Some helpful Web sites, contacts for area producers, agribusinesses

With the internet becoming a part of our society, below are some websites that could be of interest to your operation. Also are a few assistance contacts and resources for agriculture families. If you do not have web access, contact me for the following information.

* The Kansas Rural Family Helpline is available to provide confidential information and referral to families. The toll-free number is (866) 327-6578. The Rural Family Helpline deals with many issues, including financial stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, family conflict, and others. A web address is http://www.humec.k- state.edu/fshs/pfws/krfhprogram.html .

* Kansas Legal Services at (800) 723-6953 is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income Kansans meet their basic needs through the provision of essential legal, mediation, and employment training services. For more information visit http://www.kansaslegalservices.org/.

* K-State's Kansas Agricultural Mediation Service (KAMS) specialists provide initial information and guidance at no cost through a toll-free hotline. A state-wide network of cooperating agencies and programs includes a pool of trained agricultural mediators, K-State Research and Extension financial consultants and Kansas Legal Services (KLS). The program's goal is to help resolve conflicts and disputes using mediation. KAMS can be contacted at (800) 321-3276 or go online to http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/kams/.

* K-State's AgrAbility Program, in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, is a partnership between K-State Research and Extension and Southeast Kansas Independent Living in Parsons. This partnership helps people with disabilities who are employed in agriculture. They can be reached at (800) 526-3648 or http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/agrability/

* The AgManager.info website is a comprehensive source of information, analysis, and decision-making tools for agricultural producers, agribusinesses, and others. Topics presented on this site include: crop and livestock marketing and outlook reports, crop insurance, farm management, agricultural policy, human resources, income tax and law, and agribusiness.

* The Mobile Irrigation Lab website has a few tools that can be of assistance to our local producers. Here (http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/mil/Tools.htm) you can find free downloads depending on your cropping system.

Estimate Seed Planting Rate -- calculate the planter seeding rate using your row spacing and desired final plant stand.

Estimate Plant Population -- estimate the plant population per acre in your field by entering a few simple measurements into the calculator.

Corn Yield Estimator --estimate your crop's final yield my making a few simple in-field measurements.

Compare Energy Costs -- compare current fuel source with other alternatives to evaluate possible economic advantages.

The internet offers lots of information at your fingertips. Please be sure when finding information and doing research you use reliable, research based sites that are telling you the facts not trying to sell you a product.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.