About K-State Research and Extension
The K-State Research and Extension system serves communities across Kansas by providing research-based education and outreach programs in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, youth development, and community vitality. As the outreach arm of Kansas State University, Extension connects residents, farmers, ranchers, businesses, and local governments with practical solutions backed by scientific research.
Official Website
Kansas is known for its extensive agricultural production, vast grasslands, and strong rural communities. From wheat fields and cattle ranches to urban neighborhoods and community gardens, K-State Research and Extension develops programs tailored to the diverse needs of Kansans throughout the state.
Core Services Offered
K-State Research and Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a wide range of disciplines that support economic development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Agriculture is one of Kansas’s most important industries. Extension specialists help producers improve crop yields, sustainability, and profitability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Irrigation management
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Major crops supported by Extension programs include wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, and forage crops.
Livestock and Ranch Management
Kansas is a leading cattle-producing state, and Extension specialists provide extensive support to ranchers and livestock producers.
- Beef cattle management
- Pasture and grazing systems
- Livestock nutrition
- Animal health education
- Forage production
- Drought preparedness planning
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts throughout Kansas rely on Extension resources for practical gardening and landscape guidance.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The Kansas Master Gardener Program trains volunteers who help educate the public about gardening, plant health, and sustainable landscape practices.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Water conservation
- Native plant gardening
- Sustainable landscaping
Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship
K-State Research and Extension supports responsible management of Kansas’s natural resources through educational programs and technical assistance.
- Range management
- Watershed protection
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Soil conservation
- Forest stewardship
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
Family and Consumer Sciences
Extension educators provide programs that improve the health, financial stability, and well-being of Kansas families.
- Nutrition education
- Food safety training
- Financial literacy programs
- Health and wellness education
- Consumer education
- Community development initiatives
4-H Youth Development
The Kansas 4-H program provides hands-on educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Public speaking
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Kansas
Kansas agriculture, rangelands, forests, and urban environments face numerous pest challenges that can affect productivity, environmental quality, and property values. Extension specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents manage these issues effectively.
Wheat Pests
Wheat is one of Kansas’s most important crops and faces pressure from several economically significant insect pests.
Important wheat pests include:
- Hessian Flies
- Russian Wheat Aphids
- Greenbugs
- Armyworms
- Wheat Stem Sawflies
- Cutworms
Extension entomologists provide monitoring updates and management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Sorghum Pests
Kansas is a major producer of grain sorghum, and growers regularly manage pests that can impact yields and crop quality.
Common sorghum pests include:
- Sorghum Aphids
- Chinch Bugs
- Corn Earworms
- Fall Armyworms
- Spider Mites
- Grasshoppers
Extension specialists help producers implement integrated pest management strategies designed specifically for sorghum production systems.
Agricultural Crop Pests
In addition to wheat and sorghum, Kansas growers manage a variety of pests affecting corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and forage crops.
Common agricultural pests include:
- Corn Rootworms
- Soybean Aphids
- Bean Leaf Beetles
- Stink Bugs
- Armyworms
- Spider Mites
Extension programs focus on scouting, monitoring, and sustainable pest management approaches.
Termites
Termites are among the most destructive structural pests affecting homes and businesses throughout Kansas.
Common termite concerns include:
- Subterranean Termites
- Structural wood damage
- Foundation infestations
- Moisture-related termite activity
Extension publications help homeowners understand termite identification, prevention, and treatment options.
Household and Structural Pests
Kansas homeowners commonly encounter pests that invade buildings and create nuisance or damage concerns.
Common household pests include:
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Bed Bugs
- Rodents
- Spiders
- Silverfish
Extension resources emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management techniques.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes throughout Kansas are affected by a variety of insect pests and plant diseases.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Flea Beetles
- Japanese Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Squash Bugs
- Spider Mites
Extension specialists provide practical recommendations for protecting vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and ornamental plants.
Turfgrass Pests
Lawn care is an important concern for many Kansas homeowners and landscape professionals.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Billbugs
- Chinch Bugs
- Sod Webworms
- Armyworms
K-State Extension promotes healthy turf management practices that reduce pest pressure and improve lawn quality.
Tree and Forest Pests
Trees in urban landscapes, parks, shelterbelts, and forests face threats from insects and diseases.
Important tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Bagworms
- Bark Beetles
- Borers
- Scale Insects
- Defoliating Caterpillars
Extension forestry specialists provide guidance on tree health monitoring and pest management strategies.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as the foundation of K-State Research and Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Preventive cultural practices
- Biological control methods
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These practices help reduce pest populations while protecting beneficial organisms and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
Kansas State University conducts extensive research focused on crop protection, livestock production, natural resources, and environmental sustainability.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Biological control
- Pesticide resistance management
- Range management
- Forest health monitoring
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists help translate scientific research into practical recommendations for Kansas residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
K-State Research and Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering agriculture, pest management, horticulture, forestry, livestock production, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Crop production guides
- Pest identification resources
- Wheat and sorghum management publications
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Turfgrass management guides
- Tree health resources
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact K-State Research and Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a crop, improving a lawn, maintaining a garden, protecting trees, or addressing livestock and rangeland concerns, K-State Research and Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout Kansas.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the K-State Research and Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.