Beetle saliva shows potential to create a natural antibiotic

By Alisa Boswell-Gore By Alisa Boswell-Gore STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University scientists are excited about a brown goo secreted by a rare beetle. Why all the excitement over bug saliva? Because it could lead to the creation of a natural antibiotic and meat preservative, according to Wyatt Hoback, associate professor in the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. American burying beetles seek out small animal carcasses and work together to bury it in…

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Angus Foundation Heifer Package sells for $50,000

Brumfield Angus Farms of Sawyer, Mich. purchases pick of Tehama Angus Ranch fall heifers.  Since 1980, the Angus Foundation Heifer Package has been sold to generate unrestricted funds to support its mission of youth, education and research. This year, Brumfield Angus Farms of Sawyer, Mich. purchased the Foundation Heifer Package, donated by Tehama Angus Ranch of Gerber, Calif. The package sold on Jan. 7, at the start of the National Angus Bull Sale during Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City,…

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Cattle Chat: Assessing dehydration in calves

K-State beef cattle experts share five ways to check the hydration level of calves  MANHATTAN, Kan. — When you don’t feel well, sometimes it is hard to stay properly hydrated and that can lead to serious health challenges.   The same is true for young calves, said the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute during a recent Cattle Chat podcast discussion.  “If a calf is nursing and shows a good attitude it is…

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Winter is a great time for garden planning

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Although the landscape may be bleak in the winter, now is the time for gardeners – those with established green thumbs and those who are just starting out – to get started on their gardening plans for the upcoming growing season. Oklahoma State University Extension offers a variety of gardening information online, but there’s one publication that is especially helpful to gardeners - especially novice gardeners. The Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide is chocked…

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