Victor Shelton, NRCS State Agronomist/Grazing Specialist Winter is around the corner; are you ready? Photo by Chris Hollen The rains are finally replenishing reserves in most areas. Though a bit late for some things, it is still a boost for forages that have been stockpiled and they have leaped in compensatory growth! Ideally, this stockpile is best used after it goes dormant in order to not slow next spring’s growth. Dormancy often requires…
The Department of the Interior announced it has removed the gray wolf from the endangered species list, signaling a successful recovery under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The gray wolf spent more than four decades on the endangered species list. The population is now thriving in the lower 48 states. State and tribal wildlife management agencies will now be responsible for the management and protection of the gray wolf. “This is an Endangered…
Study shows Dodge City, Kansas has most occurrences MANHATTAN, Kan. – You don’t need to tell folks in western Kansas that it can get hot there. And sometimes windy. And sometimes really dry. But when all three conditions happen at the same time – and especially for a long period of time – droughts develop, crops produce less grain, and wildfires are sparked more easily. And according to a new Kansas State University…
Chaps, hard hat are among safety equipment MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas Forest Service official advises homeowners and landowners to exercise caution when using chainsaws for fall timber projects or gathering firewood for winter. “First, anyone operating a chainsaw, like any powerful equipment, needs to be sure they are familiar with the specific model they operate, including safety features and suggestions in the owners’ manual for safe operation,” said Eric Ward, assistant fire management officer.…
By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – Candy is for more than people with a sweet tooth; it’s also a great way to train dairy cows how to use a robotic milking system, much to the delight and educational benefit of students working at Oklahoma State University’s Ferguson Family Dairy Center. The robotic milking system highlights how the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences provides students with firsthand experience of technological advances that are changing…
Texas A&M researchers identifying best methods for reducing wildfire risk. by Carrie Baker, Texas A&M University While wildfires remain an unpredictable threat, researchers at Texas A&M University are attempting to mitigate that uncertainty by using mathematical and statistical models to identify the most cost-effective and efficient strategies for reducing wildfire risk through vegetation removal, or fuel-treatment, strategies. Texas A&M is represented by Texas A&M AgriLife Research’s Jianbang Gan, a forest management and economics…
By Lauren Raley STILLWATER, Okla. – Year-end holiday food can mean unwanted diet breaks and extra weight for people as well as their pets. With Halloween starting off the celebrations, chocolate should be the first concern on the list, said Lara Sypniewski, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian. Dogs enjoy chocolate for the same reason as people: its sweet taste. However, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs, Sypniewski said. Theobromine is…
K-State experts offer advice on how to make the most of the relationship with the banker MANHATTAN, Kan. — Anyone who has ever participated in a group sport knows that the most successful teams are the ones where the players and coaches communicate well and recognize that the athletes each possess unique talents that can benefit the team. In much the same way, ranchers who assemble a team of experts to include a…
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – The fall season is a great time to decorate the landscape with pumpkins and mums or to take a leisurely drive to check out the changing colors of the leaves on the trees. It also is a good opportunity to plant new trees and shrubs. “Some people may prefer to postpone planting until after the first of the year, but fall offers some advantages to getting those…
By Lauren Raley STILLWATER, Okla. – Nutritional requirements for beef cattle require a slight shift between seasons, Oklahoma State University Extension specialists said. “Providing producers with a source of information regarding feed intake, protein and energy requirements is important,” said David Lalman, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist. “It can ensure producers that their cattle are receiving the proper nutrition.” OSU Extension’s popular nutrients for beef cattle fact sheet provides guidance, including: Nutrient requirements such as dry matter…