Getting a leg up on grasshoppers in the landscape

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – They look rather prehistoric, and they can make a pretty good smudge mark on a vehicle’s windshield. And oh boy, can they jump and eat. Fortunately, of the more than 130 resident species of grasshoppers that live in Oklahoma’s forests and grasslands, only a few species become real pest problems, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. It’s the redlegged, migratory, differential and two-striped grasshoppers that are…

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Hoof care to prevent foot rot

Experts discuss this common cattle condition and offer tips for prevention MANHATTAN, Kan. — Sores on the feet can sure make a person feel miserable not to mention making it hard to walk. The same can be true of cattle when they develop foot rot in the crevasse between their toes, causing some of them to become lame according to the veterinarians at the Beef Cattle Institute. Speaking on the weekly Cattle Chat podcast, Kansas…

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K-State beef specialist urges safety during silage operations

Keeping safety top of mind is important during fast-paced silage harvest operations. Heavy equipment, speed and long hours can be a dangerous combination GARDEN CITY, Kan. – As silage harvest operations begin ramping up across the state, a K-State Research and Extension beef cattle specialist encourages farmers and feed yards to keep safety top of mind … and to remind others involved to do the same. “As we look at silage operations, that’s…

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Oklahoma State University recommendations maximize alfalfa field productivity

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Producers who will be planting alfalfa in late August and early September can maximize their investment by following research-based recommendations, Oklahoma State University experts said.  Alfalfa has been called the royalty of forage crops as far back as 1909, when an Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station bulletin heralded its benefits relative to raising livestock, both for grazing and as hay. Today, cattle grazing alfalfa pastures is a common sight and alfalfa…

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Trump Administration Invests $462 Million to Modernize Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Rural Communities

Funding will Improve Rural Water Infrastructure for 467,000 Rural Americans in 44 States WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 3, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $462 million to modernize critical drinking water (PDF, 367 KB) and wastewater infrastructure across rural America.“Upgrading the infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water and modern wastewater management facilities will improve public health and drive economic development in our small towns and cities,”…

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Strong Turnout of Cattle Producers Sets Important Policies for the Future

Live Cattle Marketing Committee Unanimously Passes Policy to Increase Cash Trade Levels DENVER (July 29, 2020) - A capacity crowd of cattle producers worked for more than six hours today to identify a policy that would help resolve concerns about live cattle marketing issues and lead the industry to more robust price discovery. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Live Cattle Marketing Committee considered several proposals, each aimed at encouraging greater volumes of cash cattle…

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Check Alfalfa for Blister Beetle Activity

Patrick Wagner SDSU Extension Entomology Field SpecialistAdditional Authors: Amanda Bachmann,Philip Rozeboom,Adam Varenhorst Blister beetles are becoming more common as we progress through the growing season. Recently, there have been multiple reports of blister beetles showing up in alfalfa fields. The larvae of these beetles are beneficial because they feed on grasshopper eggs. However, the adults feed on the leaves and blossoms of plants, including alfalfa, and contain a toxic chemical called cantharidin. They can…

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Be Safe and Smart Around Silage

Tracey Erickson SDSU Extension Dairy Field Specialist Corn silage making season will soon be upon us. It is important to take the time to communicate with employees proper protocols while making silage, along with safe practices around silage piles or silos. A few years ago, I had the privilege to travel with Keith Bolsen, professor emeritus for Kansas State University, for the I-29 Moo University Winter Workshops as we discussed forages. Dr. Bolsen…

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K-State unveils Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings 2020

Kansas State University has just unveiled its new Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings 2020 publication Ratings are a tool to help with wheat variety selection MANHATTAN, Kan. — One of the most important decisions wheat growers make each year is deciding what varieties to plant. Some have greater resistance to certain diseases than others. Some yield well despite pressure from some pests and diseases. So gathering information about how different varieties have performed…

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