Coyote populations continue to grow throughout U.S.

K-State expert says trapping is best way to resolve interactions with livestock MANHATTAN, Kan. – If it seems like there are a lot more coyotes mingling in human spaces these days, it’s because…well, there are. “When we look at abundance trends, the population of coyotes has increased three-fold since the fur market crashed in the late 1980s,” said Drew Ricketts, a wildlife management specialist with K-State Research and Extension. Depending on time of…

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Autonomous pest control to benefit farmers economically, environmentally

Researchers are using small, robotic vehicles -- similar to the one shown above -- to identify and treat pest infestations in farm fields. K-State researcher says robotic vehicles could stop a localized infestation before it spreads By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Autonomous pest control vehicles could become a valuable asset to farmers in the future as they create an opportunity for new intelligence and a way of…

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Winter Grazing Offers Unique Challenges

 Victor Shelton, Retired NRCS State Agronomist/Grazing Specialist Unrolling hay on pasture. A good option if soil conditions are good. I’ve enjoyed several good autumn days and quirked, “it can just stay this way and then turn nice,” but, winter is coming. I do enjoy the different seasons with each providing some traditional features, but my least favorite season is probably winter. Don’t get me wrong, there are some beautiful winter days – pristine,…

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The Skinny on Fat

Haley Zynda, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, OSU Extension, Wayne County Propionate is the only fatty acid that can be converted to glucose in the liver and greater glucose production leads to greater average daily gains and marbling deposition. For those of you who eat beef, fat is flavor. For those of you feeding beef, fat is money. Well, a certain type of fat (intramuscular fat/marbling) is money because it increases your chance…

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2022 Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame inductees and award winners will be honored on Jan. 31, 2022, during the 13th annual banquet, which will precede the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Houston, Texas, Feb. 1-3. The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame was established in 2009 to honor the exceptional visionary men and women who have made lasting contributions to the cattle-feeding industry. Inductees for 2022 include Tom Jones with Hy-Plains…

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K-State researchers seeking best ways to grow cotton in Kansas

Crop may have a place in areas where water is less available  MANHATTAN, Kan. – Is there room for cotton in Kansas…the Wheat State?  There certainly is, said Kansas State University water resources engineer Jonathan Aguilar, who is currently studying the best ways to grow a crop that is traditionally grown in warmer climates.  “One of the reasons we are looking at cotton is because it is drought resistant, or at least doesn't…

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Oh, deer: changing seasons require driving caution

By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – Drivers need to pay more attention to deer crossing Oklahoma roads while the animals are listening to other instincts this time of year, said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Extension wildlife management specialist. Elmore provided some insight and tips for dealing with deer on the move: Oklahoma deer are not migratory, but they do move more within their territories during seasonal changes.When food supplies decrease, deer may explore closer…

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In a La Nina winter, brace for impact

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released its winter outlook for the next few months, and another La Nina weather pattern of warmer and drier conditions is likely to occur in Oklahoma. State Climatologist Gary McManus advised against letting mild predictions fool people into thinking ice, snow and extreme cold won’t happen. Last year’s La Nina winter began with an ice storm in October and ended with a deep freeze in…

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