Horses need up-to-date West Nile virus vaccinations

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Horses account for about 97% of reported non-human mammalian cases of West Nile virus encephalitis, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, underscoring the need for horse owners to employ sound animal-health-management strategies.  West Nile virus can cause encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. The virus can also cause meningitis, an inflammation of the lining in the brain and spinal cord, in people and horses. The…

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No 17-year cicadas for Oklahoma this summer

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – Like a total eclipse of the sun or rare blood moon, the mass emergence of periodical cicadas is a natural phenomenon that piques interest worldwide. While the 17-year cicada is crawling aboveground now on the East Coast and in the upper Midwest, state Extension specialists say Oklahoma is in the clear.  Eric Rebek, Oklahoma State University entomology professor and Extension specialist, said the Brood X species of periodical cicada making headlines this summer is…

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Oklahoma welcomes backyard beekeeping trend

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – Backyard adventures and DIY projects are all the rage right now, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted people to rediscover some of the joys of being at home and pass the time with new hobbies. First, it was gardening, then chickens, and now the latest backyard buzz is bees.  Courtney Bir, Oklahoma State University Extension farm management specialist, has studied how small-scale agricultural projects appeal to residents with extra space and time on…

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Upcycling can turn unused items into great gardening containers

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – By upcycling unused items around the home, gardeners can prove the cliché that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure while keeping those materials out of landfills and creating whimsical, decorative features. It’s a sure bet that nearly any gardener can find some really interesting things that can be repurposed into unique garden planters, said Keith Reed, Oklahoma State University Extension horticulture educator in Payne County. However, such a project…

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Use recommended dehorning practices for cattle

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – As horned cattle become less common in the industry, livestock producers need to practice recommended dehorning techniques to ensure their animals’ well-being, said Oklahoma State University experts.  “A successful dehorning plan can improve operational efficiency; it involves the use of a written protocol and skilled personnel,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, OSU Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Industry experts and veterinarians typically recommend…

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Farmers market season renewing community spirit statewide

By Gail Ellis   STILLWATER, Okla. – Much like the annual food festivals and hometown celebrations that center on Oklahoma’s bountiful harvests, farmers markets are kicking off their summer schedules in communities across the state.  Each market varies, but for most weekly popup events, opening weekend is held in late April or May and runs through August or October. As the COVID-19 pandemic loosens its grip on the country and safety protocols are lifted, organizers remain diligent…

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OSU researchers look at meat plants post-pandemic

By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – When consumers noticed a reduction in meat products in grocery stores at the beginning of the pandemic, some took matters into their own hands, working with producers directly to arrange for meat processing. An ongoing decline in small meat plants had already led to processing wait times of about nine months pre-COVID 19. In slaughterhouses across Oklahoma, many customers are being told now they’ll get their livestock…

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Vertical gardening makes most of limited ground space

STILLWATER, Okla. – Things are looking up for gardening enthusiasts who want to think outside of the box – literally – and those with limited ground area for traditional gardens to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers. Growing plants vertically expands possibilities for garden spaces, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. Although plants naturally reach vertically toward sunlight, vertical in this case refers to the surfaces they grow along. “Vertical gardening is a…

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Keep watch on obese horses eating green forage

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Obesity in horses is never a desired condition, but especially so for animals that have developed equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), a condition similar to Type II Diabetes in people.  Springtime can be especially hard for horses that suffer from EMS because the disorder is associated with insulin deregulation that can promote increased fat deposition and a reduced ability to lose weight, said Kris Hiney, Oklahoma State University Extension equine…

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Reusable totes can carry health risks with groceries

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – While many people use cloth or mesh tote bags at the grocery store in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, they may not realize they could be putting their family at risk for foodborne illnesses. There are several steps consumers can take to help ensure proper food safety, said Barbara Brown, Oklahoma State University Extension food specialist. The simplest is to compartmentalize. “While grocery shopping, place meat, poultry…

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