May 29, 2001

One-of-a-Kind Gift

MANHATTAN, Kan. – If you’re looking for an unusual Father’s Day gift, consider one of Kansas State University Research and Extension’s latest offerings: A set of four CDs – "Harvest of Knowledge" – that captures a rare glimpse of the state’s history and development.

The electronic collection includes farm; ranch and garden research; facts; and practical how-tos from Kansas Agricultural Experiment Stations.

The information dates from 1888 to 1945, and offers an informative, and, at times, almost entertaining glimpse of life on the plains. For example, when soybeans were introduced as a promising future crop, farmers were advised to plant them close to the house. The reason? The family dog was needed to chase rabbits, who found the new crop a little too tasty, said Amy Hartman, who organized the document collection.

The electronic documents include 121 period photos that capture the evolution of rural life, including some people pictures; the "latest" farm equipment (like steam tractors) and picturesque barns. A recording of the state song, Home on the Range, also is included.

Hartman, who is K-State Research and Extension’s electronic document librarian, described preparing the more than 24,000 pages of documents for electronic conversion "a little like a treasure hunt." As an example, the research and publications crew found fewer documents from drought years – there simply was less to report, she said.

"The collection is a bit of a time capsule. The information chronicles Kansas’ research and development as a leader in agriculture. It’s likely to interest ag researchers, historians and others who are interested in sustainable agriculture, but the quantity – and quality – of information offers something for everyone. The topic-specific documents can be easily accessed with Windows or Mac operating systems," said Hartman, who noted one of her most amusing ‘finds’ was a reproduction of an insect-control calendar that included a drawing of giant grasshoppers trying to catch humans.

The "Harvest of Knowledge" CD set, which includes a how-to-use tutorial, is available through K-State Research and Extension. The set costs $36.50 plus tax and postage (which varies). To order by e-mail: orderpub@lists.oznet.ksu.edu; by fax: 785-532-7938; or by phone: 785-532-5830.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
npeterso@oznet.ksu.edu 

K-State Research& Extension News