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…

Continue ReadingIn a La Nina winter, brace for impact

Prime Sets Sail

It’s an interesting time in the beef business. We can’t speak about a specific aspect of the market or supply chain without drawing upon several other factors across the beef supply chain that influence the first.    A close inspection of boxed beef prices and the difference between quality grades and branded beef programs is a multi-factorial discussion. Supply and demand are the basic economic influencers on price. Yet, what we knew 15 years ago…

Continue ReadingPrime Sets Sail

Fighting food insecurity during the holidays

By Brian Brus By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – Leaning away from the Thanksgiving dinner table with a sigh and stuffed tummy is a comfort beyond the reach of many Oklahomans this year. 4-H’ers across the state are trying to make it a possibility with food drives for community food banks and pantries. “They understand that fighting food insecurity is about being part of something bigger than themselves,” said Karla Knoepfli, Oklahoma State University Extension specialist…

Continue ReadingFighting food insecurity during the holidays

Heavier Feeder Cattle Placements Amid Meat Processing Plant Issues

Elliott Dennis, Livestock Marketing and Risk Management Economist Photo credit Troy Walz. Listen to a discussion of the content in this article on this episode of the BeefWatch podcast. You can subscribe to new episodes in iTunes or paste http://feeds.feedburner.com/unlbeefwatch into your podcast app. Current Market Situation Domestic red meat demand and corn prices are two current drivers of the fed cattle market. The historical corn purchases from China, reduced planted corn acreage in the U.S., and poor…

Continue ReadingHeavier Feeder Cattle Placements Amid Meat Processing Plant Issues

K-State beef expert lauds cool-season grasses, cover crops for grazing

K-State beef systems specialist Jaymelynn Farney said there are economic benefits to allowing cattle to graze on cover crops; it's also beneficial to soil. (File photo) Cover crops allow cattle producers to put weight on cattle, add organic matter to soil By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news service MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University beef systems specialist Jaymelynn Farney knows that every cattle producer has different herds and goals, but cool…

Continue ReadingK-State beef expert lauds cool-season grasses, cover crops for grazing

Ticks and fleas are a year-round problem for pets

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Pet owners may think fleas and ticks are a seasonal issue, but experts with Oklahoma State University Extension say these pests can be a year-round problem. “Ticks and fleas are an issue for all animals, but pets in particular,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, OSU Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian about what type of preventative measures…

Continue ReadingTicks and fleas are a year-round problem for pets

How to transition potted plants indoors for winter

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – The seasons are changing, and gardeners are transitioning their potted plants indoors for the winter. To prevent plants from losing their leaves once inside, Oklahoma State University Extension recommends allowing them time to adjust to their new environment. David Hillock, OSU Extension horticulture specialist, said plants should be moved before night temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, plants will suffer damage if exposed for an extended amount of time. “Don’t make…

Continue ReadingHow to transition potted plants indoors for winter

Don’t Let “Feed Price Sticker Shock” Paralyze your Management

Kevin Laurent – Extension Specialist, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of KY With current feed prices, if there was ever a time to test your hay it is this year! The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life is change” and boy have things been changing lately. Given all the negativity that seems to catch the headlines, there has been some positive changes in the cattle markets.…

Continue ReadingDon’t Let “Feed Price Sticker Shock” Paralyze your Management

K-State: Wheat genomics discoveries have the potential to improve bread quality

University researchers report key breakthrough as part of global project MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University researchers have published recent findings that highlight their discovery of a gene in ancient wheat that gives superior strength and elasticity to bread dough. Liangliang Gao, a post-doctoral scientist in K-State’s Wheat Genetics Resource Center, said the work is part of a larger project involving research groups worldwide and spanning more than 50 years of collecting 242 unique…

Continue ReadingK-State: Wheat genomics discoveries have the potential to improve bread quality