Welcome to Southwind District

As a part of K-State Research and Extension, Southwind District programs present educational information and programming related to agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and community vitality.

We serve the people of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties and have offices in each of those counties.

Our philosophy is to help people help themselves by taking university knowledge to where people live, work, and play. We work at being responsive to the needs of the people by focusing our resources on providing quality information, education, and problem-solving for real concern. The information we provide is research-based and unbiased.

UPCOMING EVENTS

For more information on these latest events, simply click on the event title.

2026 Local Food Producer Workshops-For farmers markets, producers, and small food businesses to learn about direct-to-consumer sales and other local marketing needs. Southeast Research & Extension Center, Parsons, KS. March 6th, 2026, 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. $25. For additional details scan the QR code on the flyer or HERE!

Beyond The Box: Easy Biscuit Making-Learn to make both drop and rolled biscuits while building practical, from-scratch baking skills. Saturday, March 7, Noon-2:00 P.M. First Southern Baptist Church, Fort Scott, KS. $10 supplies fee. Contact Sandy Haggard to register at 620-365-2242 or sjhaggard@ksu.edu

Dining With Diabetes-Designed especially for people with type 2 diabetes, this program will help you lean the skills needed to promote good health. 4 Thursday sessions: March 5, 12, 19, and 26, 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Scott View Apartments, Fort Scott, KS. Registration required by calling Sandy at 620-365-2242 or sjhaggard@ksu.edu

Cooking for One or Two-This class will share practical tips for planning meals, storing leftovers safely, and preparing just the right amount. Thursday, February 5, Noon-1:00 P.M. Erie Senior Center.

Theileria in Cattle: Understanding Risk, Spread, and Management-Dr. Cassandra Olds, K-State Veterinary Entomologist and Southwind Agent Hunter Nickell will provide an overview of Theileria in cattle. Wednesday, February 25th, 5:30 P.M. Fort Scott Livestock Market, Fort Scott, KS. Light snacks and refreshments provided. Call 620-365-2242 with questions and reserve your spot!

Get Your Jam - and Jelly - On-Jam and Jelly Making Class presented by the Southwind Extension Food Volunteers and Agent Sandy Haggard. Saturday, February 21, Noon - 2:00 P.M. Neosho Valley Event Center, Erie, KS. Ages 10-Adult, $10 to cover ingredients. To register call 620-365-2242 or email sjhaggard@ksu.edu

Farm & Ranch Transition Conference - February 17, 2026 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. The River Room, Fort Scott, KS. $25 registration fee, $20 for 4 or more. Includes refreshments, lunch, and all conference materials. Flyer coming soon! Register by February 12th is required! To register, call 620-223-3720, scan the QR code on the flyer, or HERE.

Ag Profitability Conferences-Making "cents" of a Shifting Ag Economy. February 5, 2026, 9:00 A.M.-2:30 P.M. Neosho Valley Event Center, Erie, KS. Register HERE or scan the QR code on the flyer!

Walk With Ease-A walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation that includes health education, stretching, strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. January 26th-March 4th. Monday's & Wednesday's 10:00-11:00 A.M. Community Center, Bronson. Call 620-244-3826 to enroll!

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy-Join this strength training class, twice a week for one-hour and improve your health. January 20th-March 12th. Tuesday's & Thursday's 9:00-10:00 A.M. Galesburg Community Center. Call 620-244-3826 to register by January 13th. $10 donation.

OWL Hour-Join us for an hour long social gathering where we will come together to discuss and discover new things and topics. Every 2nd full week of the month, 10:00-11:00 A.M. Location Options-Yates Center, St. Paul, Fort Scott, Iola. Call Hollie @ 620-625-8620 for more information.

HOT TOPICS

Click on the articles below to stay up to date on the current hot topics.

Theileria Orientalis - A Learning Opportunity Coming

New Year, New Goals: Why a Financial Check Up Matters

K-State Garden Hour - 2026 Line-Up

Sharing the Road in the Winter

Power in Daily Rituals

Radon: The Silent Threat Beneath Your Home

Starting 2026 Strong with K-State Extension - Southwind District

Herbicide Resistance: What It Looks Like in Kansas Fields - And What To Do Next

Low-Cost Tree and Shrub Seedlings Now Available

Which Potato Should I Buy?

Vitamin A Matters: Supporting Reproduction, Growth, and Immunity in Cattle

National Clean Your Fridge Day is November 15th!

Staying A Step Ahead: Recognizing and Preventing Modern Scams

The Joys of Being in 4-H