Think safety first when operating chainsaw, says forest official

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.…

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Robotic milking comes to OSU students at Ferguson Family Dairy Center

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…

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Fighting Wildfires with Fuel-treatment Strategies

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…

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Holidays can weigh heavy on pets, too

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…

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K-State experts offer advice on how to make the most of the relationship with the banker

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…

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Fall is a great time to add trees to the landscape

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…

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Beef cattle nutrients enter new seasonal concerns

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…

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USDA Issues $1.68 Billion in Payments to Producers Enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program

https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-room/news-releases/2020/usda-issues-168-billion-in-payments-to-producers-enrolled-in-the-conservation-reserve-program?utm_campaign=10152020crppayments&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

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Recipe: JALAPEÑO BEEF POPPERS

For best results use Certified Angus Beef ® brand JALAPEÑO BEEF POPPERS YIELDS 42 Share your great taste! Deliciously easy football finger food or party appetizer! Jalapeño Beef Poppers are crispy on the outside and filled with ground chuck, cheddar cheese, and fresh jalapeños. INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds Certified Angus Beef ® ground chuck12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese6 jalapeños, seeded and minced1 tablespoon salt1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper1 teaspoon whole mustard seeds12 eggs1 cup plain bread crumbs1 cup panko…

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Plan Your Winter Cattle Feeding Program and Save Money

By Robert Wells, Ph.D.Livestock Consultant How would you like to save $15 per cow on your winter feeding bill? What if I said you could easily do it by making one timely change to what you are feeding your cows grazing on native grass pasture? Many people only buy one feed type during the winter. This mindset may be costing a 50-head cow herd the equivalent of the value of a $750 calf. Remember…

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