The final count is in, and the Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson in announced 315,273 people went through the gates in 2022, compared to 281,981 in 2021.

The Nex-Tech Grandstand concerts were well attended, and initial projections show carnival attendance trending over last year. Food and commercial vendors were also enthusiastic with their early sales projections.

Sponsorships also increased this year. “We have phenomenal partners and sponsors. I couldn’t be more pleased with the level of commitment our sponsors have shown us,” says general manager Bryan Schulz. “We would also like to thank all who attended, and want to build on this year’s success as we think ahead to 2023.”

K-State Swine Day Nov. 17

Kansas State University has scheduled its annual Swine Day for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 17 at the K-State Alumni Center in Manhattan.

During the morning session, Mike Day, a K-State professor and head of the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, will welcome attendees; and K-State swine faculty will discuss the latest updates on K-State applied swine research, highlighting nutrition, management, feed processing, feed safety and pig livability.

The afternoon program will feature Steve Pollmann, principal owner of DSP Consulting LLC, who will discuss past major innovations and emerging technologies in swine production. Pollmann has spent a distinguished career in both academia and industry swine positions.

The fee to register is $25 per person if paid by Nov. 10, and $50 after that date or at the door. Students may attend free of charge if they register by Nov. 10. Registration is available online at ksuswine.org. For more information, contact Lois Schreiner at 785-532-1267 or [email protected].

Call for 4R Advocate Awards entries

The Fertilizer Institute is now accepting nominations for the 2023 4R Advocate awards. This program recognizes farmers and fertilizer retailers for their commitment to sound nutrient stewardship using the 4Rs — or the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, the right time and in the right place. Through these 4R farming practices, farmers improve their return on their nutrient inputs and decrease environmental impact.

Advocate nominations are due Nov.30. Program rules and entry forms for retailers and industry partners to nominate farmers are available online, as are easy directions for farmers and retailers to document their efforts to apply the 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles and to chart results. Applicants can also read previous winners’ stories at nutrientstewardship.org.

To date, 120 4R Advocates from 24 states, representing nearly 250,000 acres, have been recognized. They grow crops that include apples, alfalfa, cabbage, collard greens, corn, cotton, hops, peanuts, rice, soybeans, strawberries, tomatoes and more.

Sack Hunger initiative

September was national Hunger Action Month, and BASF Corp. once again donated to the Kansas Food Bank through its Sack Hunger initiative. Since 2016, whenever the Kansas State University football’s defense sacks an opposing quarterback, BASF donates $100 to the Kansas Food Bank as part of the initiative.

Annually, the Kansas Food Bank has served more than 945,000 people through its food pantries and meal service programs feeding area families — an increase of about 30% pre-pandemic.

“BASF is dedicated to support initiatives like this one because of the direct positive impact to where we live and work,” said Mike Hofer, BASF director, U.S. Crop West Region, BASF. “Over the last seven years, I am proud to say our campaign has raised $21,000 to support the local community.” 

Kansas Food Bank and its network of nonprofit pantry partner agencies provide food assistance to individuals in need more than 945,000 times each year. Kansas Food Bank’s network in 85 counties reports that 47% of its food-insecure neighbors get more than half of their monthly food from a food pantry.