Think Before Putting Fish, Plants, Water and More in a Pond

By Mike PorterSenior Wildlife and Fisheries Consultant People unintentionally harm pond environments by releasing inappropriate fish, dumping aquarium organisms, transferring water from a river or using contaminated equipment. Inappropriate organisms, or the microscopic hitchhikers on them, in associated water or on equipment can create havoc in a pond, such as harming desired fish populations, introducing diseases or establishing invasive species. Know Your Source Sources of fish or aquatic plants should be carefully evaluated…

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What You Should Be Monitoring on Native Rangelands in May

By Brian Hays, Pasture and Range Consultantand Jeff Goodwin, Conservation Stewardship Leader and Senior Pasture and Range Consultant May is a very important month for native pastures in the southern Great Plains. By the end of this month, approximately 50% of this year’s forage production will be produced. Monitoring your native pastures that are being grazed is critical to making sure they are not being overutilized. As you evaluate your native pastures, you…

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Backgrounding rates of gain effect carcass characteristics

Steve Boyles, OSU Extension Beef Specialist People are currently investigating methods to control rate of gain. Anna R. Taylor  and Robbi H. Pritchard, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD; and Kelly W. Bruns , University of Nebraska-Linclon, West Central Research & Extension Center, North Platte, NE, looked at backgrounding rate of gain on carcass characteristics.  Steer calves weighing an average of 690 pounds were backgrounded until they weighed an average of 880 pounds.…

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The Basics of Pricing Freezer Beef

Garth Ruff, OSU Extension Henry County COVID-19 has proven to be a catalyst for consumer demand for local product Over the last decade the demand for locally raised meats have steadily increased and that demand has skyrocketed as of late, due to the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on animal agriculture and the meat packing sector. With the significant increase of demand in local product we have also seen an increase in the…

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USDA Announces $100 million for American Biofuels Infrastructure

(Washington, D.C., May 4, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture intends to make available up to $100 million in competitive grants for activities designed to expand the availability and sale of renewable fuels. “America’s energy independence is critical to our economic security, and President Trump fully recognizes the importance of our ethanol and biofuels industries and the positive impacts they deliver to consumers and farmers…

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OSU Extension offers great gardening resources

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – As Oklahoma residents continue follow social distancing guidelines, some people are turning to gardening to help pass the time. Although the state has many seasoned gardeners, others are picking up seeds and potting soil for the first time and are getting a little dirt under their nails. Fortunately, novice gardeners have a wealth of information available for free through Oklahoma State University Extension, said David Hillock, OSU…

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Take steps now to reduce aquatic plants in farm ponds

Healthy farm ponds provide fishing, swimming and boating opportunities, as well as a water source for range cattle. K-State’s Lee outlines options for maintaining pond health MANHATTAN, Kan. – In rural Kansas, the farm pond is a central part of family life. Aside from providing a water source for range cattle and other livestock, some ponds provide recreation for family members, including swimming, fishing and even boating. In an emergency, water from the…

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Breeding success strategies for beef cattle

K-State beef cattle experts offer advice on ways to manage heifers and cows MANHATTAN, Kan. – Bulls are often the focus when cattle producers are thinking about the breeding season, but experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute said it is important to prepare the females as well. “Achieving a successful breeding season starts long before the cows are turned out with a bull,” said Bob Larson, Kansas State University veterinarian. “What…

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