Year-round burning - A new era for Kansas prairie management

By Scout Nelson

Kansas State University's Department of Agronomy is making the way for methods in prairie preservation and management. John Weir, a seasoned expert from Oklahoma State University, brings over three decades of expertise to challenge traditional seasonal burning. He advocates for a flexible approach, utilizing prescribed burns throughout the year to maintain the health and vitality of native grasses.

On the afternoon of November 7, Weir will illuminate the possibilities of burning beyond the typical spring window in his lecture titled "Burning Outside the Box." This event is part of the celebrated Kling L. Anderson Lecture series, which aims to elevate the knowledge and practices in range and forage management.

Open to all at no cost, this lecture will unfold in Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center, providing invaluable insights from Weir's extensive research in fire ecology.

The legacy of Kling L. Anderson, a pioneer in pasture management, is honored through this lecture series, now in its 23rd iteration. Anderson's influence on K-State's program for nearly three decades beginning in 1938 is a testament to the enduring impact of dedicated agricultural education.

This lecture provides an opportunity for landowners and enthusiasts to learn contemporary land management techniques in Kansas, with the Agronomy Department at Kansas State University welcomes inquiries from all land stewards.

Photo Credit: kansas-state-university