare (140°F), medium-rare (145°F), medium (160°F), well-done (170°F), or very well-done (180°F). Cooked steaks were cut in half, perpendicular to the long axis of the steak, and photographs were taken immediately on the internal face …

Visual Degree Of Doneness Has An Impact On Palatability Ratings Of Consumers Who Had Differing Degree Of Doneness Preferences, L. L. Prill, L. N. Drey, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Chao, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the impact of feeding consumers of varying degree of doneness preferences steaks cooked to multiple degrees of doneness on their perceptions of beef palatability.

Study Description:Paired Low Choice frozen steaks from the posterior half of the strip loin were randomly assigned a degree of doneness of rare (140°F), medium-rare (145°F), medium (160°F), medium-well (165°F), or well-done (170°F). Consumer panelists, prescreened to participate in panels based on their degree of doneness preference, were served steak samples cooked to each of the five degrees of doneness under low-intensity red incandescent …

Cattlemen's Day 2019, E. A. Boyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Report for 2019 on Kansas beef cattle research, including cattle management, cattle nutrition, and meat science.

Evaluation Of Supplemental Energy Source For Grazing Stocker Cattle, L. W. Lomas, J. K. Farney, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 180 steers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures were used to evaluate the effects of supplemental energy source on available forage, grazing gains, subsequent finishing gains, and carcass characteristics in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Supple­mentation treatments evaluated were: no supplement, a supplement with starch as the primary source of energy, and a supplement with fat as the primary source of energy. Supplements were formulated to provide the same quantity of protein and energy per head daily. Supplementation with the starch-based or fat-based supplement during the grazing phase resulted in higher (P<0.05) grazing gains than feeding no supplement during all five years. In 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018, grazing gains of steers supple­mented with the starch-based or fat-based supplement were similar (P>0.05). In 2015, steers supplemented with …

Tillage And Nitrogen Placement Effects On Yields In A Short-Season Corn/Wheat/Double-Crop Soybean Rotation, D. W. Sweeney, D. Ruiz-Diaz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In 2018, adding nitrogen (N) greatly improved average wheat yields with about a 10% increase with knife compared to broadcast application methods. Even though tillage did not affect wheat yields, soybean yield was about 10% greater with no-till.

Response Of Soybean Grown On A Claypan Soil In Southeastern Kansas To The Residual Of Different Plant Nutrient Sources And Tillage, D. W. Sweeney, P. Barnes, G. Pierzynski

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The residual from previous high-rate turkey litter applications, which were based on nitrogen (N) requirements of the previous grain sorghum crop, increased 2018 soybean yield more than that obtained from the residual of phosphorus (P)-based turkey litter applications (low rate), commercial fertilizer, or the control. Even though early soybean growth was sporadically affected by residual treatments, the dry matter production at the R6 growth stage tended to be where the N-based litter was applied.

Use Of A Fungicide To Reduce Stomatal Conductance For Production Of Sweet Corn Planted At Different Populations With Limited Irrigation, D. W. Sweeney, M. B. Kirkham

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sweet corn in 2018 was affected by irrigation, plant population, and a fungicide applied for stomatal control. Even though measured stomatal conductance was unaffected and no disease pressure was noted, applying fungicide at V6 more than doubled the number of harvested ears per acre and per plant, but an additional application at R1 did not increase harvested ears. Applying 1 inch of irrigation at the VT growth stage resulted in approximately 20% greater number of harvested ears per acre and ears per plant, but did not increase fresh weight. Under these dry conditions, increasing plant population tended to decrease harvested …

Southeast Kansas Crop Production Summary – 2018, G. F. Sassenrath, L. Mengarelli, J. Lingenfelser, X. Lin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This is a summary of the crop production conditions in southeast Kansas in 2018, and the results of the variety testing for corn, soybean, sorghum, sunflower, and wheat.

Corn Planting Date And Depth – Impacts On Yield, G. F. Sassenrath, L. Mengarelli, X. Lin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Corn growth and production is dependent on environmental conditions during the growing season. Optimal corn growth occurs between 50 and 86°F. Early-season soil temperatures may reduce corn emergence. Conversely, later-planted corn may not have adequate moisture for good pollination and grain production. This research tested the impact of planting date and planting depth on corn yield. The yield decreased with later planting dates. Earlier planting dates had better yield at lower planting depths, but yield was reduced at deeper planting depths at later planting.

Characterization Of Claypan Soils In Southeastern Kansas, M. A. Mathis Ii, S. E. Tucker-Kulesza, G. F. Sassenrath

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soil erosion reduces topsoil depth. In areas with a claypan, removal of productive topsoil reduces crop yield where the claypan layer is near the surface. The topsoil and claypan layer each have unique characteristics that impact crop production and within-field variability. To better understand these differences, the soil from an area of low crop yield and high crop yield were collected and laboratory tests were performed to determine the soil classification and undrained shear strength. Understanding the soil properties and the interaction between the topsoil and claypan layers may aid in under­standing the process by which topsoil is being eroded.

Annual Summary Of Weather Data For Parsons - 2018, M. Knapp

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Annual summary of weather data for Parsons, Kansas, 2018.

Acknowledgments

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

We thank the following individuals, organizations, and firms that contributed to this year’s research programs through financial support, product donations, or services.

Long-Term Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Potassium Fertilization Of Irrigated Grain Sorghum, A. J. Schlegel, H. D. Bond

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Long-term research shows that phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer must be applied to optimize production of irrigated grain sorghum in western Kansas. In 2018, N applied alone increased yields 44 bu/a, whereas N and P applied together increased yields up to 67 bu/a. Averaged across the past 10 years, N and P fertilization increased sorghum yields up to 75 bu/a. Application of 80 lb/a N (with P) produced the maximum yield in 2018, which is slightly less than the 10-year average. Application of potassium (K) has had no effect on sorghum yield throughout the study period. Average grain N …