Pasture (Frothy) Bloat; Beware when grazing legumes!

Stephen Boyles, OSU Extension Beef Specialist Bloat has been described in agricultural writings since A.D. 60. Names for bloat have changed over the years: hoove, hoven, tympany, and blown have appeared in English journals of the 18th and 19th centuries. Bloat occurs when rumen gas production exceeds the rate of gas elimination. The gas accumulates and causes distention of the rumen (left side of cattle). If the situation continues, the inflated rumen interferes…

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Producers save money, boost yields with OSU soil testing

By Gail Ellis   STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University is a national leader in soil, water and forage testing. The commercial laboratory processes more than 60,000 samples a year and is accessible to the public through OSU Extension.  From cattle ranchers to urban gardeners, the state testing facility helps producers save money, increase yields and protect the environment. In Tulsa County, the OSU Extension office is a seasonal hot spot for vegetable growers and lawn care specialists seeking nutrient analysis of…

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Study: Land values, irrigation needs increase when ethanol plant opens

Irrigation needs within a 30 mile radius often increase when an ethanol plant opens, a study from Kansas State University shows. (File photo) K-State agricultural economists take a look at 15 years of data MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University agricultural economists have found that the growth of ethanol plants in the state over the past 20 years has had an impact on irrigation and land values. Gabe Sampson, an agricultural economist with…

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Recipe: EASY BEEF QUESO

Make this cheesy recipe for the love of queso, and for the love of beef and cheese. Game day (or any snacking occasion) deserves this queso. Game on! INGREDIENTS: 1 pound Certified Angus Beef ® ground beef, 90% lean1 tablespoon canola or light olive oil1 medium onion, diced4 cloves garlic, minced1 tablespoon cumin powder2 teaspoons chili powder2 teaspoons kosher salt1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, choose hot or mild1 (10-ounce) can Rotel fire roasted tomatoes and…

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Cattle Chat: How does BVD impact the herd?

Kansas State beef cattle veterinarians explain Bovine Viral Diarrhea MANHATTAN, Kan. — Calves with respiratory problems, cows that naturally abort their calves, deformed calves and scours in the herd are just a few of the signs that a cow-calf producer may have Bovine Viral Diarrhea circulating among the cattle, according to Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute veterinarians Bob Larson and Brad White. Talking on a recent BCI Cattle Chat podcast, Larson said though diarrhea…

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Market recovery found among COVID-19 concerns, report finds

By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – The agricultural industry has proven more resilient to pandemic disruptions than many had hoped, according to the latest market research by Oklahoma State University Extension experts. “The Oklahoma region is doing better than expected,” said Courtney Bir, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and OSU Extension specialist. “People are still concerned about travel, but they’re not so concerned about finding meat, milk, eggs and other food items at their local grocery…

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Fike Awarded 2021 Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty Award

Dr. Karol Fike, Kansas State University teaching associate professor, has been awarded the prestigious 2021 Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty Award.  Fike completed her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences at Iowa State University in 1991. She continued her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning her master’s and doctorate, studying reproductive physiology in beef cattle.  With a passion for teaching and working with students, Fike first taught courses in Anatomy…

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Creep feeding a good practice for raising foals

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – A nursing foal’s nutritional requirements will exceed the mare’s ability to supply nutrients to the foal through its milk a few months after birth, underscoring the need to provide access to solid foods.  Commonly called creep feeding, research indicates the practice will not only provide many of the necessary nutrients for sound bone and muscle growth, it also will lessen weaning stress, said Kris Hiney, Oklahoma State University…

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Composting proves good for gardening and reducing waste

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – One of the foundations of success when it comes to gardening is good soil. For those who don’t have naturally nutrient-rich soil already, composting may be an answer that also reduces the amount of waste going to local landfills. Compost is a natural, dark brown, humus-rich material formed from the decomposition or breakdown of organic material such as leaves, grass clippings, vegetable food scraps and twigs, said…

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