What’s in a serving? Nutrition Facts labels get an update

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently served up the first major change in 20 years to Nutrition Facts labels on packaged foods and drinks. Adjustments in serving sizes, calories, percent daily values and nutrients on labels are now required by the FDA due to updated scientific information, new nutrition research and feedback from the public. These changes to the labels are intended to help consumers more effectively and…

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Simple steps now can make recovering from emergencies easier

K-State specialist shares tech tips HUTCHINSON, Kan. -- With spring comes awareness of severe weather – plus the need to plan ahead – and this year is no exception, said Jan Steen, community vitality specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “We have insurance on our crops, vehicles and homes should disaster strike, but how are we protecting our important data? Digital photos and videos, documents, and spreadsheets can be gone in a blink…

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Sales of Electrified Vehicles Jump Up 81% in the First Quarter of 2021

ATLANTA, April 19, 2021 – According to an analysis of the U.S. auto market by Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book, sales growth of both electric and hybrid vehicles outpaced overall market performance in the first quarter of 2021. Electrified vehicles – automobiles featuring large battery packs and electric motors in the propulsion system – accounted for 7.8% of the total U.S. market, up from 4.8% in Q1 2020.   Electrified vehicle sales growth of 81% far outpaced industry…

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Squash bugs put damper on successful gardening

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Gardeners know that as the weather improves and temperatures rise, they’re getting closer to fresh produce such as squash, melons and cucumbers. Unfortunately, that excitement can be “squashed” when the squash bugs arrive, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. “You certainly didn’t invite them into your garden, but they’ve moved in and are wreaking havoc, which can be extremely disappointing,” Hillock said. “The squash bug is…

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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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