The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is used for nearly all aspects of agriculture, horticulture and natural resources research and Extension recommendations, has been updated. Kansas State University nursery crop and marketing specialist, Cheryl Boyer, was on a USDA technical review team that helped develop the map. She discusses the process for updating the map and the slight shift to a broader half zone warmer recommendation for parts of Kansas.

Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.

Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected].

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 in Manhattan.